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: The Exemplar of Emperor Shun
Master Xunzi cites Emperor Shun as the paradigm of "Concentrating on the Dao":
"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 task, yet everything was naturally accomplished.
How could Master Shun achieve this$4 Because he "Concentrated on the Dao" (Yi Yu Dao)—he grasped the fundamental Dao of governance. With the guidance of the Great Dao, the specific affairs would naturally operate in an orderly manner.
Here lies a profound wisdom of governance: the best ruler is not the one who micromanages every task, but the one who can grasp the broad direction, establish excellent institutions, and select worthy officials. He does not need to plow the fields, trade in the market, or build crafts (these are the tasks of those "excellent in things"); he only needs to ensure that those who plow, trade, and build are each in their proper place and fulfilling their duties.
Master Kong also praised Shun’s governance similarly:
"Who was there who governed by non-action$5 It must have been Shun! What did he do$6 He merely respected himself and faced south (the posture of the ruler)." (Analects, Chapter 15.5)
"Respecting himself and facing south" is the manifestation of "Concentrating on the Dao" in governance. Master Shun did not busy himself with specific tasks but inspired the world through his own uprightness and guided the officials through the Dao.