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: The Final Affirmation: The Great Man and the Absence of Obscuration
"Ah, where would obscuration be found! (Fu e you bi yi zai! 夫恶有蔽矣哉！)"
Master Xunzi concludes the description of the "Great Clarity and Brightness" state with a forceful rhetorical question: How could such a "Great Man" still suffer from "obscuration"$1
This rhetorical question implies that before reaching the state of "Great Clarity and Brightness," "obscuration" is universally present—almost everyone is obscured, to a greater or lesser degree. Only the rare few who attain "Great Clarity and Brightness" can be completely free from the troubles of bi.
This is a view both awe-inspiring and encouraging. It is awe-inspiring because it reveals the universal limitation of human cognition—we are all obscured. It is encouraging because it points to the possibility of transcending this limitation—through the cultivation of "Emptiness, Singularity, and Stillness," man can reach the state of "Great Clarity and Brightness."