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.
Appendix: Summary of Pre-Qin Texts Cited in This Article
I. Guanzi (Including chapters Neiye, Xinshu Shang, Xinshu Xia, Baixin, Mumin, Xingshi, Da Kuang) II. Laozi (Daodejing) III. Zhuangzi (Including chapters Qiwulun, Yangsheng Zhu, Rénjiān Shì, Dazongshi, Yingdiwang, Tiandi, Tiandao, Tianxia, Zai You, Keyi, Pian Mu, Qu Qie, Zhi Beiyou, Shanmu) IV. Analects (Including chapters Xue Er, Wei Zheng, Yong Ye, Shu Er, Zi Han, Xiang Dang, Yan Yuan, Zi Lu, Xian Wen, Wei Ling Gong, Ji Shi, Yang Huo) V. Yijing and Commentaries (Yizhuan) (Including Xici Shang, Xici Xia, Kun Gua Wenyan, Kun Gua Tuan Zhuan) VI. Shangshu (Including Yao Dian, Dayu Mo, Tai Shi, Kang Gao) VII. Xunzi (Including Tian Lun, Xiushen, Jie Bi) VIII. Sunzi Bingfa (Including Mou I, Xing Shi) IX. Zuo Zhuan (Including the 31st Year of Duke Xiang, 13th Year of Duke Cheng) X. Guoyu (Including Account of Qi) XI. Huangdi Sijing (Including Jing Fa, Shi Da Jing, Dao Yuan) XII. Daxue (The Great Learning) XIII. Zhongyong (Doctrine of the Mean) XIV. Shijing (Book of Odes) XV. Mengzi (Mencius) XVI. Lüshi Chunqiu (Including Gui Gong) XVII. Shiji (Including Biographies of Guan and Yan, Biography of Tian Jingzhong and Wan Shi) XVIII. Hanshu, Yiwenzhi (Bibliographical Records of the Book of Han)
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Authored by the Xuanji Editorial Department