A sense of discipline must be cultivated right from childhood. Discipline cannot be learned from the pages of books. It is only through constant practice that discipline gets strengthened. The captain’s word must be implicitly obeyed. Though there may be excitement, enthusiasm and high emotion among the players, they stand still as soon as they hear the whistle on the playground. The orders issued by the commander or teacher should be meticulously implemented.

Discipline, unfortunately is absent today, and in-discipline has become rampant. Students are often on the rampage and many Universities in the world are closed down. There is instability among political parties as discipline is absent. We find turmoil and trouble in several spheres of life because personal character, national character and discipline are now at the lowest ebb. Only when these three are practised by all, will there be peace and security in the country. Discipline should follow us like a shadow, inseparable from us. (GA, pp. 167-168)

Discipline is the mark of intelligent living. Discipline trains you to put up with disappointments; you will know that the path of life has both ups and downs; that the rose has its thorn. (SSS Vol.8, pp. 188-189)

To cross safely the flood of birth-death-continuum the bridge called nishtha or discipline of an unflinching kind is essential. It must be a sturdy safe bridge. Or else, you will fall into the raging waters and be drawn into the sea, infested with sharks - lust and anger. See how great heroes like Prahlada did not loosen their hold on the Lord, in spite of heavy odds. Prahlada never gave up the repetition of the Name of the Lord, though he was tortured, twisted and burnt. One must have that determination and that faith. Sorrows and disasters are as the clouds that flit across the sky; they cannot injure the blue depths of space. Your duty is to strive on, from this very moment. Do not vacillate or postpone. Who knows when death will knock? May be, he may knock this very night, this very moment! Therefore, do not delay. Do not postpone for tomorrow the dinner of this day? Feed the spirit as scrupulously as you now feed the body. (SSS Vol.5)

Self-imposed discipline is conducive to real Shanti - a peace of mind, poise, equanimity and stable equilibrium of the mind. Peace of mind is the most desirable thing in this world. It gives us psychical euphoria.

In order to achieve this ‘Shanti’ an aspirant must develop a thirst for ‘Jnana’ or spiritual wisdom. He must also acquire the qualities of love, sympathy and compassion, and do selfless service to others.

‘Shanti’ should not be regarded as a part time virtue to be cultivated only during ‘dhyana’ or meditation. It is a constant state of inner tranquillity. It should become more habitual and instinctive. (SSB 1979, pp. 91-92)

Panchadasi (7.106) says,

 Tat chintanam tat kathanam 

Anyonyam tatprabodhanam 

Etadekaparatvam cha

Brahmabhyasam vidur budhah

‘Thoughts dedicated to Him alone, speech devoted to Him alone, conversation centred on Him alone, this one-pointed existence is referred to, by the wise as the Discipline of Jnana’. (JV, p. 40)

This is the lesson taught in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 10: 9) by Krishna,

mac-citta mad-gata-prana

bodhayantah parasparam

kathayantas ca mam nityam

tusyanti ca ramanti ca

‘They fix the mind on Me, they survive only because they breath Me, they inform each other about Me, they talk only of Me, they are happy and content with these only’. This ceaseless thought of the Lord is also referred to as Brahma chintana or Jnanabhyasa or Atmabhyasa. (JV, p. 40)

To attain Brahminhood Anushthana, conduct and discipline - these two are the criteria, the deciding factors. The inner Atmic Principle is the same in all. Five disciplines have to be observed in Prasanthi Nilayam: 1.Silence, 2.Cleanliness, 3.Service, 4.Love and 5.Hate-less-ness. (SSS Vol.7, p. 4)

Prahlada advised his playmates on the discipline that should be welcomed: ‘The study of books that describe the Glory of God is the study that is worthwhile. The preceptor who tells us about the Glory of God is the preceptor to be sought after and revered. The father who directs you to approach God is the father who deserves the reverence and obedience of the children, not the others’. (SSS Vol.9, p. 4)

Discipline is essential for the success of every endeavour of man, whatever the field, whether it be economic, social, educational, or merely material and worldly. It is even more essential for success in spiritual effort. The discipline of concentration, for example, is indispensable for even common acts like walking, talking, writing or readings. Spiritual progress and bliss depend on disciplined effort. Discipline and concentration are as the embankments, which control and direct the flood waters of a river into harmless and fruitful channels. (SSS Vol.7, p. 313)

Dhyana Yoga and Jnana Yoga both are inner discipline; they are based on Sadhana and Bhakti. Without these two they are both unattainable; the pursuit itself is vain. (GV, p. 101)

Without Shikshana, there is no Rakshana; education (discipline) alone ensures safety. Simply to keep on talking about discipline and not have the strength and faith to accept discipline is not going to do any good. To discipline and duty we should also add devotion. It is only when these three D’s - Discipline, Devotion and Duty are together and firmly implanted in your heart, will your heart be able to develop into a sacred one. (SSS Vol.5, p. 195)

Gandhi visited all the villages and served all the people. One day he came late fully tired. Because of this tiredness, he had a bath. He felt hungry, took food and lay down. How much ever he tried, he wouldn’t get sleep. His body was hot and sweating. He inquired what went wrong and where had he breached the discipline? He got up, sat down and introspected. He remembered, while partaking food, he didn’t offer his prayers to God. This was his mistake. This was his daily discipline. When there is no discipline, balance is lost. So for the loss of balance, indiscipline is the cause. He sat and meditated and prayed to God for pardon. Because of that repentance, he had sound sleep. So, observe daily whatever habit we inculcate, let it be only good, not bad. Under every circumstance you should cultivate good habits. When we deviate from this discipline, the balance is lost. So on discipline lies the balance. In business you should have discipline. (M, pp. 116-117)