The word discipline is sparingly used in Zen yet, after repenting discipline is the process for transiting from ignorance to liberation. I’ll define discipline as a way of life whereas a person is deliberate as to (a) ethical conduct (sila), (b) mental discipline (samadhi) and (c) wisdom (panna). We say a disciple is following a path unfolding by way of training with a teacher. I was taught by my teacher Taiun Elliston-roshi, that we are all disciples of Buddha and may have many teachers.
Right effort (samma vanya) is the energetic will (1) to prevent evil and unwholesome states of mind from arising, and (2) to get rid of such evil and unwholesome states that have already arisen within a man, and also (3) to produce, to cause to arise, good, and wholesome states of mind not yet arisen, and (4) to develop and bring to perfection the good and wholesome states of mind already present in a man. (Source)
By looking at repentance, mental disciple, ethical conduct, and then prajnana (panna) we can explore the unfolding of cause and effect. By accepting and acknowledging our ill-karma, we demonstrate willingness which in turn is an attitudinal shift to samadhi. This ongoing experiential movement shifts behavior into reduction of body, speech and mind actions that cause suffering.
As a disciple of the Buddha in our Zen tradition we live as bodhisattvas walking the middle way vowing to save all beings, end all delusions and enter all Dharma gates. We are mindful of doing so without being consumed by the process. Overall mindfulness leads to insight that seems fulid. This unfolding sense of interconnecting is prajana paramita.
Bowing Sangaku