As We Leave Superficial Factors
Aside, We Strengthen Our Inner Will
Carlos Cardoso Aveline
Self-discipline enables the learner to be happy with a modest life
The student of esoteric philosophy must thank life every day, if he faces difficulties and obstacles, because these are sure signs that he is putting aside the path of illusion. On the other hand, whenever his life gets too comfortable he must regret the fact and expand alertness.
No practitioner of theosophical philosophy can know of what substance his soul is made, if he is not willing to confront difficult moments.
Laziness and indulgence are serious problems, often disguised under the appearance of “common sense” and “moderation”. They can be easily removed once a comfortable routine is broken and challenging tests appear.
Self-discipline is the voluntary abandonment of superfluous elements in life. It strengthens one’s will. It makes external difficulties easier to understand and reduces their power. Once the student renounces indulgence, he starts to easily achieve goals which others see as extremely difficult.
A self-disciplined pilgrim is happy with a modest life, but nothing is enough to the lazy person. When one is not able to accomplish any significant goal, his desires and wishes get exaggerated. If an individual does not limit himself, he will be limited by life.
Whenever our difficulties seem too harsh, we are probably being too soft on ourselves. Self-discipline is a safe source of humility and peace. It leads to bliss. Thanks to it, lucid persons embrace voluntary simplicity.
Self-restraint in daily habits enables one to hear the voice of his own conscience. In order to attain inner simplicity, true self-knowledge is necessary. The knowledge of our spiritual soul results from correct action and a fundamental (not necessarily apparent) harmony with all life.
The combination of simplicity and knowledge produces an open mind and an honest heart, and stimulates a sense of inner freedom. Ultimately, self-discipline leads to freedom, while non-discipline paves the way to the absence of liberty.
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The above text was published as an independent item in the associated websites on 18 April 2022, being reproduced from “The Aquarian Theosophist”, May 2021, pp. 1-2.
Although “The Blessing of Self-Discipline” it not a literal translation, it presents the same contents of the Portuguese language article “O Papel da Autodisciplina”.
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See the text “A Prayer for Those Who Heal”.
Read other writings of Carlos Cardoso Aveline.
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Helena Blavatsky (photo) wrote these words: “Deserve, then desire”.
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