Self-mastery entails self-discipline, but neither self-mastery nor self-discipline is a matter of applying superior force. It is not like a parent pushing a child to do her homework long enough that she finally grudgingly does it to avoid being scolded by her parents. Self-discipline can be developed joyfully rather than as a burden we impose on ourselves. It can become something we willingly embrace. This requires training – mind training. We need to recognize that our minds are big enough and can open wide enough to accept reality. We need to talk to our minds. The aim is for us to choose, wholeheartedly, to do what we know is the best thing to do.
17th Karmapa
from the book Interconnected: Embracing Life in Our Global Society
Read a random quote or see all quotes by the 17th Karmapa.
Further quotes from the book Interconnected:
- Outer and inner world
- Interdependent individual
- Freedom
- Knowing more is not a substitute for feeling more
- The best way to love oneself
- Gratitude
- Focusing on our inner interdependence
- A main condition for our selfishness
- Inner freedom is key
- His Loneliness
- Enthusiastically benefiting whomever we come in contact with
- Extending gratitude in all directions
- Limitless aspirations
- When we ignore our interdependence
- A Vast and Complex Web of Causality
- Our closest and most reliable allies
- The workings of interdependence
- An important source of closeness and love
- Webs of interdependence
- Enjoying the goodness of what you are doing