guanzi

Attributed to Guan Dynasty many topics representaive of Jixia Academy and the Zi culture

Guanzi

Earliest discussion of economic prinicples (such as supply and Demand) and state finances

Guanzi ideas toward the economy

Not random, follow the patterns of Heaven, the patterns of nature. If we do this, we will predict and harmonize ourselves, with Heaven for our benefit.

Daoist/Natural Economics

which includes Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. It describes these as dynamic, interacting natural processes—covering seasons, directions, and elements—used to explain cosmic and political order, particularly focusing on the role of Essential Qi.

Five Agents

Blends Daoist notions of the way with Confucian (Mencius, Xunzi) notions of the Heartmind

Self cultivation for Guanzi

Qi is the basic substance of life that comes from nature. It can be refined through internal focus and self-cultivation, improving physical health and leading to spiritual transformation that brings humans closer to divine power and harmony with Heaven

Vital Essence

Refine Vital Essence into vital breath, refine vital breath until it becomes spirit. The goal of self-cultivation is reached, and sage hood is reached.

What to do with vital essense

Find Strength within, work on self through inner world (body) Tranfer it from body to head. Works beacsue of microcosm-macrocosm correspondence

Internal Focus

is the first level of this correspondance and connection to the broader world/nature

Body

With energies (jing, qi, shen) of the world that of others “match miles”

What to harmonize with