Discipline & Intent
Posted on April 26, 2007 By OneMysticalMonkey
A double-whammy of an idea today: Discipline and Intent… or is it?
According to the dictionary, the definition of “Discipline” emphasizes training, control, or a penalization for inadequate control or for not adhering to a set of rules. And usually we humans think of all these things in an external way: reprimanding our kids or pets or subordinates, and perhaps the kind of determination and drawn out training associated with the acquisition of specific skills (dance, martial arts, sometimes even with educational pursuits, etc.). While “Intent”, according to the dictionary, is basically the act of intending or designing actions or events toward a specific goal. And again, we tend to apply this definition toward an outward, external result or physical goal.
Both these terms certainly have applications in the physical, but in the metaphysical/spiritual realms, they seem to take on a whole new tenor of meanings. There is the discipline of internal study, the discipline of getting to the zafu daily, the intense self-discipline of actually meditating (instead of zoning out) once you are sitting, the post-meditation discipline of mindfulness, and more. So where does “Intent” come in to all that? Everywhere!
What is your intent as you approach the meditation cushion? Is it actual mindfulness meditation (which approach?), chakra meditation, the meditation of reflection, is it gaining insight and guidance from the spirit realm, healing, relaxation, something else? Do you even know what your intent is each time you exert the physical discipline and go to the zafu to sit?
Intent goes hand-in-hand with the manifestation of reality, and maintaining awareness of intent -on all levels, and at all times- is where the discipline comes in. True mindfulness, from personal experience, is the discipline of being aware of your intent (obvious and subtle thoughts) as well as being aware of your actions – all the time.
I can’t always manage that definition, but from experience, identifying and solidifying my intent goes a long way towards the success of my goal – whether it’s applied toward a meditation session, getting the offer from a job interview, or anything else. It’s also why I sometimes find myself approaching the zafu several times a day, each time with a different intent in mind. Identifying my intent, and then applying discipline (or applying intent to the discipline?), helps focus my efforts on the cushion… and often provides more immediate and satisfying results.
Namaste!
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