First, step by step. Zhu said: "The method of reading is not expensive but refined." What is step by step? In other words, there must be a reading order, and after reading one book, read another. As far as reading is concerned, you should read word by word, paragraph by paragraph and in order. If you don't understand what you read first, you can't read what follows. This way, it will not be eaten raw or eaten indiscriminately. Zhu further pointed out that reading should be from easy to difficult, from shallow to deep, from near to far, neither urgent nor slow. "The so-called urgent, the effect is urgent; The so-called can't be slow, work can't be slow. " This is to tell students not to rush for success, nor to slack off, but to make appropriate progress in order to be effective.
Second, be familiar with Jing En. He thinks that some people are not effective in reading because they don't work hard enough on the words "proficiency" and "precision". He also criticized the tendency to read too much, and repeatedly said, "Don't read too much, be good at reading. If you look at one board and half a board today, then focus on the first half. "
Third, swim with an open mind. Zhu once criticized two common problems at that time: first, "subjective and private will", that is, speculating the truth in the book with his own ideas and distorting the original intention of the ancients. The second is the "ancestor theory", that is, the previously accepted views refused to give up, thus refusing to accept new views.
In order to correct these two bad problems, Zhu advocates that reading must be open-minded, thoughtful and carefully understand the author's original intention. Zhu stressed that reading should be patient, that is, chewing repeatedly and deeply understanding the main idea of the article.
Fourth, I have observed. Zhu advocated "poor reading, being in the body". What do you mean by "split body"? Is to get information and practice it. From the perspective of reading methods, Zhu stressed that reading must be linked with oneself and practice, and it is desirable to turn the learned theory into action.
Fifth, hold tight and push hard. "Hold tight and exert your strength" has two meanings: First, hurry up, "I forgot to eat when I was hungry, and forgot to drink when I was thirsty." Second, be refreshed. We should be resolute, decisive and brave. "If you hold up the water boat, you can't slow down."
Sixth, respect and ambition. The so-called respect and persistence means that reading must be single-minded, attentive, ambitious and tenacious. This is also the most basic spirit of Zhu's reading method.