According to this concept, one can only grasp the essential meaning of a work by delving into its connotations through repeated reading and recitation. Chenqian (沉潜) means in-depth exploration and study, and fengsong (讽诵), recitation or reading aloud. “Focused study through reading and recitation”is a reading method proposed by the Song-dynasty scholar Zhu Xi (1130-1200) for studying Confucian classics such as The Book of Songs. Zhu Xi insists that in order to truly understand the intent and gist of the classics, one has to immerse oneself in them, carefully parsing and pondering the connotations and sentiments embodied, and engaging in repeated reading and recitation. As a matter of fact, such focused study through reading and recitation is not limited to the appreciation of Confucian classics and poetry, but can be broadly applied to reading essays, poetic rhapsodies, ci poems, lyrics of songs, and other literary genres and scholarly works. In short, “focused study through reading and recitation” is a reading method, which can be used both as an approach for appreciating literature and as a tool for studying classic scholarly works.

For The Book of Songs… one should engage in a focused study, reading aloud and reciting repeatedly, ruminating, chewing, and savoring their deep meanings. Only by doing so can one benefit from reading the book. (Categorized Conversations of Master Zhu Xi)

We teach our children to recite the classics not only to develop their intelligence, but also to help them preserve and cultivate their true nature through focused study and continual reflection, and voice their aspirations through rhythmic and expressive recitation. (Records of Great Learning)