Epictetus' Three Disciplines
- Desire (Stoic Acceptance)what is proper or not to aim for?
- Action (Stoic Philanthropy) how we should behave towards others.
- Assent (Stoic Mindfulness) the ability to sanction, or not our impressions.
In Discourses, Epictetus explains this in true Stoic fashion:
“There are three things in which a man ought to exercise himself who would be wise and good. The first concerns the desires and the aversions, that a man may not fail to get what he desires, and that he may not fall into that which he does not desire. The second concerns the movements (toward) and the movements from an object, and generally in doing what a man ought to do, that he may act according to order, to reason, and not carelessly. The third thing concerns freedom from deception and rashness in judgement, and generally it concerns the assents.” (Discourses, III.2)
A thorough exploration of the Three Disciplines can be found in French scholar, Pierre Hadot’s The Inner Citadel (1998). Hadot explains in detail how all three disciplines are meant to help us live in harmony. According to Hadot the discipline of desire is living in harmony with the nature of the universe as a whole. This involves acceptance of our Fate as necessary and unavoidable, what Hadot calls Amor Fati, loving acceptance of one’s fate.
DISCIPLINE OF DESIRE
The Stoic discipline of desire requires exercising the cardinal virtues of Courage and Temperance. As Epictetus says “endure and renounce”. The discipline of Desire illustrates what our focus, our desire should be. Desiring only that which is within our control (because you have certainty of obtaining it and not things outside your control (because there’s uncertainty and disappointment). This is the essence of the Dichotomy of Control. And from the Enchiridion:
“Seek not for events to happen as you wish but wish events to happen as they do and your life will go smoothly and serenely.”
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion and in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and in one word, whatever are not our own actions...
If it concerns anything not in our control, be prepared to say that it is nothing to you.” (Enchiridion, I)
DISCIPLINE OF ACTION
The Stoic discipline of action derives from the topic of Ethics and how we should interact with our fellow mankind. Wishing “happiness” (eudaimonia) and benevolence towards each other with a Stoic detachment since we cannot directly control someone’s happiness outside of ourselves. Hadot states that the discipline of action is the application to daily living of the Stoic topic of ethics. Stoic ethic defines what is good, bad, and indifferent. On the discipline of action Marcus Aurelius refers to the three clauses Stoics should consider when appropriating their actions:
That they are undertaken “with a reserve clause” (hupexairesis) That they are “for the common welfare” of mankind (koinônikai) That they “accord with value” (kat’ axian)
Another fine distillation on the Stoic discipline of action can be summarized in a quote from Marcus Aurelius which has become a common Stoic exercise for contemplation and meditation as you start your day. This involves the Stoic practice of negative visualization to prepare your mind for any adversities you may face during the day.
“Say to yourself at the start of the day, I shall meet with meddling, ungrateful, violent, treacherous, envious, and unsociable people. They are subject to all these defects because they have no knowledge of good and bad. But I, who have observed the nature of the good, and seen that it is the right; and of the bad, and seen that it is the wrong; and of the wrongdoer himself, and seen that his nature is akin to my own—not because he is of the same blood and seed, but because he shares as I do in mind and thus in a portion of the divine—I, then, can neither be harmed by these people, nor become angry with one who is akin to me, nor can I hate him, for we have come into being to work together, like feet, hands, eyelids, or the two rows of teeth in our upper and lower jaws. To work against one another is therefore contrary to nature; and to be angry with another person and turn away from him is surely to work against him.” (Meditations 2.1)
DISCIPLINE OF ASSENT
The Stoics seek to understand each passing emotion to give assent or dissent. The discipline of Assent falls under the Stoic topic of Logic according to Hadot. In our modern world Stoic logic culminates elements of psychology or epistemology. Having a constant watch over the fortress of the mind involved the Stoic practice of prosochê which was paying attention at every moment to the ruling faculty of the mind. Measuring your actions, judgements and perceptions with the Stoic virtue of Wisdom which is linked to the discipline of assent. The practice of prosochê is a wonderful type of Stoic Mindfulness to stay sharp and vigilant as watchman over your thoughts and actions. As Epictetus said to his students that the prokopton (a practicing Stoic on the path to become a sage) should not be surprise by unexamined impressions, ideally not even in his sleep.
Featured collection
PROSOCHÉ - BLACK VOLCANIC & TIGER'S EYE BRACELET
$188.00
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Prosoché is the attitude and practice of attention. An important fundamental Stoic practice of having a continuous presence of mind and being an ever-vigilant watchmen in your actions from moment to moment. Adorn yourself with the Prosoché Black Volcanic & Tiger's Eye Bracelet and invoke the spirit of Prosoché with full awareness and attention in all your daily matters.
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ARETE - BLACK VOLCANIC & CARNELIAN BRACELET
$188.00
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In ancient Greek philosophy Arete represents excellence in any form. Living in accordance with nature, your highest moral virtue and your fullest positive potential is embodying Arete. Wear the Arete Black Volcanic & Carnelian Bracelet to invoke the power of excellence in all forms.
