DISCIPLINE/ਸੰਜਮੁ

ABSTRACT

A spiritual discipline consists of choices a person makes in life, for entering a deeper relationship with God. Practices are specific techniques one might employ consistent with a more general discipline. Actual practices by adherents in most religions often differ from the written tenets of their faiths in their holy scriptures.

ਭਗਵੈ ਵੇਸਿ ਭ੍ਰਮਿ ਮੁਕਤਿ ਨ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਬਹੁ ਸੰਜਮਿ ਸਾਂਤਿ ਨ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਇ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਪਰਾਪਤਿ ਹੋਇ ॥

Bhagvai Vays Bharam Mukat Na Ho-ay, Baho Sanjam SaaNt Na Paavai Ko-ay, Gurmat Naam Paraapat Ho-ay

No one is liberated by wandering around in saffron-colored robes. Tranquility is not found by strict self-discipline. But by following the Guru's Teachings, one is blessed to receive the Naam, the Name of God.-----Guru Amar Das, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1175-18

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Humans are mostly undisciplined by nature. So they look to God for guidance in their actions, and if these are inadequate, they look for more actions.  For spiritual growth, however, one has to follow the discipline prescribed in his or her faith.

Disciplined way of life:

ਗਿਆਨੁ ਧਿਆਨੁ ਸਭੁ ਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਹੋਈ ॥

ਸਾਚੀ ਰਹਤ ਸਾਚਾ ਮਨਿ ਸੋਈ ॥ 

ਮਨਮੁਖ ਕਥਨੀ ਹੈ ਪਰੁ ਰਹਤ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥

ਨਾਵਹੁ ਭੂਲੇ ਥਾਉ ਨ ਕੋਈ ॥

Gi▫ān ḏẖi▫ān sabẖ gur ṯe ho▫ī. Saachee Rehat Saacha Man Soyee, Manmukh Kathnee Hai Per Rehat Na Hoyee, Naavoh Bhoolay Thaou Na Koyee.

Spiritual wisdom and meditation all come from the Guru. Through the lifestyle of Truth, the True God comes to dwell in the mind. The self-willed talks about it, but does not practice the truth. Forgetting the Name, he finds no serenity.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 831-12

Until and unless worldly bondage, attachment and evil are destroyed, the mind cannot become disciplined. The person who knows how to conquer lust, wrath, avarice, boasting, and pride, can possess the sovereignty of the whole world.

ਮਨਿ ਜੀਤੈ ਜਗੁ ਜੀਤੁ ॥

man jīṯai jag jīṯ.

Conquer your own mind, and conquer the world.-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 6-17   

Self-discipline and self-control enable humans to organize and unite many forces. They begin to increase their power for both thought and action. Under the influence of ego a person may do something, the very thing he knows to be destructive.   He may later regret it forever.

Endurance is one of the greatest assets in life. For him who has conquered himself, his self is a friend. Unconquered lower self-acts as an enemy. We become our own enemy when we are thrown out of balance by anger, hatred, grief or any intense emotion, despite being ritualistically religious.

ਧੋਤੀ ਊਜਲ ਤਿਲਕੁ ਗਲਿ ਮਾਲਾ ॥

ਔਤਰਿ ਕੋ੍ਧੁ ਪੜਹਿ ਨਾਟ ਸਾਲਾ ॥

ਨਾਮੁ ਵਿਸਾਰਿ ਮਾਇਆ ਮਦੁ ਪੀਆ  ॥

ਬਿਨੁ ਗੁਰ ਭਗਤਿ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੁਖੁ ਥੀਆ ॥੪॥

Dhotee Oojal Tilak Gal Mala, Anter Krodh Parheh Naat Saalaa. Nām visār mā▫i▫ā maḏ pī▫ā.Bin gur bẖagaṯ nāhī sukẖ thī▫ā.

