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
"一言得而天下服，一言定而天下听，公之谓也" (One word grasped brings the world submission; one word established brings the world attention—this is called Impartiality (Gōng).)
This line follows the preceding assertion that "the world will be ordered," further explaining the fundamental reason for this order—Impartiality (Gōng).
"Yī yán dé" (One word grasped)—One utterance that is exactly right. "Dé" means appropriate or perfectly suitable. "Ér tiānxià fú" (and the world submits/is convinced). "Yī yán dìng" (One word established)—One utterance that is settled or fixed. "Dìng" means determined, unchangeable. "Ér tiānxià tīng" (and the world listens). "Gōng zhī wèi yě" (This is called Gōng/Impartiality).