修 (xiū): To repair, mend, build, or cultivate. Think of a gardener carefully tending to plants, or a craftsman meticulously fixing an object until it's perfect. It implies a process of deliberate improvement.
行 (xíng): To walk, to act, to do, or one's conduct/behavior. This character emphasizes action and lived experience.
When combined, 修行 (xiūxíng) literally means “to repair one's actions” or “to cultivate one's conduct.” It beautifully captures the idea of actively and continuously working on oneself through one's deeds and behavior.
修行 (xiūxíng) is a cornerstone concept in Chinese spiritual and philosophical thought, deeply rooted in Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religion.
In Buddhism, it refers to the practices (like meditation, mindfulness, and following precepts) that lead one toward enlightenment and liberation from suffering.
In Taoism, it involves practices aimed at achieving harmony with the Dao (the natural order of the universe), preserving health, prolonging life, or even attaining immortality.
The key idea is that self-improvement isn't just an intellectual exercise; it is achieved through doing and being.
Comparison to Western “Self-Improvement”:
The Western concept of “self-improvement” or “personal growth” is a useful starting point, but it doesn't capture the full depth of 修行. Western self-improvement is often goal-oriented and external: get a promotion, run a marathon, learn a new skill. 修行 is more process-oriented and internal. The goal isn't just to achieve something, but to transform who you are through the process. It values patience, endurance, and moral/spiritual development over quick, measurable results. It's the difference between a “life hack” and a lifelong spiritual vocation.
While its origins are spiritual, 修行 is used in many secular contexts today, often with a touch of wisdom or even humor.
Spiritual/Religious Context: This is its most traditional use. You would use it to describe the disciplined life of a monk or a devout Taoist practitioner.
Figurative & Metaphorical Use: This is extremely common. Any long and difficult task that requires immense patience and builds character can be described as 修行.
Example: 每天挤地铁上班，对我来说就是一种修行。(Měitiān jǐ dìtiě shàngbān, duì wǒ lái shuō jiùshì yī zhǒng xiūxíng.) - Squeezing onto the subway to get to work every day is a form of spiritual cultivation for me.
This usage is often slightly humorous and self-deprecating, acknowledging the difficulty of a situation while framing it as a chance for personal growth.
Skill Mastery: It can describe the intense, dedicated practice required to master a high-level art or skill, like calligraphy, a musical instrument, or martial arts. The discipline transforms the artist as much as it perfects the art.