He may wear a clean loincloth, apply the ceremonial mark to his forehead, and wear a mala around his neck.  But if there is anger within him, he is merely reading the script for his part, like an actor in a play.  Forgetting the Naam, the Name of the God, he drinks in the wine of Maya. Without devotional worship to the Guru, there is no peace.----Guru Nanak, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 832-6

ਸੋ ਕਰਤਾ ਚਿੰਤਾ ਕਰੇ ਜਿਨਿ ਉਪਾਇਆ ਜਗੁ  ॥

ਤਿਸੁ ਜੋਹਾਰੀ ਸੁਅਸਤਿ ਤਿਸੁ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੀਬਾਣੁ ਅਭਗੁ  ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਚੇ ਨਾਮ ਬਿਨੁ ਕਿਆ ਟਿਕਾ ਕਿਆ ਤਗੁ ॥

So karṯā cẖinṯā kare jin upā▫i▫ā jag.Ŧis johārī su▫asaṯ ṯis ṯis ḏībāṇ abẖag. Nanak Sachay Naam Bin Kia Tikka Kia Tug.

That Creator who formed the world cares for it. Unto God I bow and offer my reverence; It's Royal Court is eternal. O Nanak, without the True Name, of what use is the frontal mark, or the sacred thread?-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 467-6

ਘਰ ਮਹਿ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਨਦਰਿ ਨ ਆਵੈ ॥

ਗਲ ਮਹਿ ਪਾਹਣੁ ਲੈ ਲਟਕਾਵੈ ॥

ਭਰਮੇ ਭੂਲਾ ਸਾਕਤੁ ਫਿਰਤਾ ॥

ਨੀਰੁ ਬਿਰੋਲੈ ਖਪਿ ਖਪਿ ਮਰਤਾ ॥

ਜਿਸੁ ਪਾਹਣ ਕਉ ਠਾਕੁਰੁ ਕਹਤਾ ॥

ਓਹੁ ਪਾਹਣੁ ਲੈ ਉਸ ਕਉ ਡੁਬਤਾ ॥

Ghar Meh Thakur Nader Na Aavai, Gal Meh Paahn Lai Latkavai, Bharmay Bhoola Sakat Firtaa, Neer Birolai Khap Khap Martaa, Jis Paahan Kuo Thakur Kehta, Oh Thakur Lai Oas Kou Dubtaa.

Within the home of his own self, he does not even come to see his God and Master. And yet, around his neck, he hangs a stone god. The faithless cynic wanders around, deluded by doubt. He churns the water, and after wasting his life away, he dies. That stone, which he calls his God, pulls him down and drowns him.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 739

We pray, meditate, study and go through all the practices meant to give us spiritual impetus, yet we stand still or even take a step backward. A person may adopt morality but lack of patience, forbearance, and forgiveness. When anger overtakes us, all the earlier dogmas and theories go for nothing.

There are two ways to approach self-discipline by self-exertion or self-abandonment.

1. For those who have surrendered themselves wholly to the highest power, there is no room in their hearts for any darkness, anger or evil. Social harmony and order in our lives are also vitally important in life.  When our thought, mind, and heart are all focused, the messages of AGGS get engraved within us. We may find high ideals arising within us spontaneously.  The lower instincts will touch us no more.

2. With the right attitude of mind and with the right control over ourselves, we enhance our own welfare.  When our mind is distorted or clouded it becomes our enemy.  Similarly, when we are puffed up with vanity and are full of egotism, we turn away from our divine nature. The ego works in both ways.

Spirituality is not a consequence of our calculations or our doctrines.  When it evolves in us and we are the first to benefit.  Our lives get transformed for the better.  Physically we are the same and yet we are not the same. Also, the only way we raise and lift our fellow beings is to help them find a higher level of consciousness. It is because what we manifest in the body and mind is the result of what we are in our spiritual consciousness.

