Thursday, March 19, 2009
Freedom and Discipline
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Freedom and discipline are opposites and they are also complementary.
The purpose of defense is to protect freedom. But is there freedom in defense? Do soldiers have freedom? No, they are bound, not allowed to put the right foot down when told the left foot. Their steps are measured; they are unable even to walk with a natural rhythm. There is no freedom in defense, yet this is what protects the freedom of the country!
Freedom without discipline is like a country without a defense. Discipline protects freedom. They both go hand in hand. Understand this and move ahead in life. You have certain restrictions that allow you your freedom. You can focus either on freedom or discipline, and be happy or unhappy.
Fences have a definite place and purpose. If you build a fence all over the entire property, then where will you put your home? Yet a well placed fence protects the property.
Love puts you on track. Fear also puts you back on track, as is the case with religions that have put fear as the main motivating force.
Nature itself induces fear in a child at a certain age. A child has no fear when very young; he gets 100% love and attention from the mother. But as he grows more independent, nature brings in an iota of fear; he learns to become cautious. With increasing freedom, the child learns to walk more carefully.
There is a state of absolute freedom, unlimited bliss, the freedom Advaita* talks about. But the Advaita Knowledge has been totally misused according to people’s fancies and conveniences. We need to be very practical. There must be freedom in the mind, love in the heart, and discipline in action.
Fear of losing freedom brings discipline and defense. And the purpose of defense is to eliminate fear.
*On this Path, Knowledge is your freedom - and also your defense
© The Art of Living Foundation
The purpose of defense is to protect freedom. But is there freedom in defense? Do soldiers have freedom? No, they are bound, not allowed to put the right foot down when told the left foot. Their steps are measured; they are unable even to walk with a natural rhythm. There is no freedom in defense, yet this is what protects the freedom of the country!
Freedom without discipline is like a country without a defense. Discipline protects freedom. They both go hand in hand. Understand this and move ahead in life. You have certain restrictions that allow you your freedom. You can focus either on freedom or discipline, and be happy or unhappy.
Fences have a definite place and purpose. If you build a fence all over the entire property, then where will you put your home? Yet a well placed fence protects the property.
Love puts you on track. Fear also puts you back on track, as is the case with religions that have put fear as the main motivating force.
Nature itself induces fear in a child at a certain age. A child has no fear when very young; he gets 100% love and attention from the mother. But as he grows more independent, nature brings in an iota of fear; he learns to become cautious. With increasing freedom, the child learns to walk more carefully.
There is a state of absolute freedom, unlimited bliss, the freedom Advaita* talks about. But the Advaita Knowledge has been totally misused according to people’s fancies and conveniences. We need to be very practical. There must be freedom in the mind, love in the heart, and discipline in action.
Fear of losing freedom brings discipline and defense. And the purpose of defense is to eliminate fear.
*On this Path, Knowledge is your freedom - and also your defense
© The Art of Living Foundation
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2 comments:
I am fully agree with writing.. But we need to comeout with reasons for each problem specially in education what is missing is it freedom or too much discipline. Then devlop a method, practice or tools to balance them to nurture a knowledge - wisdom.
so how I can keep both? I mean I want to be free and be disciplined to the same time, maybe if I try Generic Viagra I can get both, but if the master say this I need some time to accept the fact.
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