Discipline

Discipline (Skt. shila; Tib. tsultrim) literally, ‘acting appropriately’. The purpose of discipline is to simplify our lives. Discipline is a way of being that is conducive to positive and happy states of mind. It is the first of the three trainings and the second of the six paramitas.

The Means of Keeping Discipline

Patrul Rinpoche says:

"The means of keeping discipline are:

• Conscientiousness, which is a meticulous concern for what is to be engaged in and what is to be avoided;
• Mindfulness, which means not forgetting what should be adopted and abandoned;
• And vigilance, which involves [continually] checking the status of your body, speech and mind.

Firstly, through mindfulness, you do not lose sight of what should be adopted or abandoned. Then secondly, because you are checking the status of the body, speech and mind with vigilance, you recognize any occasions when you are tempted to avoid something virtuous or to engage in something negative. At that time, because of your conscientiousness, you recall the benefits of virtuous actions and undertake them, or remember the faults of negative conduct and unwholesome actions and avoid them."

--From The Sun of Brilliant Clarity