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 5: Why "Yi" (壹) and Not "Yi" (一)$23
Careful readers may have noticed that Master Xunzi uses Yi (壹) rather than Yi (一). What is the difference between these two characters$24
"One" (Yi, 一) is a number, a static "one." "Yi" (壹) contains a dynamic connotation—it means "to make it one" or "to focus on one." In other words, "Yi" (壹) is a verb-like concept, expressing the active, continuous effort to maintain focus and unity.
This distinction is crucial. Master Xunzi does not say the Mind can only cognize one object (such a Mind would be deficient), but rather that in cognitive activity, the Mind must be able to actively concentrate its attention, preventing multiple objects from interfering with one another—this is an ability, a cultivation, not a limitation.
Like a master musician, his ear can perceive all sounds simultaneously, but when tuning a specific string, he can focus his attention solely on that string—he hears all sounds (liang), but focuses on one (yi). This is the true meaning of "The Mind has never been without two-ness, yet there is what is called Singularity."