Xunzi's 'Jie Bi' (Unveiling Concealment): On the Wholeness of the Dao, Cognitive Limitation, and the Fortune of Being Unobstructed
This paper offers an in-depth interpretation of the 'Jie Bi' chapter in Xunzi, investigating the epistemological origins of the 'calamity of obstruction' described by the Pre-Qin philosophers. By analyzing the concept that 'the Dao is constant in its entirety yet utterly transformative,' the essay reveals the dilemma of human cognition being fixated on 'a single corner' and elucidates the transcendental value of Confucius's 'benevolence and wisdom unhindered,' aiming to understand how to escape cognitive bias.
Section 3: "The Dao Defined by Power Ends in Expediency Alone" (You Shi Wei zhi Dao, Jin Bian Yi)—The Trap of Ad Hoc Measures
"The Dao defined by Power ends in Expediency alone." (由埶谓之道，尽便矣。)
The character "Bian" (便) means convenience or expediency, an ad hoc measure. "Ends in Expediency Alone" (Jin Bian Yi)—entirely expedient measures.
The use of "Bian" here is very sharp. The characteristic of "expediency" is short-term effectiveness without long-term consideration. The application of power often yields quick results—if you have authority, people must listen; this is very "convenient." However, this "convenience" is transient and fragile. Once the power structure shifts (e.g., a change of ruler, the rise of an influential minister), everything based on that power structure collapses instantly.
Conversely, decisions guided by "Wisdom" (Zhi) possess long-term stability. Wise guidance considers long-term interests, root causes, and systemic impacts, making its results more enduring.
The I Ching, Kun hexagram (坤, Earth), Second Line, states: "Straightforward, square, and great; without constant practice, nothing is unfavorable." (Zhi fang da, bu xi wu bu li.) The core of this statement is: If one acts from the wisdom of being straightforward (zhi), square (fang), and great (da), one does not need to deliberately learn techniques, and everything will naturally be favorable. "Bu Xi" (without constant practice) can be understood as not relying on power techniques—because the starting point is already correct (straight, square, great), the method will naturally not deviate. This stands in stark contrast to Master Shenzi’s relentless pursuit of power techniques.
Furthermore, the I Ching, Xi Ci Xia (系辞下), states: "When virtue is thin yet status is high, knowledge is small yet plans are grand, strength is little yet burdens are heavy—few escape disaster." (De bo er wei zun, zhi xiao er mou da, li xiao er ren zhong, xian bu ji yi.) This statement serves as the best commentary on Master Shenzi’s "obstruction by Power." "High status" (wei zun) is "Power" (Shi); "small knowledge" (zhi xiao) is "unaware of Wisdom." If a person has only "high status" but no "wisdom," the result is bound to be calamity.