Definition
修炼 originally refers to the Daoist or Buddhist practice of cultivating one's spiritual energy and moral character through meditation, asceticism, or ritual. In modern usage it has broadened to include intensive training in martial arts (like in wuxia novels) and even metaphorical self-improvement in any skill or virtue. As a verb, it takes an object like 功夫 (kung fu) or 心性 (mindset).
v.
to cultivate (oneself) through spiritual or ascetic practiceto train intensively (in martial arts or a skill)
Examples
- ，修炼。Tā yǐnjū shēnshān, zhuānxīn xiū liàn dàofǎ.He lived in seclusion in the deep mountains, focusing on cultivating Daoist arts.
- 修炼。Zhè bù xiǎoshuō lǐ de zhǔjué xiū liàn le jǐ bǎi nián cái chéng xiān.The protagonist in this novel cultivated for several hundred years before becoming an immortal.
- 修炼。Xiàndài rén tōngguò yújiā hé míngxiǎng xiū liàn nèixīn.Modern people cultivate their inner selves through yoga and meditation.
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