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 5: The One (Yī)
The "One" appears repeatedly in this passage: "Gentleman who adheres to the One," "Adhering to the One without loss," "Principle of the One," "One word grasped," "One word established," "One Word's explanation," "Coming and going," "One Word's explanation."
As analyzed previously, the "One" is the initial unfolding of the Dao, the fundamental root of all things, the core of cultivation, and the outline of governance.
Multiple meanings of the "One":
- Ontological "One": The initial unfolding of the Dao, the primordial state of the cosmos.
- Cultivation "One": The object of adherence, the core of the mind.
- Epistemological "One": The common law of all things, the ultimate goal of cognition.
- Political "One": The unifying principle, the basis for unifying the world.
- Linguistic "One": "One Word"—a concise, powerful core expression.