I resolve to refrain from ignorance. 

Instead, I will disciple myself and 

calm my mind so that I can act from wisdom. 

“Why?” It’s a common enough question, one we’ve asked ourselves numerous times. Examples: Why did I say what I did? Why did I do that? Why did I even have the thought to do so in the first place?

Because of our ignorance—our lack of knowing and understanding. Either we didn’t know better. (But we often do.) Or we haven’t yet grasped the harm we can inflict on others and ourselves when our careless behavior arises from what we’re feeling.

Sometimes emotions are helpful. For instance, when in danger, we experience fear and frantically cast about for a way to escape.

But much of the time, our emotions just get us into trouble. We cultivate to discipline ourselves. Doing so successfully, we no longer need to worry about or be embarrassed by what we just did. Our mind will begin to calm down. When it is tranquil, like still water, our wisdom will bubble up, and we will naturally do what is right.