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
"得一之理，治心在于中，治言出于口，治事加于人，然则天下治矣" (Having grasped the principle of the One, governing the mind resides in the Center, governing speech issues from the mouth, managing affairs is applied to men—then the world will be ordered.)
This line unfolds the Dao of "Adhering to the One" into three levels: governing the mind, governing speech, and managing affairs, ultimately concluding with "the world will be ordered."
"Dé yī zhī lǐ" (Having grasped the principle of the One)—"Lǐ" means principle or law. "Grasping the principle of the One" means understanding and apprehending the fundamental law of the "One."
"Zhì xīn zài yú zhōng" (Governing the mind resides in the Center)—"Zhì xīn" means cultivating the mind. "Zài yú zhōng" means residing within the inner heart/mind. The character "Zhōng" (Center) has two meanings in Pre-Qin texts: spatially, "middle" or "interior"; and valuably, "centrality" or "impartiality." Here, both meanings are taken: the practice of cultivating the mind lies in keeping the inner heart impartial.
"Zhì yán chū yú kǒu" (Governing speech issues from the mouth)—"Zhì yán" means cultivating speech. "Chū yú kǒu" means issuing from the mouth. The "governance" of speech lies in its conformity to principle and impartiality when spoken.
"Zhì shì jiā yú rén" (Managing affairs is applied to men)—"Zhì shì" means cultivating affairs/governance. "Jiā yú rén" means applying to the common people or implementing among men. The "governance" of politics lies in its application to the world's people according to the proper Way, ensuring all attain their due.
"Rán zé tiānxià zhì yǐ" (Then the world will be ordered)—If this is achieved, then the world will be peaceful.