I have heard more than 100 times from my teacher telling us that the best and surest way to succeed on the path of Yoga is to have Discipline.

He also used to tell us that the person who has disciplined themselves will get the “right guidance at the right time from the masters”.

The ancient texts, such as the Upanishads, emphasize the importance of self-discipline as a fundamental prerequisite for the journey towards enlightenment.

One of the stories that I remember whenever we talk about discipline is, a curious traveler came upon a potter who was shaping wet clay into pots on his wheel.

Looking very fascinated, the traveler inquired about the potter’s process. The potter explained that after shaping the pots, he would carefully place them in a hot furnace to bake until they hardened into sturdy vessels.

Seeing some unbaked pots nearby, the traveler jested, “Those soft pots over there seem quite useless. Why not just throw them away?”

The wise potter smiled and replied, “Ah, but those ‘useless’ soft pots are not the finished product. They must go through the fire of the furnace, enduring intense heat with discipline and patience. Only then will they emerge as strong, beautiful pots capable of holding precious contents.

The moral of this story exactly matches with the yogic concept of discipline. Just as the unbaked clay pots lack ability to hold anything precious, an undisciplined mind and body cannot contain the precious jewels of self-realization.

Discipline is the only transformative power that can transform and mold the practitioner, enabling them to become a worthy vessel for the ultimate spiritual treasures.

The Essence of Discipline in Yoga

Discipline in Yoga is not a suppressing force but rather a liberating practice that helps individuals to unfold their true potential.

It is a commitment to self-growth and a dedication to the principles that guide one towards inner tranquility and clarity.

Sage Patanjali, also mentions about Discipline in Yoga Sutras, in Sutra 2.1

तपःस्वाध्यायेश्वरप्रणिधानानि क्रियायोगः॥१॥

tapaḥ svādhyāy-eśvarapraṇidhānāni

kriyā-yogaḥ

The practice of yoga consists of self-discipline (tapas), self-study (svadhyaya) and surrendering the fruits of action to God or unshakeable faith in the guiding and protecting power of God (ishvara pranidhana).

When it comes to discipline, it applies to every aspects of our lives.

Physical Discipline: Practicing asanas (postures) and pranayama (breath control), especially in a Sangha(group). This discipline cultivates strength, flexibility, and balance in the body, preparing it for the deeper practices of Yoga.

Mental Discipline: Balancing the mind to remain focused, calm, and present through meditation practices. This discipline quiets the always chattering mind, allowing one to really see whats happening within.

Ethical Discipline: Adhering to the ethical principles of Yoga, such as non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), etc. This discipline aligns one’s actions with the highest values, purifying at the level of thoughts.

Lifestyle Discipline: Adopting a balanced and mindful approach to daily routine, diet, and habits. This discipline fosters overall well-being and creates a suitable environment for spiritual growth.

Discipline in Yoga is not a limitation but a gateway to freedom — freedom from the restless mind, freedom from negative habits, and freedom to achieve the highest potential of one’s true nature.

As the ancient Yoga texts remind us, “You have the capacity to unfold yourself and lead yourself to a state of tranquility.”

Discipline is the tool that helps individuals remove the fog of ignorance and reach the ultimate truth that resides within.

By committing to the practice of discipline, one kindles the inner flame, illuminating the path towards self-realization and enabling the attainment of the ultimate goal of Yoga — the union of the individual self with the universal consciousness.