Zeng Guofan, the first perfect man in the ages, followed the twelve methods of self-cultivation step by step in daily life except official duties, taking this as a warning and eventually becoming a great man.

Guo Junyi; one

Worship, sit still, get up early, study hard, read history, be cautious and independent, be self-disciplined, die young, write lyrics and stay up all night. This is the 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.

First, the main aspects: neat and serious, never afraid.

In Tomb-Sweeping Day, for example, bowing at sunrise is a positive and healthy state. The Lord requires that clothes and appearance should be kept clean, thoughts should be honest and serious, work should be focused, and there should be no distractions. Only in this way can we 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. It 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, that means you don't know. I don't want to continue dating 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 for entertainment, going to bed early and getting up early 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 a book. Free reading is not good for your study. In addition, ten pages of books must be circled every day. Xunzi said, I can't go up or down. I can't last a thousand miles. Reading or studying is to enrich yourself better.

5. warning: always pay attention, the first effort.

Zeng Guofan believes that being careful is the first-class kung fu to treat people. Confucius said, be sensitive to things, be careful about what you say, be diligent in what you do, and be careful about what you say, otherwise you will inadvertently say the wrong thing and offend people.

Sixth, to ensure their own safety: restraint, control appetite.

Zeng Guofan said in the article: save labor, abstain from sexual intercourse and eat. Always treat it as a cure. Say: Eat moderately, live regularly, and don't work hard. Modern people pursue health, but they often ignore the fact that diseases enter the mouth. Eating is eight full, drinking tea is two components, don't overeat.

As the saying goes, Americans lack snakes and elephants in their hearts. How many people set themselves on fire because of excessive greed, rolling in the abyss, and controlling their desires is to preserve our sanity.

Seven, heaven knows earth knows death: introspection knowledge, Mo Wen others.

The so-called death during the day is to record your daily experiences, let yourself feel something through introspection, and not deliberately seek profound meaning from books; Otherwise, you will listen to others.

In addition, in Huangdi Neijing, it must be emphasized that 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 a gossip.

Eight, writing: practice pen and ink, everything is clear.

In modern times, the brush has long since left the public, and calligraphy has become an elegant art that few people can master. Compared with the past, is this progress or sadness?

In Zeng Guofan's view, you must write for half an hour after breakfast, and every pen and ink entertainment is your own course. Everything you do today must be finished today, otherwise things will pile up and eventually there will be a lot of trouble.

Some people say that this is the product of the agricultural era of candle kerosene lamps, which is out of touch with T.