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 8: Singularity and Governance
"Singularity" is not only a matter of personal cultivation but also a principle of governance.
Master Xunzi says:
"In antiquity, when Shun governed the world, all things were accomplished without him issuing orders for every affair."
When Emperor Shun governed the world, he did not need to issue decrees for every specific matter, yet everything was naturally accomplished. Why$26 Because Master Shun concentrated on the Dao (Yi yu Dao)—he grasped the fundamental Dao of governance, so he did not need to personally intervene in every affair; he only needed to set the general direction correctly, and the specific matters would naturally be handled by the appropriate people.
This deeply echoes Master Laozi’s approach to governance:
"The highest rulers, the people merely know they exist; the next best, they love and praise; the next, they fear; the lowest, they despise." (Dao De Jing, Chapter 17)
The best ruler is one whose existence the people barely notice. He governs the world as if "accomplishing all things without issuing orders"—governing by non-action (wu wei).
And further:
"The Dao is always non-acting, yet nothing is left undone. If the Lords and Princes can maintain this, the ten thousand things will transform themselves." (Dao De Jing, Chapter 37)
"Non-acting, yet nothing left undone" (wu wei er wu bu wei)—on the surface, nothing is done, yet everything is accomplished perfectly. This is the result of "Concentrating on the Dao."