- Black Volcanic - Grounding stone that strengthens one's connection to Mother Earth. Bestows strength and courage, allowing stability through times of change
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EUDAIMON TEE
$38.00
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Eudaimon is a term that greek philosophers used to define the cultivation of virtue, the pursuit of human flourishing and the fulfillment of our potential as human beings. In Greek, "Eu" means "good" and "Daimon" means "soul". As you wear the Eudaimon tee remember to have a good relationship with your soul.
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- All inks used are water-based and eco-friendly. If you notice a slight new shirt scent, due to our eco-friendly printing process don't worry it will disappear after the first wash.
ARETE TEE
$38.00
-
In ancient Greek philosophy Arete represents excellence in any form. Living in accordance with nature, your highest moral virtue and your fullest positive potential is embodying Arete. Wear the Arete tee and invoke the power of excellence in all forms.
- Super Soft Tee
- Soft Print
- Fabrication: 4.3 oz., 100% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton
- All inks used are water-based and eco-friendly. If you notice a slight new shirt scent, due to our eco-friendly printing process don't worry it will disappear after the first wash.
EUDAIMONIA PRINT 24X36
$300.00
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EUDAIMONIA is a term that greek philosophers used to define the cultivation of virtue, the pursuit of human flourishing and the fulfillment of our potential as human beings. Purchase the EUDAIMONIA print by WARRIOR OF THE MIND and cultivate the living embodiment of happiness, human flourishing, and fulfillment.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
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- Size: 24x36, Height 36 inches, Width 24 inches
EQUANIMITY PRINT 24X36
$300.00
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The EQUANIMITY print will empower you to have a balanced mental composure amid chaos and remain undisturbed with fortitude of the mind. When faced with adversity respond with EQUANIMITY. Purchase the EQUANIMITY print by WARRIOR OF THE MIND as a constant reminder to protect the fortress of your mind with a calm and balanced mental equilibrium.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 24x36, Height 36 inches, Width 24 inches
PROSOCHÉ PRINT 24X36
$300.00
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PROSOCHĒ is the attitude and practice of attention. An important fundamental Stoic practice of having a continuous presence of mind and being an ever-vigilant watchmen in your actions from moment to moment. Purchase the PROSOCHĒ print by WARRIOR OF THE MIND and invoke the spirit of PROSOCHĒ with full awareness and attention in all your daily matters.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 24x36, Height 36 inches, Width 24 inches
ARETE PRINT 24X36
$300.00
-
In ancient Greek philosophy ARETE represents excellence in any form. Living in accordance with nature, your highest moral virtue and your fullest positive potential is embodying ARETE. Purchase the ARETE print by WARRIOR OF THE MIND and invoke the power of excellence in all forms.
This canvas print has a vivid, fade-resistant print that you're bound to fall in love with.
- Fade-resistant
- 20.5 mil thick poly-cotton blend canvas
- Hand-stretched over solid wood stretcher bars
- Matte finish coating
- Size: 24x36, Height 36 inches, Width 24 inches
EUDAIMON - BLACK VOLCANIC & CHRYSOPRASE BRACELET
$188.00
-
Eudaimon is a term that greek philosophers used to define the cultivation of virtue, the pursuit of human flourishing and the fulfillment of our potential as human beings. In Greek, "Eu" means "good" and "Daimon" means "soul". As you wear the Eudaimon Black Volcanic & Chrysoprase Bracelet remember to have a good relationship with your soul.
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EUTHYMIA - BLACK VOLCANIC & AMAZONITE BRACELET
$188.00
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Euthymia represents a calm confidence knowing you are own the right path. With clarity, courage and self-awareness you can move forward fearlessly. Stay the course you have set and experience an energized tranquility from living an authentic fulfilled life. Wear the Euthymia Black Volcanic & Amazonite Bracelet to invoke a resolute confidence on your chosen path.
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HEROS - BLACK VOLCANIC & BLOODSTONE BRACELET
$188.00
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In Greek "Heros" means protector and is the root origin of Hero. The Heros bracelet reminds you to step up serve and protect. Wear the Heros Black Volcanic & Bloodstone Bracelet as a reminder to embody the qualities and character of a hero.
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EQUANIMITY - BLACK VOLCANIC & SODALITE BRACELET
$188.00
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The Equanimity bracelet will remind you to have a balanced mental composure amid chaos and remain undisturbed with fortitude of the mind. When faced with adversity respond with Equanimity. Wear the Equanimity Black Volcanic & Sodalite Bracelet as a constant reminder to protect the fortress of your mind with a calm and balanced mental equilibrium.
- Black Volcanic - Grounding stone that strengthens one's connection to Mother Earth. Bestows strength and courage, allowing stability through times of change
- Sodalite - Encourages rational thought, objectivity, truth and intuition. Brings emotional balance, enhances self-esteem and promotes calmness
Warrior Invocation II
WARRIOR INVOCATION II, RULE YOUR DAY by setting your state to the proper frequency. Invoke and AWAKEN THE WARRIOR WITHIN!!
