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

Section 3: The Way of "Not Changing" (Bù Yì)—Maintaining the Source amidst "Transformation" and "Change"

Since "Transformation" tends to cause depletion of Qì, and "Change" tends to cause loss of Zhì, how can one achieve "Transformation does not change Qi; Change does not change Zhi"$13

The Guanzi, Neiye provides the answer immediately following: "Only the Gentleman who adheres to the One (Yī) can do this!" Before delving into the discourse on "Adhering to the One," let us seek clues for the way of "Not Changing" in other Pre-Qin texts.

(1) The Way of "Not Changing" in the Laozi: Non-Action (Wú Wéi)

The Laozi, Chapter 2, states: "Therefore the Sage dwells in non-action (wú wéi zhī shì), and practices the teaching without words (bù yán zhī jiào). The myriad things arise, and he does not reject them; they come to life, and he does not possess them; he acts, but relies on nothing; when his work is done, he does not claim credit. Precisely because he does not claim credit, it never leaves him."

"The myriad things arise, and he does not reject them"—The Sage nurtures the myriad things but does not claim ownership. "Acts, but relies on nothing; when his work is done, he does not claim credit." Because he "does not claim credit," his Virtue "never leaves him"—it is never lost.

This is the Laozi version of "Transformation does not change Qi": The key to nurturing all things lies in "not possessing," "not relying on," and "not claiming credit"—by not clinging to the outcome during the act of nurturing, the vital energy is not depleted.

(2) The Way of "Not Changing" in the Yizhuan: Guarding the Center

The Yijing, Xici Shang states: "The Yi is what the Sages use to elevate Virtue and expand their achievements... Heaven and Earth establish their positions, and the Yi operates within them. Accomplishing Nature, preserving persistence—this is the gate of Dao and Righteousness."

"Accomplishing Nature, preserving persistence" (Chéng xìng cún cún)—to actualize one's nature and keep it intact. Amidst the infinite movement of the Dao of the Yi, the reason the Sage can adapt to change without confusion lies in "accomplishing nature and preserving persistence"—maintaining the integrity of one's inherent nature (the source of wisdom).

This is the Yizhuan version of "Change does not change Zhi": The key to adapting to all affairs lies in "preserving persistence"—maintaining the integrity of one's inherent nature amidst change.

(3) The Way of "Not Changing" in the Zhuangzi: Emptiness and Stillness

The Zhuangzi, Tiandao states: "Emptiness, stillness, placidity, tranquility, indifference, and non-action—these are the equilibrium of Heaven and Earth and the ultimate attainment of the Dao. Thus, the Emperors and Sages repose here. Repose leads to emptiness; emptiness leads to fullness; fullness leads to perfection. Emptiness leads to stillness; stillness leads to movement; movement leads to attainment." Stillness is not the goal in itself, but a prerequisite for effective action.

It also says: "The stillness of the Sage is not because stillness is good, that therefore he is still; it is because nothing in the world is capable of agitating his mind that he is still. When water is still, it clearly reflects whiskers and eyebrows, and serves as a plumb line for the carpenter—the master craftsman takes it as a model. If still water is clear, how much more so the Spirit! The mind of the Sage is still! It is the mirror of Heaven and Earth, the looking-glass of the myriad things."

Zhuangzi posits that the reason the Sage can nurture all things and adapt to all affairs without losing himself lies in "emptiness and stillness" (xū jìng). Emptiness avoids attachment; stillness prevents agitation. In emptiness and stillness, the spirit remains whole and unsustained, just as still water clearly reflects all things, the mind of emptiness and stillness can perceive everything without being disturbed.

This is the Zhuangzi version of "Transformation does not change Qi; Change does not change Zhi": By maintaining emptiness and stillness, vital energy does not disperse, and intelligence does not become confused.