"Respecting the Lord, * * *, getting up early, studying hard, reading history, being cautious and independent, holding your breath, keeping in good health, knowing what the sun will do, writing lyrics and staying at home at night" are twelve methods of self-cultivation set by Zeng Guofan for himself and his descendants. Among 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 is in the bow, like the rising sun", which is a positive and healthy state. "Respect for the Lord" requires that the appearance of clothes should be kept clean, the mind should be correct and serious, and you must concentrate on your work and not be distracted. Only in this way can you maintain a good mental state and vigorous energy, just like the rising sun in the morning, clean and powerful.
Second, * * *: * * four hours, such as the town.
* * * four hours, that is, unlimited time every day, * * * one hour, to experience the benevolence taught by saints, as leisurely and unshakable as Baoding. This is exactly the same as modern health meditation. * * * Eliminate distractions, relax and always think about yourself.
"Don't fall in love after waking up" means don't have the idea of nostalgia and comfort after waking up. For those who like to procrastinate in bed, remembering this must be the best stimulant.
Third, get up early: get up at dawn, and don't love after waking up.
Although the ancients made it at sunrise and rested at sunset, it may not be realistic compared with modern people who may still rest at sunset. For those who have poor self-control at night and stay up late for entertainment, "early to bed and early to rise" is always the best health motto.
Fourth, reading is unique: reading is single-minded, and ten pages is the rate.
In Zeng Guofan's view, if you haven't finished reading a book, you must not read other books. Random reading is not good for your study. In addition, it must be dozens of pages every day. Xunzi said, "You can't take Wan Li Road without accumulating steps." Reading or studying is to enrich yourself better.
5. Be careful: pay attention to the present and make the first effort.
Zeng Guofan believes that being careful is the first-class kung fu to treat people. Confucius said, "Be sensitive to things, but cautious about words." Work hard and be careful what you say, or you will inadvertently offend others.
Sixth, protect yourself: control your work and control your appetite.
Zeng Guofan said in the article: "Save labor, abstain from sex and eat. Always treat it as a disease. " Huangdi Neijing said: "Eat moderately, live regularly, and get something for nothing." Modern people pursue health preservation, but they often ignore the fact that illness comes from the mouth. Rice is eight full and tea is two. Don't overeat.
As the saying goes, "A snake swallows an elephant when the human heart is lacking", how many people set themselves on fire because of insatiable greed. rolling in the deep, to control his desire is to preserve his sanity.
Zeng Guofan
Seven, know the death of heaven: introspection and knowledge, don't ask others.
The so-called "knowing death in one day" is to record your daily experience so as to introspect and realize something, instead of deliberately seeking profound meaning from books, otherwise you are imitating others.
In addition, in Zeng Guofan's letters, it is particularly emphasized that "one can't fail without an escape word". Only by getting rid of procrastination can we achieve great things. As long as you pay attention to the people around you, it is not difficult to find out how many lofty aspirations have been defeated by the word "lazy".
Eight, writing: practice pen and ink, everything is clear.
In modern times, brush writing has long been divorced from the public, and calligraphy has increasingly become an elegant art that few people can master. Compared with the past, is this an improvement or a sadness?
In Zeng Guofan's view, you must write for half an hour after breakfast, and any pen and ink entertainment is regarded as your own course. What you can do today must be done today, otherwise things will accumulate and there will be a lot of trouble in the end.
Some people say that this is the product of the agricultural era of candle kerosene lamps, which is out of touch with the current electrical era. In fact, this is precisely the spirit of self-discipline and emotional sustenance that people need most. If viewed dialectically, it will certainly benefit a lot.