To master self-study, one must complete three stages of cultivation: entering quietude (Ru Jing), entering concentration (Ru Ding), and entering absorption (Ru Shen). Among these, entering quietude is the foundation. In his "Admonition to My Son," Zhuge Liang emphasized the importance of "tranquility" several times: "A gentleman's conduct relies on tranquility to cultivate oneself and frugality to nourish virtue. Without detachment, one cannot clarify one's will; without tranquility, one cannot achieve greatness. Learning requires tranquility, and talent requires learning; without learning, talent cannot be expanded, and without ambition, learning cannot be completed." Entering quietude has different levels: the first level is being restrained by discipline and social norms—remaining quiet in class through willpower; the second level is self-regulation, where one consciously guides oneself into a quiet state; the highest level is achieving a state of profound stillness where external disturbances no longer matter.
The second stage is "entering concentration." This means that once you sit down, you immediately focus your mind, setting aside all distractions—thoughts of the past, future, or emotions of joy and sorrow. While controlling one's speech is challenging, controlling one's mind is even harder. This requires the willpower to dispel "mental demons," a trait driven by ideals and learning motivation. It needs to be reinforced by a firm belief in one's goals and supported by an upward pursuit of excellence. Young students should hold fast to their ideals, allowing a resolute will to grow from the soil of strong conviction. Concentration requires eliminating distractions and focusing entirely on the task at hand.
The third stage is "entering absorption," which means being so deeply immersed that one becomes oblivious to their surroundings. Achieving this state is like being intoxicated by fine wine or mesmerized by moonlight and flowers; one becomes deaf to the ringing bell and blind to others, becoming so absorbed that one forgets to eat, drink, or sleep. This is the ultimate state of enjoying learning.
Scores primarily reflect exam-taking abilities, but self-study reveals the qualities that determine future development. Those who can study in such profound silence that they could hear a needle drop are destined to be successful in their professions and careers. They possess cultivation, stability, and the ability to master their own destiny!
It is said, "The land shapes its people," but I believe "Self-study shapes the student." Many talented students fall behind simply because they fail to utilize their self-study time effectively. Let us learn the art of self-study, and from successful learning, move towards a successful life!
