A Deep Study of Xunzi's 'Jie Pi' Chapter: On the Cognitive Foundations of the Mind—Emptiness, Unity, and Tranquility
This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the core proposition in Xunzi's 'Jie Pi' concerning the nature of cognition: 'How does man know$41 By the mind. How does the mind know$42 By being empty, unified, and tranquil.' It systematically interprets the dialectical relationship and philosophical implications of 'emptiness' (xu), 'unity' (yi), and 'tranquility' (jing) in cognition, tracing their ancient intellectual origins to reveal the systematicity and sophistication of Pre-Qin cognitive theory.
Section 4: Echoes of "Singularity" in Pre-Qin Classics
The concept of "Singularity" (Yi) was not Master Xunzi’s sole creation; it is a theme widely present in pre-Qin thought.
Master Kong on "One Thread Running Through It":
"The Master said: 'Zeng Zi, my Way has one principle running through it.' Zeng Zi replied, 'Yes.' When the Master left, the disciples asked, 'What did he mean$20' Zeng Zi replied, 'The Master’s Way is nothing more than Loyalty (zhong 忠) and Reciprocity (shu 恕).'" (Analects, Chapter 4.15)
Master Kong’s "Dao" can be spanned by a single principle—that principle being Loyalty and Reciprocity. "One thread running through it" (yi yi guan zhi 一以贯之) is the manifestation of "Singularity" in moral practice. It is not having one principle here and another there, but having a fundamental principle running through everything.
The Doctrine of the Mean on "Sincerity" (Cheng 诚):
"Sincerity is the Way of Heaven; making oneself sincere is the Way of Man. Being sincere means hitting the mark without effort, attaining the truth without thought, moving easily in the Way—this is the Sage. Making oneself sincere means choosing the good and firmly holding to it."
A core meaning of "Sincerity" (Cheng) is unity and unwavering commitment. "Choosing the good and firmly holding to it" is the unfolding of "Singularity" in moral cultivation.
Master Laozi on "Embracing Unity":
"Can one carry the po (unrefined soul) and embrace Unity (Bao Yi 抱一), so as not to depart from it$21" (Dao De Jing, Chapter 10)
"In antiquity, those who obtained Unity: Heaven obtained Unity and became clear; Earth obtained Unity and became tranquil; Spirits obtained Unity and became numinous; Valleys obtained Unity and became full; Ten Thousand Things obtained Unity and lived; Rulers and Princes obtained Unity and became the standard for the world." (Dao De Jing, Chapter 39)
"The Sage embraces Unity as the model for the world." (Dao De Jing, Chapter 22)
Master Laozi repeatedly emphasizes the importance of "Unity." "Embracing Unity" is the fundamental law of the Sage—to adhere to the unified Dao. The reason heaven, earth, and all things can fulfill their functions is that each "obtained Unity"—obtaining and maintaining that fundamental unity.
The Guanzi on "Unity":
"That which can transform one thing is called Spirit (shen 神); that which can change one matter is called Wisdom (zhi 智). If transformation does not change spirit, and change does not change wisdom, can only the Gentleman who grasps Unity achieve this$22 If one grasps Unity and does not lose it, he can rule the myriad things." (Guanzi, Nei Ye)
If one can grasp and not lose "Unity," one can command the myriad things. This directly corresponds to Master Xunzi’s "Concentrating on the Dao" (Yi Yu Dao 壹于道).