Discipline is a means to an end, not an end in itself.
I
The primary aspect of discipline is reliability: when we say we are going to do something, we do – for a certainty. Discipline confers effectuality in time: reliability, repeatability, and responsibility.
The musician has three disciplines: of the hands, the head, and the heart. Taken together, these form one discipline.
II
Discipline implies indiscipline: unreliability, irresponsibility and arbitrariness.
III
We usually associate discipline with being able to do something. Discipline also means, being able to do nothing.
Discipline also means being able to respond to the initiatives of others: ie to support others in their work.
IV
There are different qualities, or degrees, of discipline. There are the disciplines of the mechanic, the professional, the master and the genius.
The discipline of the mechanic addresses maintenance.
The discipline of the professional addresses renovation.
The discipline of the master addresses innovation.
The discipline of the genius addresses the creative act.
V
Discipline is significant. With discipline, the impossible becomes possible. In time, discipline enables us to take on the work of our own teachers.
VI
Discipline also enables us to repeat ourselves.
Beginners’ Luck is fine for beginners. Beginners don't know what they can't do, so the impossible is available. This is also a characteristic of mastery: the assumption of innocence within a field of experience.
The master knows what they can do, and also the parameters of their competence, what they can't do.
The master also knows that what they can do has already been done, and lacks the creative element that makes life worth living. The master has faith in the Creative Impulse that gave rise to the way, or the path of their particular discipline. Their competence becomes a springboard, to take them to the edge – and then they jump.
VII
Seven Assumptions for work in the Circle:
Intention
Presence
Goodwill
Common Practice
Playing In Tune
Playing In Time
Listening
The Eight and invisible Assumption is the assumption of virtue. If we are unable to define the characteristics of discipline, or the attributes of the person with an established discipline, discipline will elude us.
VIII
Discipline is also a process.
This process has a beginning, middle and end. Each of these three stages also have a beginning, middle and end. This gives nine stages in all.
IX
There is a creative element in discipline.
X
Discipline has its own necessity.
XI
Establishing a discipline is personal and individual.
XII
The future requires groups, communities and societies which are themselves disciplined and able to work as a whole.
So, how to develop a disciplined group? By establishing a personal discipline.
May 21st. 2012
Hotel Acceptable, Tremont Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
