The Eightfold Path is the last of the Four Noble Truths, the Buddha’s fundamental teaching. Having established the truths of suffering, the cause of suffering, and freedom from suffering, the Buddha teaches us the Eightfold Path that we can follow to liberate ourselves from suffering and achieve enlightenment.
The Eightfold Path is not a linear path we take step by step. It is a holistic and interconnected set of practices to be engaged in simultaneously, as progress in one area can support progress in others. The Eightfold Path is a comprehensive and lifelong journey.
The eight elements of the path—which are described as “right,” “wise,” or “skillful”—are typically divided into three categories: wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline. These are collectively known as the Threefold Training. These trainings are seen as essential for attaining liberation from the cycle of suffering (samsara).
Wisdom
1. Right View
Right view includes a correct understanding of the Four Noble Truths, the law of karma (the principle that our actions have consequences), and the impermanence and interconnectedness of all phenomena. It involves recognizing the nature of suffering, its causes, and the path to its cessation.
2. Right Resolve
Right resolve means cultivating wholesome and ethical intentions. This includes our intentions to renounce harmful actions, to develop goodwill and compassion toward all beings, and to cultivate non-attachment or non-harming.
3. Right Speech
False speech, divisive speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter are all considered unskillful and harmful and should be avoided. Instead, we should use our words to promote truth, harmony, and understanding.
Ethical Conduct
4. Right Action
Skillful action emphasizes ethical conduct and the importance of leading a life that is aligned with moral principles. This means refraining from harmful actions, including killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, and so on.
5. Right Livelihood
To engage in right livelihood means choosing work that is in harmony with the principles of ethical conduct and does not harm others. For example, this would include avoiding professions that involve harming sentient beings or engaging in dishonesty.
6. Right Effort
Right effort means making a persistent and diligent effort to cultivate wholesome qualities and eliminate unwholesome ones, abandon negative mental states, and nurture positive ones.
Mental Discipline
7. Right Mindfulness
Right mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware and present in the moment: observing our body, feelings, mind, and mental phenomena with clear and non-judgmental awareness.
8. Right Concentration
Right concentration is the development of a one-pointed, focused mind. This is achieved through meditation practices that allow the mind to become absorbed in a single object of concentration, leading to states of mental tranquility and insight.
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