24 Jan Love #7

The Disciplines

“A disciplined mind brings happiness.” The Buddha From the Dhammapada, verse 35:

“…If ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed….” Jesus.

In our last communication we discussed the concept and Discipline of Unity. In all, there are 12 disciplines, just as there are 12 tribes of Israel, 12 princes of Ishmael; 12 disciples; 12 astrological signs and 12 months of the year. There is also the 12 wells of water (Exodus 15:27), 12 pillars (Exodus 24:4), 12 cakes (Leviticus 24:5) and many more.

Twelve equals a three (3) when you add the numbers 1 and 2 together. Three is symbolic of understanding. One is unity within – the unity of the male and female and the material and spiritual in equal energies. Two represents balance and harmony. When you are balanced and unified within, you are in a place of understanding. And LOVE is all about understanding. Understanding is one of the spiritual gifts that we possess.

To achieve understandings and degrees of mastery, one must be disciplined. Now we will examine the other 11 disciplines. We will begin with the concept of the Discipline of Discipline.

The origin of the word “discipline” is from the Latin “disciplina”, which means instruction or knowledge. That is the true purpose of discipline, to create a particular way of thinking. This is also why the twelve apostles are the disciples of Jesus, because it is a particular way of thinking and acting. Thinking comes before acting because all outward actions are based on internal thought processes.

Thoughts are created in the subconscious mind for the purpose of validating subconscious concepts we maintain. The thought then sets in motion the thinking and acting process.

There are multiple definitions of the word “discipline”. In addition to a way of gathering knowledge, another interpretation indicates the practice of training people to obey rules. To that end, I think all of us have been disciplined as children so we would follow and obey the rules and regulations. When we didn’t, there was a punishment.

One definition of discipline is with respect to creating a habit, a habitual way of doing something. In this case, we are going to talk about the 11 remaining specific disciplines. As you incorporate them into your life and make them a habit of doing, then that will manifest in a manner of being, which will further your growth and allow you to accomplish the things you truly want to accomplish. It will also allow you to begin to control, and eliminate the negative occurrences in your personal history. This will facilitate self love, not in an egotistical way but in the understanding that you are a part of the God Force and therefore deserve to be loved and to manifest love in all you do.

In our next installment we will discuss the Discipline of Thought.