Discipline allows who we  really are to be expressed

purpose on the spiritual path. In the tradition of yoga, discipline is seen as 

necessary to allow our inherent divine nature to be revealed. Discipline allows 

who we really are to be expressed; it frees the soul from the constraints of ego. 

Joy is found in this discipline because it supports the blossoming of ananda, or 

the soul’s bliss, and the revelation of our essential divine qualities. We practice 

discipline out of self-love and affirmation not out of self-hatred or condemna-

tion. We don’t practice self-discipline to improve ourselves; we practice self-

discipline to reveal the true Self, our inherent divinity. When we understand this 

as the highest purpose of spiritual discipline, it can become easeful. When we 

know that we do not have to try to create a spiritual condition, make ourselves 

spiritual or holy, we can be free from the distress and suffering that comes from a 

misguided sense of our nature. Then discipline is seen as support for living in the 

way that is worthy of us, consistent with our divine being. 

Years ago I came across a  cartoon in a magazine that showed a line drawing         

of a fellow who was stuffing himself with sweets. The caption read something 

like, “Ever since Albert heard the expression, ‘follow your bliss’ it’s been nothing 

but cannoli, cannoli, cannoli....” To mistake pleasure for bliss is a common 

mistake. When introduced to the concept that true discipline is to follow the 

soul’s joy, we may think, “Great, I can finally do what I want!” But of course, 

spiritual discipline requires us to discover what we really want, what it is that will 

bring lasting happiness and not just fleeting pleasure that later turns to pain. 

The soul is experienced as peaceful and pervaded with joy. This is the natural 

expression of its completeness as an individualized manifestation of God, the one 

Reality. Recognizing the soul’s peace and joy provides a reliable compass for us in 

our search for right discipline. 

“...spiritual discipline requires us to discover  

what we really want, what it is that will bring 

lasting happiness...”