Definition
修身养性 is a four-character idiom (成语) that describes the process of cultivating one's moral character (修身) and nurturing one's innate nature (养性). It originates from Confucian and Daoist traditions and emphasizes both outward behavior and inner spiritual development. You can use it to talk about practices like meditation, reading, or any activity aimed at personal growth and self-improvement.
f.e.
to cultivate one's moral character and nurture one's natureself-cultivation in conduct and spirit
Examples
- 修身养性。Tā měitiān tōngguò dúshū lái xiū shēn yǎng xìng.He cultivates himself through reading every day.
- 修身养性。Xuéxí xiū shēn yǎng xìng kěyǐ bāngzhù wǒmen tígāo dàodé xiūyǎng.Learning self-cultivation can help us improve our moral character.
- 修身养性。Gǔrén fēicháng zhòngshì xiū shēn yǎng xìng.Ancient people placed great importance on self-cultivation.
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