Build A Discipline.

We all struggle with discipline. It’s not easy. But, somewhere we all know how much we need of it. I once read somewhere: Discipline is the bridge between failure and success. That’s sixteen cents right! 

And it’s a very interesting word. If we drop the ‘in’ in it, it becomes ‘disciple’! And this has great significance in this context. 

Discipline calls for being a disciple to the process. To be disciplined in something, you have to be a dedicated disciple of it. But, being a disciple is much more than outwardly committing oneself to routines and schedules. This is very important to understand. No matter how strict routines you set up for yourself, internal discipline may not come. But, once it’s there, you no longer have to bother about outward structures to keep yourself in place. That’s the beauty of internal discipline. 

But, how to bring about this? Let’s go into this very deeply. 

The very first ingredient that we need is a staunch determination—i.e., sankalp. Again, not outward commitment. It’s much more subtle than taking up vows. Don’t take up forceful vows. It doesn’t work in the long run. 

A sankalp is a clear statement that I’m on a path of transformation. And it’s transformation that matters, not the attainment of goals. It’s a journey, not a one-time trade-off. Vows only work for short-term goals, but when you take up any sankalp you clearly understand that you’re on a journey now; you will falter on the way and you fully acknowledge that possibility. But, you are also very clear about the fact that no matter what happens, you’ll not deviate from your path—you’ll come back again and again. This is the crucial difference between a vow and a sankalp. A vow is much more goal-oriented, whereas a sankalp is essentially a path-oriented process.

This brings me to the point: you’ll not be able to take up any sankalp if you’re not clear about your path—your journey. You MUST be very clear about why you’re on a particular path. Only then can you take up sankalp. 

Now that you are absolutely determined—to tread the path—you have to constantly keep yourself in order. Anything that brings disorder, you simply shun that. Now, what’s order and disorder? Please listen to J. Krishnamurti’s talks on this. He was a champion of understanding. He has been a pivotal influence on my own journey of understanding. I’ll give a link to one of his talks at the end. 

It’s internal order that brings discipline on its own. If you are orderly within yourself, i.e., if you’ve put all your thoughts in the right place, you’ll be naturally disciplined. Then you don’t have to impose outward restrictions. It’ll carry you. But, you have to bring about that order, which comes from self-understanding; otherwise, it’s a hell lot of struggle, and futile for the most part. 

So, order brings discipline. Understand this order. 

And once you’re disciplined, you just have to be dedicated to the process, until it becomes a natural trait in you. —That should be the goal! Not the attainment of targets. You have to be a dedicated disciple towards the whole process. 

If you keep these few things clear within yourself, you’re good to go. You’ll soon become unstoppable. Mark my words! 

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J. Krishnamurti on Order:

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