We often presume that discipline is something we need to adopt if we want to improve ourselves: say, become fitter, more well-read or more skilled. And yes, incorporating discipline in our life can certainly lead us to self-improvement — in fact, discipline can enable us to become the best that we can be. 

Nonetheless, self-improvement is not the only reason to adopt discipline; it is also our necessary insurance from self-destruction.

Frequently, we presume that things will stay in the future just the way they are in the present. But time, especially in its deteriorating dimension, is always acting, imperceptibly yet inexorably. By this power of time, excellent things degenerate toward the mediocre, good things degenerate toward the bad, and uncomfortable things degenerate toward the unconscionable. 

Time’s deteriorating influence can creep upon us both externally and internally. If we hang out with people who use foul language and if we don’t watch our words, our speech will soon become contaminated. Even if we are not exposed to negative external influences — though such non-exposure is rare in today’s world — still we are always exposed to a powerful internal deteriorating factor: our own mind, filled as it is with impurities such as lust, greed and anger. 

If we don’t watch our thoughts, they may become more and more lusty, greedy or angry. Over time, such thoughts may become habitual, even inescapable — and those malignant thoughts may eventually impel us to malevolent actions. And we may end up nonchalantly doing things that we would have earlier shuddered to even contemplate. 

Pertinently, the Gita urges us to elevate ourselves with ourselves and not degrade ourselves (06.05) — which way we go will be determined by whether we bring or fail to bring discipline into our life. 

One-sentence summary: 

With discipline, we ascend to our best self; without discipline, we descend to our worst self. 

Think it over: 

  • How can discipline change us for the better?
  • Has time’s degenerating influence affected you externally in any way? 
  • Has time’s degenerating influence affected you internally in any way? 

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06.05: One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.

Why discipline is important — and not just for self-improvement

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