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: The Difference Between the Benevolent (Ren Zhe) and the Sage (Sheng Ren)
Master Xunzi also draws a distinction between the Benevolent Man and the Sage in this section:
"Therefore, the way the Benevolent Man walks the Dao is through non-action (wu wei); the way the Sage walks the Dao is through non-compulsion (wu qiang). The Benevolent Man’s thought is respectful (gong 恭); the Sage’s thought is joyful (le 乐). This is the way to govern the Mind."
The Benevolent Man practices the Dao through "non-action"—naturally following the Dao without deliberate effort. The Sage practices the Dao through "non-compulsion"—the practice of the Dao is completely effortless for him.
The Benevolent Man’s thought is "respectful" (gong)—cautious and solemn. The Sage’s thought is "joyful" (le)—relaxed and natural.
The Benevolent Man has already reached a high state—he can follow the Dao naturally without external constraint. But his state of mind is still one of "respect"—suggesting he still needs some degree of "effort" to maintain this state.
The Sage surpasses the Benevolent Man—he not only follows the Dao naturally but finds "joy" in it. There is no strain or tension; everything is effortless and natural.
This mirrors the hierarchy of attainment described by Master Kong:
"At fifteen, I set my heart on learning. At thirty, I stood firm. At forty, I had no doubts. At fifty, I knew the Mandate of Heaven. At sixty, my ear was attuned to it. At seventy, I followed what my heart desired without overstepping the line." (Analects, Chapter 2.4)
"Following what my heart desired without overstepping the line" is the specific portrayal of the Sage’s state described by Master Xunzi—desires and emotions can flow freely, but "Principle" (li) remains in constant control, ensuring all activities remain within the proper Way.