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Monday, October 5, 2026 · 372 words · 3 minutes · 2 reads · Advanced
About this reading
This HSK5 reading follows one person's first attempt at calming the mind through quiet sitting and breath awareness, and what happens when thoughts refuse to stop. Along the way, the author notices how constant noise and stimulation fill daily life and reflects on self-criticism, comparison, and anxiety. Learners at this level will encounter reflective first-person narration and vocabulary for inner experience, ending with the idea that where your attention goes, your life follows.
Article details
This graded Chinese reading practice article combines authentic reading with optional pinyin, translation, audio, vocabulary, and comprehension practice.
- Author
- HSK Read
- Published
- Monday, October 5, 2026
- Updated
- Monday, October 5, 2026
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Reading questions and answers
What did the author experience when he first tried the practice to calm his mind?
He first felt calm, but soon various thoughts surged in
Why does the author say he was used to filling time with various sounds?
Because he used stimulation to avoid facing himself
What result does the author think harsh self-criticism brought?
It only drove away motivation
