This month, for the Paramita Project, we’re going to be practicing shila (or sila) which is translated as discipline, self-discipline, ethics, or morality. Basically, shila is the act of living so that your values are reflected in your actions. It means trying to be a person of integrity, whose inner life and beliefs are in harmony with her outer life of words and actions.
Shila literally means “cool and peaceful,” which is not usually the way we imagine words like discipline. We’re more likely to imagine it like a straight-jacket, or an overly strict and intimidating to-do list. Lama Surya Das says shila is like a tree that provides shade for us from the scorching sun. It keeps us from getting burned. In this case, what gets us “burned” is our unchecked desires and emotions, and a lack of structure or rhythm in our lives. Shila is there to provide us with a place to gather ourselves. Das describes shila as “living more wisely, compassionately, and harmoniously among others on an everyday basis.” Discipline is a way we provide structure to what we value and care about the most, so we can live into it more fully.
Sounds great, right? But, how? Well, there are three ways to practice shila:
1) Restrain from things that are not virtuous. In other words, avoid doing harm. Some people say, “Do no harm,” which is great if you really want to stretch yourself. I’ve found that tends to overwhelm people, so it feels more manageable to think about doing your best to avoid harming others. Trust me, that’s a lofty enough goal! For some, this means becoming a vegetarian. Others investigate their purchases (food, clothing, and other products) to see how they’re made and where they’re made and whether the people who grow them and make them are being treated and paid fairly. But avoiding harm also means interpersonal things, like watching your tongue and your tone, refraining from violence, and not stirring up drama or conflict.
2) Accumulate positive qualities. In other words, do good. This is, of course, the inverse of “do no harm.” It means making choices that bring about good in the world, whether it’s limiting your gas usage in your car or lowering your energy consumption, volunteering at a local nonprofit, offering help to those who need it, or supporting causes you believe in. It’s also an inner practice. We soul ninja know that we accumulate positive qualities by practicing them, so doing good also means practicing qualities like patience, compassion, thoughtfulness, and generosity. Remember, generosity is the foundation of all the paramitas for a reason. It helps us practice discipline because it helps us FEEL the connection we have with others. And when we feel that, we’ll be more willing and capable of treating that connection in a way that does good.
3) Live in selfless service and benefit to others. In other words, be beneficial to all. This is the accumulation and goal of the first two forms of shila. It’s a boundless commitment to doing what is best for all, rather than thinking only of yourself. The philosopher Confucius said it this way: a great person practices true morality, seeking good for all, while a small person practices only that which brings personal advantage and profit. Unfortunately, we live in a world where many choose to be small. Living in selfless service requires us to remember that we’re all connected, and that we rise together and fall together.
As I embark on this month of practicing discipline, I’m not sure what it will look like for me. One thing I know I need to work on is aligning my care for the earth with my daily choices. To be honest, I tend to go in phases with my eco-friendliness practices. Sometimes I’m pretty diligent about thinking through my choices, and sometimes I’ll find I’ve gotten lazy and fallen back into wasteful habits. (The worst? Takeout food and to-go coffee cups. UGH.) I hope this month will give me a reason to examine where I can do better and create some ways to make that more consistently possible. Here’s one small thing our family did recently, as an example: we bought an electronic sprinkler system that monitors the water level in the soil. That way, if it has rained, or if the soil isn’t dry, the sprinklers automatically know not to run. We’ve only had it for a few months, and the water savings have been dramatic. Who knew?! I’m all for using technology and gadgets as tools of good discipline. If it does good, it’s probably a worthwhile investment.
I’ll be curious to hear how you are practicing discipline in your own life this month. Leave me a comment here or on Instagram along the way and let me know how it’s going!
