In the Gospels we have many memorable disciplines Jesus gives to the apostles. For example:
"Turn the other cheek."
"Carry neither purse nor scrip."
These are disciplines Jesus puts on the apostles. They are recommended to them early in Jesus' ministry. Generally, in our modern view, we tend to interpret these from a moral perspective. But, there may be a more sophisticated way to understand them.
Something interesting in the Gospels is how Jesus contradicts these same disciplines at another time. Late in his ministry, Jesus tells his disciples, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one."
Why the contradiction?
I would argue that this has to do with the training necessary in the spiritual life, and the conflict between (1) the outer self and (2) the inner self.
All people consist of these two parts: the outer self, which plays the roles needed to get by in daily life; and the inner self, which is what one actually is.
For 99% of people on the Earth, the outer self is what is Active and the inner self is Passive. When I am working as a clerk, I become a clerk; my inner self is still there, but in the background.
Now, is it possible for the inner self to become Active and the outer self Passive? Maybe, but this requires powerful methods, and an invigoration of the inner self which does not happen in ordinary life.
So, let us say I am in a fight at the bar. If I am insulted, it is natural that I will want to defend myself. Unfortunately, by fighting, this is a powerful indulgence of my outer self, and its power over me. By not fighting, in that time I invigorate my inner self, and slowly work towards self-mastery.
Now, once self-mastery is had, the use I gained from not fighting is no longer helpful to my inner self, because I already am in full control over myself. This explains the contradiction in Jesus' later ministry.
