In the last Mantra101 blog post, we explored different philosophies’ approaches to the concept of discipline. In this Mantra 101 blog post, we will be diving deeper into this topic, analyzing Buddhism’s, Utilitarianism’s, Hedonism’s, and Nihilism’s responses to the matter.

4. Buddhism

Founded in ancient India, Buddhism is centered around the Four Noble Truths, which diagnose human suffering and its causes, and the Eightfold Path, which offers a method to end the aforementioned suffering. Buddhism emphasizes meditation, moral conduct, and insight, and posits that the ultimate goal in life is to achieve enlightenment, or Nirvana: essentially, a Buddhist argues that if one follows the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, they will achieve Nirvana.

In Buddhism, discipline (often referred to as ‘Sila’ in Pali) is integral to the path of enlightenment. The Eightfold Path, which guides Buddhists towards Nirvana, begins with Right View and Right Intention—both requiring a disciplined mind. Meditation, mindfulness, and adherence to moral precepts are all forms of discipline that help in the cessation of suffering.

Buddhism approaches self-discipline primarily through the practice of meditation and asceticism. By understanding the impermanent nature of desires and the root causes of suffering, one can cultivate a disciplined mind. The Eightfold Path outlines practices that require rigorous self-discipline, including right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

5. Utilitarianism

A consequentialist (the ends always justify the means) philosophy, utilitarianism asserts that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, generally defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number. It’s often associated with hedonic calculations, weighing pleasure against pain.

From a utilitarian perspective, advocated by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, discipline might be viewed through the lens of the ‘greatest good’. In other words, if practicing discipline leads to the greatest happiness for the greatest number, then it is a worthy endeavor (think, let’s say, living a disciplined life as a farmer provides food for many people) . However, if discipline becomes oppressive or overly restrictive, it could be counter-productive from a utilitarian standpoint (think, dystopian governments that enforce work quotas).

On the other hand, existentialists like Sartre and de Beauvoir prioritize individual freedom, this freedom comes with responsibility. In existential thought, self-discipline could be viewed as the commitment to live authentically, fully embracing one’s freedom and the consequences of one’s choices.

6. Hedonism

Contrary to popular misconceptions about hedonism, the philosophy isn’t about indulgence without restraint. For instance, while enjoying good food can be pleasurable, overindulging can lead to discomfort or health problems. Hedonism values pleasure or happiness is the highest “good”, or thing in life. There are various forms, but at its core, hedonism asserts that individuals are primarily motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain (they think of pleasure vs pain in the terms of net gain).

Epicureanism, a branch of hedonism, posits that discipline can lead to the highest form of pleasure: a life free from pain and mental disturbance. For Epicurus and his followers, discipline is essential: some temporary self-denials and discipline could lead to a more sustained, tranquil happiness. Not every pleasure should be pursued, and not every pain should be avoided. It requires discipline to assess which pleasures are worth seeking, especially when immediate pleasures might lead to long-term pain. For instance, the pleasure of laziness might be immediately gratifying, but in the long run, it could lead to missed opportunities and regrets.

7. The Existentialist-Nihilist Intersection

Originating in the 19th century, nihilism posits that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value. The term “nihilism” originates from the Latin word “nihil,” which means “nothing.” It can manifest in many ways, including rejection of religious and moral principles or a belief that life lacks order or meaning. This perspective challenges religious, moral, and societal structures that claim to offer absolute or universal truths.

While existentialism emphasizes personal meaning, nihilism questions or denies inherent meaning in life. From a nihilistic viewpoint, discipline could be seen as arbitrary or even meaningless. However, some existentialist-nihilist thinkers argue that in the absence of inherent meaning, self-imposed discipline can create personal structure and purpose.

Conclusion

The concept of discipline is vast and multi-faceted, and various philosophical traditions offer unique insights into its value and implementation. Whether seen as a path to personal virtue, societal harmony, individual authenticity, or even the highest pleasure, discipline remains a topic of enduring relevance and intrigue. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, these perspectives can offer guidance and clarity on our journey towards self-improvement and understanding.