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 does "If the Center is not still," then "The Mind cannot be governed"$44
"If the Center is not still, the Mind cannot be governed" (Zhōng bù jìng, xīn bù zhì)—If the inner core is not tranquil, the spirit/mind cannot be cultivated.
Why is "stillness" (jìng) the prerequisite for "governing the mind"$45
(1) Discussion of Stillness in Pre-Qin Thought
The Laozi, Chapter 16, states: "Attain the utmost emptiness, and maintain profound stillness (shǒu jìng dǔ). The myriad things move together; I observe their return. Stillness leads to return to destiny; returning to destiny is constancy; knowing constancy is enlightenment." "Utmost emptiness" and "profound stillness" are states required to observe the cyclical return of all things.
The Laozi, Chapter 26, states: "Heaviness is the root of lightness; stillness is the ruler of movement." Stillness governs agitation. The stillness of the mind is the fundamental power that dominates external disturbances.
The Laozi, Chapter 45, states: "Agitation overcomes cold; stillness overcomes heat; purity and stillness rectify the world." Purity and stillness are the upright Way of the world.
(2) Why does "Center not still" lead to "Mind not governed"$46
Pre-Qin thinkers use the metaphor of "water" to illustrate this principle of the mind.
The Zhuangzi, Tiandao states: "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." If water is not still (rippling and surging), it cannot clearly reflect things. Likewise, if the mind is not still (filled with distracting thoughts), it cannot clearly perceive itself or the external world. If the mind cannot perceive clearly, it cannot be governed—because one cannot even see the problem, how can one correct it$47
The Guanzi, Xinshu Shang states: "Empty its desires, and Spirit will enter the dwelling. Sweep away the unclean, and Spirit will then reside." In a state of confusion, as long as one quiets down, order will naturally be restored. This is the principle of "If the Center is still, the Mind is governed"—stillness allows for self-governance.
(3) The Relationship between "Center" (Zhōng) and "Stillness" (Jìng)
"Center is not still" (Zhōng bù jìng)—Why specify "Center" and not just "Mind"$48
Because "Center" is a deeper concept than "Mind." The "Mind" is the entirety of the spirit, including thought, emotion, and will. The "Center" is the innermost core of the mind—the "mind within the mind."
The Guanzi, Neiye states: "The mind stores the mind, and within the mind there is another mind." The outer mind might be disturbed by various factors, but if the innermost "Center" remains still, the fluctuations of the entire mind system can gradually subside. Conversely, if the "Center" is not still—if its innermost tranquility is broken—then the entire mind will fall into chaos.
This is like a concentric circle structure: the outermost layer is the body (Form), the middle layer is the Spirit/Mind, and the innermost layer is the "Center." The stillness of the "Center" is the foundation for the stability of the entire structure. If the "Center" is still, the Mind can be governed; if the Mind is governed, the Form can be upright; if the Form is upright, Virtue can arrive. Conversely, if the "Center" is not still, nothing else can be discussed.