Unfeeling people are often self-centered and selfish due to their way of thought and living.  We should not seek the self but seek the truth. Truth is above all and above truth is truthful conduct. Truth is something we should absorb and assimilate. Truth cleaves to no self. Lower self refers itself to the ego.  This is the cause of selfishness and the source of evil, and it reveals itself to self. Truth is continuous, deathless, immortal, and does not get old.

ਸਚੁ ਪੁਰਾਣਾ ਹੋਵੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਸੀਤਾ ਕਦੇ ਨ ਪਾਟੈ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਹਿਬੁ ਸਚੋ ਸਚਾ ਤਿਚਰੁ ਜਾਪੀ ਜਾਪੈ ॥

Such Purana Hovay Nahin, Seeta Kaday Na Paatay, Nanak Saahib Sacho Sachaa Tichar Jaapee Jaapai.

Truth grows neither old nor tattered and all. The Holy God gets manifested to mind while contemplation lasts, says Nanak.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 956-1

Self-Adjustments and self-possession are essential to our wellbeing. One who has self-control is serene in the midst of all dualistic turmoil. We need individual discipline. The mind may not enjoy this, because it has formed the habit of lighter interests. The ordinary mind finds more pleasure in reading a novel, watching movie or TV, than in studying AGGS and Gurbani. Yet one who wishes to sustain his spiritual nature has no choice but to cultivate new habits -- attend religious functions for spiritual growth and not for social recognition. These new habits must become second nature, and we should come to love them. It is to be obtained through in silent meditation as well as meditation in action.  Conquests one seeks in the external world are insignificant in comparison with the treasures within.  Until one conquers this inner kingdom, outer conquests remain fleeting and uncertain.  One’s own unwise actions may at any moment cause his ruin.

If one has dirt outside, it can be removed with a shower, more so with soap.  Then one may even put on a clean, business suit to impress the others. What about the dirt inside, which cannot be seen?  It can only be removed with spiritual progress and growth.

ਭਰੀਐ ਹਥੁ ਪੈਰੁ ਤਨੁ ਦੇਹ ॥

ਪਾਣੀ ਧੋਤੈ ਉਤਰਸੁ ਖੇਹ ॥

ਮੂਤ ਪਲੀਤੀ ਕਪੜੁ ਹੋਇ ॥

ਦੇ ਸਾਬੂਣੁ ਲਈਐ ਓਹੁ ਧੋਇ ॥

ਭਰੀਐ ਮਤਿ ਪਾਪਾ ਕੈ ਸੰਗਿ ॥

ਓਹੁ ਧੋਪੈ ਨਾਵੈ ਕੈ ਰੰਗਿ ॥

Bharyai Hath Pair Tan Deh, Pani Dhotai Utres Khayh, Bharyai Mat Papaan Kai Sung, Oh Dhopai Navaai Kay Rung.

When the hands, the feet, and the body are dirty, water can wash away the dirt. When the clothes are soiled and stained by urine, soap can wash them clean. But when the intellect is stained and polluted by sin, it can only be cleansed by the Love of the Name.-----Guru Nanak, Japji. Pauri 20, AGGS, Page, 4-11

Discipline is of two types:

1.      Internal.

2.      External.

Internal discipline includes acceptance and submission to, God’s Will.  One has to go beyond meditation, prayer and reading AGGS.  Sabd Guru clearly gives direction to cross the worldly ocean (ਭਵਜਲ) as our destiny in thought, word and deed meaning living the teachings honestly, truthfully at each step of life as expressed  by Guru Arjan, Tegh Bahadur:

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਗੋਵਿੰਦ ਅਧਾਰੁ ॥ 

ਤਾ ਤੇ ਛੁਟਿਓ ਬਿਖੁ ਸੰਸਾਰੁ ॥

Man bacẖ karam govinḏ aḏẖār. Ŧā ṯė cẖẖuti­o bikẖ sansār.

