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 2: The Unification of Three Levels
Master Xunzi’s "Emptiness, Singularity, and Stillness" actually unifies three levels of issues:
The Epistemological Level: How does man correctly know things$1 —By achieving "Great Clarity and Brightness" through "Emptiness, Singularity, and Stillness."
The Cultivation Level: How does man cultivate his own Mind and nature$2 —By cultivating the state of "Emptiness, Singularity, and Stillness" through "guiding it with principles, nurturing it with purity, and letting nothing incline it."
The Political Level: How does the ruler govern the world$3 —By "Concentrating on the Dao" to govern all things, so that "all things are accomplished without issuing orders for every affair."
These three levels are inseparable in Master Xunzi's thought. Correct cognition is the foundation of cultivation; cultivation is the prerequisite for governance; and governance is the ultimate goal of cognition and cultivation. Together, they form the complete expression of the "Inner Sage and Outer King" ideal in pre-Qin Confucianism.