Self-reliance in learning English

 Self-reliance in Learning English

By Janpha Thadphoothon

I wrote this blog post on Makha Bucha Day, a Buddhist holiday observed in Thailand as a national holiday.  I believe it is meaningful to relate the teachings of the Great Teacher, Lord Buddha, to the process of learning— including learning English as a foreign language.  

The Buddha taught us the importance of self-reliance and personal effort. He once said, "Attā hi attano nātho," which means, "You yourself are your own refuge." This principle reminds us that, ultimately, our progress depends on our own dedication and perseverance.

In this blog post, I, therefore, discuss the importance of self-reliance in learning, even in an age of technological advancement. Ultimately, it is up to you to understand and retain words and concepts.

Self-reliance in learning English means taking charge of your own language development rather than relying too heavily on teachers, classes, or structured programs. It involves actively seeking opportunities to improve your skills through self-study, practice, and real-world application.

One aspect of being self-reliance is having the ability to teach oneself. Self-taught ability is a key aspect of self-reliance in learning. Being self-taught means having the skills and mindset to learn independently, without needing constant guidance from teachers or formal education.

In the context of self-reliance in learning English, self-taught ability includes:

- Finding and using resources (books, online courses, AI tools, podcasts, etc.)

- Practicing actively (speaking, writing, reading, and listening without waiting for instruction)

- Problem-solving (figuring out grammar rules, pronunciation, and vocabulary on your own)

- Developing learning strategies (such as note-taking, summarizing, and repetition techniques)

Essentially, a self-reliant learner is also a self-taught learner. 

I think that in the age of knowledge-sharing and Generative AI, the need for learners to be self-reliant is greater than ever. With so much information available at our fingertips, it is no longer enough to simply wait for teachers to guide us.

As we know, AI tools can provide instant answers, suggest better ways to phrase sentences, and even generate essays. But does that mean we can rely on AI entirely? Common sense tells us that while AI can be a helpful assistant, it cannot replace the effort, critical thinking, and self-discipline needed to truly learn and internalize new knowledge.

I am sure you would agree with me that the most successful learners are those who take charge of their own learning. They ask questions, seek out resources, and practice consistently rather than passively consuming information. AI can provide guidance, but it is up to us to process, apply, and retain what we learn.

What I believe is this: self-reliance in learning is not about rejecting technology, but about using it wisely. It means knowing how to filter information, verify sources, and think critically rather than blindly accepting whatever AI generates.

They say that "knowledge is power," but in today’s world, I would argue that the ability to learn independently is even more powerful. With AI and unlimited access to knowledge, those who develop self-reliance will not just keep up—they will thrive.

So, on this auspicious day—the day of the great gathering of the Buddha’s disciples—we should recognize that the Great Teacher is revered not only for his compassion and wisdom but also for his dedication to guiding his followers toward independent thinking and freedom of the mind.