In thought, word and deed, seek the Support of God of the Universe; thus you shall be saved from the poisonous world-ocean.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 197-5

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਅਪਨਾ ਧਿਆਈ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਦਾਸ ਤੇਰੀ ਸਰਣਾਈ ॥

Man bacẖ karam parabẖ apnā ḏẖi­ā­ī. Nānak ḏās ṯėrī sarṇā­ī.

In thought, word and deed, I meditate on my God. Slave Nanak has come to Your Sanctuary.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 200-9

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਜਿਹ ਆਪਿ ਜਨਾਈ ॥

ਨਾਨਕ ਤਿਹ ਮਤਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੀ ਆਈ ॥

Man bacẖ karam jih āp janā­ī. Nānak ṯih maṯ pargatī ā­ī.

Those whom God Itself instructs in thought, word and deed - O Nanak, their intellect is enlightened.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 259-8

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਏਕੁ ਧਿਆਏ ॥

ਸਰਬ ਫਲਾ ਸੋਈ ਜਨੁ ਪਾਏ ॥

Man bacẖ karam parabẖ ėk ḏẖi­ā­ė. Sarab falā so­ī jan pā­ė.

One who meditates on the One God in thought, word and deed - that humble being receives the fruits of all rewards.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page, 760-6

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮਿ ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਚਿਤਾਰੀ ॥

ਘੂਮਨ ਘੇਰਿ ਮਹਾ ਅਤਿ ਬਿਖੜੀ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਨਕ ਪਾਰਿ ਉਤਾਰੀ ॥

Man bacẖ karam rām nām cẖiṯārī. Gẖūman gẖėr mahā aṯ bikẖ­ṛī gurmukẖ Nānak pār uṯārī.

In thought, word and deed, I contemplate God's Name. The horrible world-ocean is very treacherous; O Nanak, the Guru oriented is carried across.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Ramkali, AGGS, Page, 916-13

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਆਰਾਧੈ ਹਰਿ ਹਰਿ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ॥

ਅਨਦ ਬਿਨੋਦ ਅਕਥ ਕਥਾ ਰਸੁ ਸਾਚੈ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਇਆ ॥

Man bacẖ karam ārāḏẖai har har sāḏẖsang sukẖ pā­i­ā. Anaḏ binoḏ akath kathā ras sācẖai sahj samā­i­ā.

He, who worships, adores The Creator, in thought, word and deed, in the Company of the holy, finds peace. He enjoys bliss and pleasure, and savors the Unspoken Speech of God, and merges intuitively into the True Supreme Power.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Sarag, AGGS, Page, 1220-8

ਮਨ ਬਚ ਕ੍ਰਮ ਹਰਿ ਗੁਨ ਨਹੀ ਗਾਏ ਯਹ ਜੀਅ ਸੋਚ ਧਰਉ ॥

ਗੁਰਮਤਿ ਸੁਨਿ ਕਛੁ ਗਿਆਨੁ ਨ ਉਪਜਿਓ ਪਸੁ ਜਿਉ ਉਦਰੁ ਭਰਉ ॥

Man bacẖ karam har gun nahī gā­ė yeh jī­a socẖ ḏẖara­o. Gurmaṯ sun kacẖẖ gi­ān na upji­o pas ji­o uḏar bẖara­o.

In thought, word and deed, I have not sung God's Praises; this thought worries my mind. I listened to the Guru's Teachings, but spiritual wisdom did not well up within me; like a beast, I fill my belly.-----Guru Tegh Bahadur, Raag Dhanasari, AGGS, Page, 685-8

External discipline includes rituals, symbols, simplicity, selfless service, and solitude. Spiritual practices can be sound and helpful, but they can become the home of superstition and magic, too. No mechanical recitation of the Sabd in any form is effective.  One must contemplate and understand the meaning of the message of the Sabd.  This world, heaven or hell or anything else does not supernaturally bend to anyone's bidding. Devotional aids are there to help one direct oneself toward God. The moment one begins to believe that he has developed some special powers or merit of his own; he becomes a believer in some magic.  He is then idolatrous, and in breach of the teaching of the Sabd pretending to be a true worshipper.

