7 Principles of Enlightenment - Part 4 of 7

Discipline

What does discipline mean to you? As a child we were all taught about discipline - answer when an adult asks you a question, treat people with respect, behave when you are around a table, Ladies first (one of the more important ones for me)....

But it seems that this new generation may have lost their way somewhere, and I hope some of them read the following to give them a better view on what life really is about...

Live with Discipline

a. The Wisdom

i. Discipline is built by consistently performing small acts of courage;

ii. The more you nurture the embryo of self-discipline, the more it will mature;

iii. Willpower is the essential virtue of a fully actualized life.

b. The Techniques

i. Mantras/Creative Envisioning

Repeat this at least thirty times a day: 'I am more than I appear to be, all the world's strength and power rests inside me.' See yourself as a disciplined, firm person, fully in control of your mind, your body and your spirit. Picture yourself acting as Gandhi or Mother Teresa might act in a challenging situation.

ii. The Vow of Silence

Spend some time or a full day in silence, except to answer a direct question. When you can hold your tongue, you can increase the control of your body.

c. Quote

Wage war against the weaker thoughts that have crept into the palace of your mind. They will see that they are unwanted and leave like unwelcome visitors.

7 Principles of Enlightenment - Part 3 of 7

Hey everyone...

This part is my favorite right now, it revolves around the practice of a Japanese Philosophy called "KaiZen"

The word KAI means Change, The word ZEN means Good, combined the word Kaizen means Continual Improvement.

in other words never stop moving forward, always find a way to continue moving forward, continuously improve yourself.

3. Practice Kaizen

a. The Wisdom

i. Self-Mastery is the DNA of life mastery;

ii. Success on the outside begins within;

iii. Enlightenment comes through the consistent cultivation of your mind, body and soul.

b. The Techniques

i. Do the things you fear

Do the things you fear, and the death of fear is certain.

ii. The 10 Ancient Rituals for Radiant Living

(a) Ritual of Solitude, spends 15 to 50 minutes daily for a time of silence and peace to know who you really are;

(b) Ritual of Physicality, as you care for the body so you care for the mind. As you prepare your body, so you prepare your mind. As you train your body, so you train your mind. Take some time every single day to nourish the temple of your body through vigorous exercise.

(c) Ritual of Live Nourishment, fill your plate with fresh vegetables, fruits and grains.

(d) Ritual of Abundant Knowledge, read regularly. Reading for thirty minutes a day will do wonders for you. But do not read any subject matters. Be specific and focus.

(e) Ritual of Personal Reflection, review all you have done during the day, find the wrong action that you have committed and find a way to solve it and not to repeat the next day. Find the right action during the day and savor it more.

(f) Ritual of Early Awakening, rise from your bed as the sun is rising. You do not need to sleep 8 hours a day. The key thing is to improve the quality of your sleep and get up early every day.

(g) Ritual of Music, never forget the power of music. Spend a little time with it every day, even if it is listening to a soft piece on a cassette while you drive to work. When you feel down or weary, play some music. It is one of the finest motivators.

(h) Ritual of the Spoken Word, develop a positive self-talk. Use it anytime you want for any purpose you want to achieve. Words transform your life.

(i) Ritual of Congruent Character, take daily, incremental action to build your character. Strengthening your character affects the way you see yourself and the actions you take. The actions you take come together to form your habits and, this is important, your habits lead you to your destiny. 'You sow a thought, you reap an action. Reap an action, you sow a habit. Sow a habit, you reap a character. Sow a character, you reap your destiny.'

(j) Ritual of Simplicity, live a simple life. Reduce your needs and be content with less.

c. Quote

The Universe favors the brave. When you resolve to lift your life to its highest level, the strength of your soul will guide you to a magical place with magnificent treasures.

7 Principles of Enlightenment - Part 2 of 7

Well hey there, I guess this has been a bit delayed but i was actually on Holiday in the Mother City Cape Town, but any way lets get right back into the 2nd step towards enlightenment.

2. Follow Your Purpose

a. The Wisdom

i. The purpose of life is a life of purpose;

ii. Discovering and then realizing your lifework brings lasting fulfillment;

iii. Set clearly defined personal, professional and spiritual goals, and then have the courage to act on them;

b. The Techniques

i. The Power of Self-Examination
Know your goals. Write it down on paper. Goals that are not written down are not goals at all.

ii. The 5 Step Method for Attaining Goals
Step one is to have a clear vision of your outcome.

Step two is to create positive pressure to keep you inspired. 

The third step is a simple one: never set a goal without attaching a timeline to it. 

Step four is  staying with your goal for 21 days. After you do your daily activities for 21 days nonstop, then it will become your habit. 

Step five is to enjoy the process.

c. Quote
Never forget the importance of living with unbridled exhilaration. Never neglect to see the exquisite beauty in all living things. Today, and this very moment, is a gift. Stay focused on your purpose. The Universe will take care of everything else.