The 9th Step: Artfulness in Conduct
(Discipline)
A snarp sword without a sheath, or a hand-grenade without a firing pin; both can be equally advantageous or disadvantageous to the handler. This is due to the lack of a controlling mechanism or safe-guard. Likewise, wisdom and ability of oneself can help to subdue all obstacles and also shape one to be a highly creative person. For those who lack discipline, disaster will be the only outcome.
To safeguard oneself or others from troubles, both qualities of wisdom and ability must be artfully applied with discipline. A person who lacks discipline would not be able to consider what is proper or improper, what should be said or left unsaid, what should be seen or not seen. As a result, he is prone to choose or engage himself in the wrong acts which lead to destruction.
Discipline can be acquired by regularly keeping the Five Precepts and following the customs of society and the law. Such practices ensure peace and harmony in society and protect many from harm.