ਸਿਆਮਲੰ ਮਧੁਰ ਮਾਨੁਖ੍ਯ੍ਯੰ ਰਿਦਯੰ ਭੂਮਿ ਵੈਰਣਹ ॥

ਨਿਵੰਤਿ ਹੋਵੰਤਿ ਮਿਥਿਆ ਚੇਤਨੰ ਸੰਤ ਸ੍ਵਜਨਹ ॥

Siaamlan Madhur Manukhaneh Ridiayn Bhoom Vairneh, Nivant Hovant Mithia Chaytnan Sant Svajhneh.

The mortal man may be beautiful and speak sweet words, but on the farm of his heart, he may still harbor cruel vengeance. He pretends to bow in worship, but he is false. Beware of him, O, friendly Saints.-----Guru Arjun, Sahskirti Sloke, 60, AGGS, Page, 1359

Body, mind, and senses are very much like untrained horses. It is for us to decide whether we should yield to every impulse of our physical organism or hold it back in check. This is the first step in self-discipline. It means that we must begin to act thoughtfully and teach our body and mind to be reasonable. The purpose of self-discipline mostly is not to gain merit but to check greed and sloth in mind and body. Excess in any direction is detrimental to our progress.

The restless mind does not know the way of devotion.  It is like a wild elephant, mad, and reprobate, wandering in the illusion of Maya.  Without accepting the Will of God, the human mind does not achieve poise.  For this, he must discard egoism, distinction, and the malady of doubt.  The human mind is avaricious and forgetful. At times it is meditating, performing austerities and at other times indulging in pleasures of life. It is gripped with desire and duality.  Sometimes it is king or hero in the battle. It sheds fear and pride with the Grace of God and becomes devoted and thoughtful towards the love of fellow human beings. As it is being purified with spiritual progress, it develops the divine vision.  To become disciplined, one has to break the bondage of mother, father, son, daughter, wife, siblings, progeny and Maya.

CONCLUSION:

A person is not a conqueror in the spiritual sense unless he is willing to give up any material advantage in favor of his inner life. Each of us must bring out what is best in him. When our lower nature no longer exerts itself regardless of the nature of provocation, then self-conquest is complete. One should be concerned about internal discipline and purity rather external cleanliness. A spiritual man is calm, a vulgar one frets about.  Discipline in one’s life is wonderful for both mind and body. Spiritual discipline helps to keep our relationship with God in good working order.  It may help develop intimacy with God. Disciplines and practices are tools for the evolvement of character.  They are a part of our cooperation with the Spirit in the task of remaking us into what God wants us to be. No discipline by itself can earn us heavenly brownie points, because there are no such points to earn.

Reciting the Name of God without understanding is a mechanical repetition.  It has no spiritual value.  It may create a false expectation of achieving one’s desires. It is of more value if one deliberates and lives in the Sabd.   Resulting joy can enhance spiritual experience As Guru Nanak says in Raag Asa:

ਇਹੁ ਤਨੁ ਧਰਤੀ ਬੀਜੁ ਕਰਮਾ ਕਰੋ ਸਲਿਲ ਆਪਾਉ ਸਾਰਿੰਗਪਾਣੀ ॥

ਮਨੁ ਕਿਰਸਾਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਰਿਦੈ ਜੰਮਾਇ ਲੈ ਇਉ ਪਾਵਸਿ ਪਦੁ ਨਿਰਬਾਣੀ ॥

Ayh Tan Dhartee Beej Karmaa Karo Salil Aapaa-ou Saaringpaanee, Man Kirsaan Har Ridai Jammaa-ay Lai I-o Paavas Pad Nirbaanee.

Make this body the field, and plant the seed of good actions. Water it with the Name of God, who holds the entire world in Its Hands. Let your mind be the farmer; God shall sprout in your heart and you shall attain the state of Nirvaanaa. -----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 23-15