Loving Relationships 

Discipline by Love

March 8, 2010

Discipline is not a word that most people like, because it sounds harsh. However, there is also a loving kind of discipline, wherein discipline means making oneself obedient to something that will elevate one in a spiritual sense. In Srila Prabhupada's words, "there is no disciple without discipline". It is kind of self-evident. How can one be a disciple without being disciplined? So, discipline is a voluntary function, one in which we submit to the instruction or the understanding that is being imparted.

The classic example of this is Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini. Pradyumna had an ideal attitude of servitude unto his father, Krishna. When Pradyumna wanted something, if Krishna did not want that, Pradyumna would decide to give up his desire for that something. And, the other way around: When Pradyuma did not want to do something but Krishna wanted it, then Pradyumna would do it. So, it was discipline or obedience out of love...In this world, there is no real love because love means without any condition. Similarly, discipline is without any condition and is out of love.

Narada as a small boy was brought to that kind of discipline. Discipline is by love and not by a stick...The qualification to receive is discipline. In order to have a loving relationship with someone, we have to receive the love that they are extending. Acknowledge and feel it. Without receiving, we cannot be in a loving relationship. In this case, Narada as a student was receiving from the Bhakivedantas. In our case, how are we to receive from a spiritual teacher or a spiritual master? Suta Goswami and Srila Prabhupada are giving us the formula in this verse. Three things are required - "without being self-controlled, without being disciplined and without being fully obedient, no one can become successful in following the instructions of the spiritual master, and without doing so, no one is able to go back to Godhead." That is just the beginning and the mature stage is love...So, if we want the mature fruit, we need to take to this process.

-- From a lecture by HH Romapada Swami on 'Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.24', delivered on July 2009, in California, US.