Discipline

From Dilgo Kyentse Rinpoche’s teaching on ‘The Heart of Compassion – Instructions on the 37 Practices of a Boddhisattva’ by Ngulchu Togme p139.

“Discipline provides the ground upon which all positive qualities can be cultivated. In the same way that all the oceans and mountains are supported by the underlying mass of the earth all (virtuous) practices are supported by the backbone of discipline."

and from “The Words of My Perfect Teacher” by Paltrul Rinpoche

Transcendent discipline consists of avoiding negative actions, undertaking positive actions and bringing benefit to others.

Avoid Negative action

Avoid like poison all 10 negative actions of body speech and mind.

Undertake Positive actions

Do not take lightly small misdeeds, believing they can do no harm: even a tiny spark of fire can set alight a mountain of hay.

Do not take lightly small good deeds, believing they can hardly help: for drops of water one by one in time fill a giant pot.

Bringing Benefit to others

As a beginner, the way to bring benefit others is to dedicate to the benefit of all beings, all the practice you do while training in undertaking positive actions and avoiding negative ones.

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