- Self-Control:
- Teaching: “Talk to yourself at least once in a day. Otherwise, you may miss meeting an excellent person in this world.”
- Elaboration: Encourage children to take a moment each day to reflect on their actions and thoughts. This practice helps them develop self-awareness and the ability to control their impulses. By understanding their own strengths and weaknesses, children can better regulate their behavior, making thoughtful and disciplined choices. Self-control is the foundation of all disciplined actions.
- Perseverance:
- Teaching: “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.”
- Elaboration: Teach children the value of relentless effort and perseverance. Life will present obstacles and challenges, but with determination, they can overcome anything. Encourage them to set goals and work tirelessly towards them. This quote inspires children to stay focused, work hard, and never give up, instilling a disciplined mindset that success comes through persistent effort and resilience.
- Responsibility:
- Teaching: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”
- Elaboration: Guide children to understand the importance of commitment and responsibility. When they take on a task, they should give it their all, dedicating themselves fully to it. This focus and dedication teach them to be disciplined in managing their responsibilities, ensuring they give their best effort in everything they do. It’s about cultivating a deep sense of duty and ownership over their actions.
- Respect for Time:
- Teaching: “All power is within you; you can do anything and everything. Believe in that; do not believe that you are weak. Stand up and express the divinity within you.”
- Elaboration: Instill in children the value of time management and punctuality. Teach them that respecting time is respecting their own potential and the opportunities they have. By managing their time wisely, they can achieve great things. This quote empowers children to recognize their inner strength and use their time effectively to harness their potential, fostering a disciplined approach to their daily lives.
- Moral Integrity:
- Teaching: “You have to grow from the inside out. None can teach you, none can make you spiritual. There is no other teacher but your own soul.”
- Elaboration: Emphasize the importance of moral integrity and ethical behavior. Teach children to listen to their conscience and act with honesty and integrity. Discipline is not just about external actions but also about internal values. By fostering a strong moral compass, children learn to make disciplined choices that reflect their true character, building trust and respect in their relationships and community.
These teachings of Swami Vivekananda are not only powerful but also timeless, providing a solid foundation for children to develop discipline in various aspects of their lives.
