Significance of Discipline
Discipline is a multifaceted concept across various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it encompasses practices that enhance focus and emotional control, guiding individuals toward spiritual development. Jainism emphasizes self-control and adherence to ethical guidelines for personal growth. Tibetan Buddhism includes training the minds of wrathful beings, while Purana suggests control over the senses and mind. Additionally, Natyashastra underlines adherence to moral values, and Dharmashastra identifies vinaya as essential for success. Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism focus on ethical conduct, self-regulation, and adherence to rules within monastic life, making discipline crucial for spiritual progress.
Synonyms: Self-control, Training, Order, Control, Organization, Authority, Punishment, Regimen
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Discipline'
Discipline in Buddhism, or 'shila', encompasses moral conduct, ethical practices, and self-control crucial for monastic life. It serves to guide practitioners, ensuring adherence to spiritual rules and fostering compassionate living and mental clarity.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A concept that monks consider while inviting others, emphasizing the adherence to established rules.[1] (2) The teachings and guidelines that govern the behavior and practices of the monastic community.[2] (3) The code of conduct and practices that recluses and monks are expected to adhere to, highlighted in the discussions between various parties.[3]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (4): Parivara
(1) The structured set of rules and practices that members of the Order are expected to uphold.[4] (2) The guidelines and practices that support ethical conduct within the Order.[5] (3) The practice of maintaining self-control and adhering to spiritual rules.[6]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) Another subject that may be inquired about by nuns, referring to the rules of conduct within the monastic community.[7]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The adherence to the established rules and practices as outlined in the teachings.[8]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ethical and moral conduct expected of a practitioner, particularly one who has committed to the five precepts.[9] (2) A set of ethical precepts and self-control practices that bodhisattvas observe, which guides their actions toward compassionate and righteous living.[10] (3) Moral conduct or ethical practices that guide a monastic life within Buddhism, often referred to as 'shila'.[11] (4) Termed as shila, this is one of the core attributes of the Community of disciples that contributes to their unshakeability.[12] (5) The code of conduct that the naga observes, prioritizing his teachings over his life.[13]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A crucial element in Buddhist practice that ensures the effectiveness of study, contemplation, and meditation.[14] (2) The necessary self-regulatory practices that underlie the cultivation of patience and an undisturbed mind.[15]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Practices and behaviors that help a person maintain focus and create a conducive environment for spiritual development.[16] (2) The practice of training oneself to follow rules and maintain control over one's actions and emotions.[17]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The process by which the activities and minds of pernicious wrathful beings are trained and pacified.[18]
Hindu concept of 'Discipline'
Discipline in Hinduism, or vinaya, involves qualities like alertness and thrift, adherence to moral values, mastery over senses and mind, and practices such as Niyama, including vows and fasting to maintain self-control.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Identified as vinaya, which includes qualifications such as alertness, thrift, and the proper employment of means for success.[19]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) Known as Niyama, this involves practices like vows and fasting to regulate the senses.[20]
From: Mudrarakshasa (literary study)
(1) The cultivation of a practice that ensures adherence to the correct path and moral values, as emphasized within the text.[21]
From: Padma Purana
(1) He should control his senses, should control his mind, should be free from anger and pure.[22]
Jain concept of 'Discipline'
Discipline in Jainism encompasses self-control and adherence to ethical and moral guidelines, vital for spiritual maturity and personal growth, fostering individual progress on the path to enlightenment.
From: Sutrakritanga (English translation)
(1) The practice of self-control and adherence to ethical guidelines that leads to spiritual maturity.[23]
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) The practice of self-control and adherence to a set of moral or spiritual guidelines essential for personal growth and progress.[24]