Discipline

The mind is a complicated thing, but how we control it by oneself is the key to success in this world.  Thus, we are taught to study the following disciplines.

The Five Minds of Discipline

by APPRECIATION ... a Thankful Mind

To be appreciative and have a thankful mind means that you recognize the things you have and receive in life, whether they are big or little. Sometimes people take things for granted, or they are not thankful for the things people do for them. This leads to poor qualities, such as over-confidence. If you are not thankful towards someone, they may not want to help you again in the future. Remember to be thankful, and appreciate the small things as well as the large. This will promote a more positive state of mind.

by APOLOGIZING ... a Reflective Mind

To apologize and have a reflective mind means that you are willing to admit your wrong-doings, and also learn from them. Apologizing gives yourself the chance to possibly undo any sort of harm you may have done to someone else, or at least let them know you recognize your mistake. With a reflective mind, it is possible to learn from such experiences, so that you won't make the same mistake twice. If you never apologize to people, much less recognize when you are wrong, then there is little room for self-improvement. If you wish to lead a better quality life and improve self-discipline, it is important to not only learn from your mistakes, but let other people know that you are sorry for being wrong. No one can be right all the time, and if you try to be, then you are only fooling yourself.

by INDEBTEDNESS ... a Modest Mind

By having an attitude of indebtedness and being modest means that you carry a sense of owing something to other people, as well as refraining from ostentation. Appreciate the things people give you, and do not think you are above others just because they give you things. Lower yourself to be on the same playing field with them and have a greater appreciation for their deeds. A pretentious person will not gain the favor of his or her parents and peers. Becoming self-centered hinders good discipline and destroys any sense of modesty.  If you believe that you owe something to someone, you will not go wrong with that person.

by OBEDIENCE ... an Adaptive Mind

To be obedient and have an adaptive mind means that you are willing to dutifully comply with authority, and change for the better. Going against other people, or disobeying authority, for example, will never help to build discipline. This only leads to trouble with your elders, or possibly the law. With an adaptive mind, a person can adapt for the better. Being conservative to the extreme is not compliant with an adaptive mind and will never lead to the gain of or improvement of proper discipline.

by VOLUNTEERING ... a Devoted Mind

By volunteering your time to others and having a devoted mind shows that you can be a true friend. Being charitable and helpful shows the ability to dedicate one's time and energy to other people, without greed. If you wish to gain the loyalty of others, then you must start by volunteering yourself to them, with reliability. Only then can you begin to gain integrity, as well as the trust of others.