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 3: Why must "Governing the Mind" reside in the "Center" (Zhōng)$15
The character "Zhōng" (Center) in "Governing the mind resides in the Center" is a key concept in Pre-Qin thought.
The usages of "Zhōng" in Pre-Qin literature include at least the following:
(1) Spatial "Zhōng"—Middle, Interior
The Laozi, Chapter 5, states: "Between Heaven and Earth, is it not like a bellows$16 It is empty yet does not collapse; it moves and constantly emits more. Too many words lead to exhaustion; it is better to guard the Center (shǒu zhōng)." Here, "Guarding the Center" means guarding the empty space in the middle. "Zhōng" here is spatial, meaning the center.
(2) Valuational "Zhōng"—Centrality, Impartiality
The Shangshu, Dayu Mo states: "The mind of man is perilous and subtle; the mind of the Way is subtle and minute. Be exact, be one, and correctly hold the Center (yǔn zhí jué zhōng)." This "Center" is valuational—just right, neither excessive nor deficient.
The Analects, Yong Ye states: "The Mean (Zhōng Yōng) as a virtue—how far does it reach! But for a long time, few have been able to practice it." "Zhōng Yōng" means impartiality, neither going too far nor falling short.
(3) State of "Zhōng"—Harmony, Tranquility
The Guanzi, Xinshu Shang states: "The Mind in the body holds the position of a ruler." The Mind resides in the center of the body, like a ruler in the capital. The "Center" of the mind is both a central position and a state of stable harmony.
"Governing the mind resides in the Center" encompasses all three meanings:
- The practice of cultivating the mind lies in the inner core of the mind (spatial Center)—not seeking externally, but introspecting internally.
- The goal of cultivating the mind lies in Central Righteousness (valuational Center)—making the mind impartial, neither excessive nor deficient.
- The result of cultivating the mind lies in Mental Stability (state of Center)—bringing the mind into a state of harmonious order.
Why must governing the mind reside in the "Center"$17
Because the "One" resides in the "Center." The "One" is the fundamental root of all things, and the root must be at the core, not the periphery. Just as the root of a tree is in the earth, or a ruler is in the capital city, the "One" of the mind is in the center of the mind. To adhere to the "One," one must return to the deepest part of the inner mind—the "Center."
The Guanzi, Neiye chapter previously stated: "The mind stores the mind, and within the mind there is another mind." This "mind within the mind" is where the "One" resides. "Governing the mind resides in the Center" means finding and guarding that "One" in the deepest core of the mind.