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 1: Explication of the Original Text
"惟执一之君子能为此乎！执一不失，能君万物" (Only the Gentleman who adheres to the One (Yī) can do this! Adhering to the One without loss, one can govern all things.)
This line connects and summarizes the preceding discussion: it concludes that only the "Gentleman who adheres to the One" can achieve "Transformation without changing Qi; Change without changing Zhi," and it serves as the outline for the following discussions—"Adhering to the One without loss" is the core of all cultivation endeavor.
"Wéi" (惟)—Solely, only. Expresses emphasis. "Zhí yī" (执一)—Adhering to the "One." "Zhí" (执) means to hold fast, not to let go. "Yī" (一) is the initial unfolding of the Dao, the fundamental root of all things. "Zhī" (之)—Structural particle. "Jūn zǐ" (君子)—A person of virtue. In Pre-Qin literature, the term Jūn zǐ has multiple meanings: sometimes referring to nobility (opposite of the "small person"), sometimes to a virtuous person (opposite of the "unvirtuous"). Here, the latter meaning is intended. "Néng wéi cǐ" (能为此)—Can accomplish this. "This" refers to what was mentioned above: "Transformation does not change Qi; Change does not change Zhi." "Hū" (乎)—Exclamatory particle. "Zhí yī bù shī"—Adhering to the One without loss. "Néng jūn wànwù"—Can command/govern all things. "Jūn" (君) is used as a verb, meaning to rule or preside over.