A Critical Analysis of 'Shen' and 'Zhi' in the Core Passages of the Guanzi's 'Nei Ye' and an Inquiry into Pre-Qin Theories of Mind and Nature
This paper offers an in-depth interpretation of the central passage in the *Guanzi*'s 'Nei Ye'—'That which can transform one thing is called *Shen* (Spirit/Divine); that which can change one affair is called *Zhi* (Wisdom)'—systematically reviewing the philosophical concepts of *Shen*, *Zhi*, *Jing* (Essence), *Qi* (Vital Force), and the *Dao* in the Pre-Qin period to elucidate their pivotal role in self-cultivation and the integration of inner sageliness with outer kingship.
Section 3: Comparison with Confucianism
The relationship between the Neiye chapter and Confucianism (especially Confucius, the Great Learning, and the Doctrine of the Mean) is quite subtle.
Similarities:
- Agreement on "Rectifying the Mind": Neiye's "Governing the mind resides in the Center" and "Rectify the mind within the Center" are completely consistent with the "Rectifying the Mind" (Zhèng Xīn) in the Great Learning.
- Agreement on Inner Sage/Outer King Logic: The logic chain in Neiye ("Governing the Mind → Governing Speech → Managing Affairs → World Order") perfectly matches the structure of the Great Learning ("Investigating Things → Extending Knowledge → Sincere Intentions → Rectified Mind → Cultivating Person → Regulating Family → Ordering State → World Peace").
- Agreement on the Practice of "Reverence" (Jìng): Neiye's "Respectfully clearing the dwelling place" and "Stern countenance and reverence" are analogous to the Confucian "Using reverence to rectify the inner" (Jìng yǐ zhí nèi).
- Emphasis on Form and Virtue: Neiye's "Rectify the Form and Gather Virtue" aligns with Confucius's emphasis on dignified bearing and posture.
Differences:
- Ontology differs. Confucianism centers on Rén (Benevolence); Neiye centers on Dào, Essence, and Vital Energy.
- Starting point of cultivation differs. Confucianism starts from human relationships (Benevolence, Righteousness, Ritual, Wisdom, Trustworthiness); Neiye starts from cultivating Essence/Vital Energy (Adhering to the One, Guarding the Center, Rectifying Form).
- Goals are not entirely identical. Confucianism seeks the completion of benevolent virtue and harmony in human relations; Neiye seeks the fullness of Essence/Vital Energy and the attainment of Spirit-Clarity.
- Methods differ. Confucianism emphasizes learning, reflection, and practice ("Practice it repeatedly when you have learned it," "I examine myself three times a day"); Neiye emphasizes emptiness, adherence to the One, and rectifying form ("Respectfully clear the dwelling place," "Let the ears and eyes not be licentious").
However, these differences do not preclude their high-level convergence. A key characteristic of Pre-Qin thought is that while different schools started at different points and placed emphasis elsewhere, their ultimate goals were the same: the perfection of the human being and the harmony of society.