Whenever we decide to discipline ourselves, we are often jolted into action by external situations. For instance, we may notice how much weight we have gained and feel the need to control our eating. Or, we may see someone who was once our equal surpass us in a field, making us feel impelled to improve ourselves. Sometimes, indulging in certain desires indiscriminately may lead to situations that are embarrassing or even mortifying, highlighting the need for restraint.

Whatever the specific impetus that triggers our self-discipline, its impact often decreases over time, depleting our motivation to stick to our regimen. At the same time, discipline involves fighting against desires, which can feel exhausting—especially since those desires often resurface repeatedly and may even seem to grow stronger with time. This ongoing battle can leave us so drained that we eventually quit, causing our resolution to dissolve into dissolution.

The Bhagavad-gita warns about the turbulent nature of desires in 2.60, noting how they can overpower both our intelligence and determination—the two primary weapons we often rely on to discipline ourselves. Intelligence can remind us of how detrimental a lack of discipline can be, while determination can help us resist temptations. Yet, these two alone may not suffice. Thankfully, we have additional weapons in our arsenal, including social support, spiritual strength derived from connecting with God, and an often-overlooked but powerful tool: imagination.

During efforts at self-discipline, we tend to focus on the desires we need to give up. Unfortunately, our imagination often works against us, amplifying what we think we are missing out on. Instead of allowing our imagination to fuel our lower desires, we can redirect it to work for us by focusing on our higher aspirations. For example, if we aim to eat healthier, we can visualize how we would look and feel with better health. If we want to become more skilled or committed to a particular goal, we can imagine the success and fulfillment that would follow.

Furthermore, we can visualize the person our Lord wants us to become, given the talents, resources, and opportunities He has provided us. By imagining what we can achieve in collaboration with God, we channel our imagination positively and purposefully toward our higher desires and aspirations. The Bhagavad-gita 2.61 calls this higher vision.

When we strengthen our higher desires and let our imagination fuel them, self-discipline becomes easier. While the struggle against lower desires may not disappear entirely, it will no longer feel as exhausting because our imagination will now support our higher desires instead of undermining them. Over time, as we become more invested in these higher desires, our imagination will naturally shift away from the lower ones, reducing their appeal and power over us.

Summary:

  • The initial motivation for self-discipline often weakens over time, while the desires we fight against seem to grow stronger, making self-discipline feel exhausting and unsustainable.
  • While intelligence and determination are helpful, imagination often works against us by amplifying the allure of lower desires instead of supporting our higher aspirations.
  • By redirecting our imagination to visualize the enriching outcomes of pursuing higher desires, we can make self-discipline easier and more sustainable.

Think it over:

  • Reflect on why past attempts at self-discipline may have failed, analyzing both external motivations and internal desires.
  • Identify various weapons available in the battle against lower desires, focusing especially on how imagination can be used both against us and for us.
  • Choose one area where you want to discipline yourself. Use your imagination to vividly picture the results of such discipline, and keep that image accessible to revisit regularly.

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02.61 One who restrains his senses, keeping them under full control, and fixes his consciousness upon Me, is known as a man of steady intelligence.