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: Ancient Tradition of "Diviners and Recorders" (Zhu Shi) and the Cultivation of "Stillness"
In ancient society, the Diviner (Zhu) and the Recorder (Shi) held vital cultural roles. They presided over sacrifices, recorded astronomical phenomena and state affairs, and transmitted the will of the spirits and the teachings of ancestors.
Guoyu, Chu Yu Xia describes the qualities required of the Zhu Shi:
"If their knowledge can make the high and low correspond in righteousness, if their Sage-like wisdom can illuminate broadly, if their brightness can shine upon things, if their hearing can penetrate thoroughly."
The Zhu Shi needed extremely high cognitive abilities—Knowledge (zhi), Sagehood, Brightness (ming), and Acuity (cong)—to fulfill their duty of communicating with Heaven, Earth, and spirits.
The cultivation of these abilities required long-term practice. One of the most important methods was "Stillness"—through fasting and meditation in quiet environments, they honed their spiritual sensitivity.
The cultivation methods of the ancient Zhu Shi can be seen as the cultural antecedent to the pre-Qin philosophers’ rational cultivation of "Stillness"—the core, through "Stillness," one enhances spiritual perception.