"Worship work, sit quietly, get up early, study hard, read history, be cautious about independence, be self-disciplined, die young, write lyrics, and stay overnight" are twelve methods of self-cultivation set by Zeng Guofan for himself and his descendants. Of these twelve methods, eight can be used for reference by modern people. Always remember and strictly implement it, and you will achieve something.
Zeng Guofan
First, the main aspects: neat and serious, never afraid.
"Qingming bows like the morning sun", which is a positive and healthy state. "Respect for the Lord" requires that the clothes and appearance should be kept clean, the thoughts should be honest and serious, and the work should be concentrated and not distracted. Only in this way can a person maintain a good mental state and vigorous energy, just like the rising sun in the morning, clean and powerful.
2. Sit-in: Sit-in for four hours, like ringing a tripod.
Meditation at four o'clock means sitting quietly for an hour every day to experience the benevolence taught by saints, as calm as Baoding. This is the same as the modern meditation regimen. Sit quietly, get rid of distractions, relax, and you can always think about yourself.
"Don't fall in love after waking up" means that you don't want to continue to fall in love after waking up. For people who like to drag their feet in bed, remembering this must be the best stimulant.
Third, get up early: get up at dawn, don't fall in love after waking up.
Although the ancients worked at sunrise and rested at sunset, it may be unrealistic compared with modern people who may still work at sunset. For those who have poor self-control at night and stay up late to socialize, "early to bed and early to rise" is always the best health motto.
Fourth, reading is the only way: reading is single-minded, and ten pages is the rate.
In Zeng Guofan's view, you must stop reading other books before you finish reading one book. Reading for free is not good for your study. In addition, ten pages of books must be circled every day. There is a saying: "If you don't accumulate steps, you won't reach a thousand miles." Reading or studying is to enrich yourself better.