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: Models of Singularity: Cangjie, Houji, Kui, and Shun
Master Xunzi presents four models of "Singularity":
"Thus, many have loved writing, but only Cangjie is transmitted: this is Singularity. Many have loved farming, but only Houji is transmitted: this is Singularity. Many have loved music, but only Kui is transmitted: this is Singularity. Many have loved righteousness, but only Shun is transmitted: this is Singularity."
Many people loved writing, but only the name of Master Cangjie has been passed down—because of his "Singularity." Many loved farming, but only Master Houji is transmitted—because of his "Singularity." Many loved music, but only Master Kui is transmitted—because of his "Singularity." Many loved righteousness, but only Master Shun is transmitted—because of his "Singularity."
These four examples cover four domains: culture (writing), production (farming), art (music), and morality (righteousness). In every field, numerous individuals participated, but only those who achieved "Singularity"—ultimate focus—reached the highest achievement.
These examples are deeply connected to ancient culture:
Master Cangjie is the legendary inventor of written script. The preface to the Shuowen Jiezi cites ancient tradition saying Cangjie "first created characters." The invention of writing is one of the most significant events in human history. Cangjie could create writing precisely because he concentrated his entire spirit on observing the forms of Heaven, Earth, and all things, and searching for symbols to express them—this is the ultimate expression of "Singularity."
Master Houji is the ancestor of the Zhou people and the legendary god of agriculture. Shi Jing, Daya, Sheng Min details Houji's life from birth to the founding of agriculture. Houji showed a natural affinity and focus on crops from childhood—this is the manifestation of "Singularity" in ancient agricultural myths.
Master Kui was the Minister of Music under Shun. Shang Shu, Shun Dian records: "The Emperor said: 'Kui! I command you to take charge of music and instruct the noble youth. Be straightforward yet warm, broad yet strict, firm yet not tyrannical, simple yet not arrogant.'" Master Kui's dedication to music made him the greatest musician of antiquity.
Master Shun is the paradigm of the ancient sage-king. His lasting fame in "Righteousness" (Yi) stems from concentrating his entire spirit on practicing the Way of Benevolence and Righteousness—regardless of poverty or wealth, regardless of circumstances, he steadfastly upheld the principle of righteousness.