Discipline

Discipline

Discipline means the training of people to obey rules or a code of behaviour. We should not fret against the rules and regulations. They are laid down for our own benefit. There can be no fame without discipline (Na sreyo niyamam vinaa).  Discipline is essential to promote one’s character and virtue. Discipline helps to get rid of bad habits and inculcate good habits.

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba explains the technique of acquiring the character.

Thoughts give rise to actions, Actions, in turn, produce habits, Habits, then, form man’s character, Character decides our destiny. A life without character is as barren as a temple without a lamp.

[Source:Sri Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol.8A,p.227.]

We should learn Discipline from nature:

All things in Nature obey their respective rules of conduct. Sun, moon, stars, planets and living things are all subject to certain laws. (Gurus can show pictures of the Solar system, Sunrise, perfectly regulated traffic on road etc, discuss what would happen if there is no discipline)

“You may have Devotion, you may discharge the Duty entrusted to you. But unless you are saturated in Discipline, the other two are useless. Discipline must regulate and control every activity of your life.”– Bhagawan Baba

Bhagawan Baba has given the following injunctions to man to lead a disciplined life:

1. Follow the divine dictum:See no evil, See what is good, Hear no evil, Hear what is good, Talk no evil, Talk what is good, Think no evil, Think what is good, Do no evil, Do what is good.
2. Practice Ceiling on desires (COD):Do not waste time, Do not waste energy, Do not waste money, Do not waste food.
3. The first step in spiritual discipline is the cleansing of speech. Talk sweetly without anger. Do not boast of your scholarship or attainments. Be humble, eager to serve; conserve your speech. Practise silence. That will save you from squabbles, idle thoughts, and factions.

   [Source:Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume II, Chapter 6]

4. You must make it a practice to observe silence for at least one hour daily. It saves your cosmic energy and ensures peace of mind. You should develop also the discipline of simple living and high thinking.

   [Source:Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume XXX, Chapter 17]