Eightfold Path

By Hrukti Maat

Introduction

• Eightfold Path is considered the foundational teachings of Buddhism

• It outlines the eight fundamental elements of a Buddhist practice and the basic requirements of spirituality

• The gist of the Eightfold path is the concept of “righteousness” and the applications of this concept

Introduction

• The Eightfold Path are: right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration

• Righteousness is the most powerful spiritual element and the application of righteousness to various aspects of spiritual practice will ensure evasion of suffering and spiritual accomplishment

Right View

• Right View means right perspective or correct way of seeing events and things

• Right view means do not see the world as your enemy, do not think money is everything and do not think you’re the king and everyone is your slave, etc.

• Right view enables a person to see through the falsehood of the world and be able to release hatred, greed and attachment

Right Thought

• Right thought is the promotion of good thought and positive thinking

• Right thought means do not think of negative thought of death or destruction, do not think of harm to anyone, etc.

• Right thought is very important because every evil Karma is initiated in the mind and so safeguarding the mind is very critical to the success of spiritual endeavor

Right Speech

• Right speech pertains to everything that a person says

• Right speech means no profanity, no deception, no mockery, no rumor, etc. (nothing that may harm a person’s feelings or reputation)

• Know that your words are mantra with magical power so use them wisely

Right Action

• Right action means doing things to benefit others instead of harming others

• Right action means, no killing, no stealing, no fornication, no violence, etc.. (nothing that would harm another person body or property)

• Right action also means to do things that benefits other people such as giving and serving (again do what is right)

Right Livelihood

• Right livelihood means having jobs or career that are positive and beneficial

• Right livelihood means don’t be a professional criminal (i.e. Mafia hit man), don’t be a butcher or hunter, don’t be a prostitute, etc.

• Some less desirable professions are: cook, bartender, casino dealer, lawyer for criminal defense

Right Effort

• Right effort means the right endeavor or right personal pursue

• Right effort means do not pursue hobbies such as hunting or fishing, weapon creation, writing that promotes negativity, etc.

• Right effort means endeavor to do things that are beneficial to other and promote peace and harmony in the society

Right Mindfulness

• Right Mindfulness also means right intention or right motivation

• Right mindfulness means do not wish others ill, do not curse, do not pray for disaster, do not wish for stock market crash, etc.

• Know that your thoughts and intention are loudly broadcasted in the spirit world and your mindfulness attracts the similar type of spirits into your life

Right Concentration

• Right concentration also means right meditation or mental focus

• Right concentration means practicing the meditation that will be most beneficial to a person’s enlightenment (i.e. Three Treasures)

• Without right concentration, a person can waste his or her whole life and achieve only minor or trivial success

Conclusion

• Eightfold path is the fundamental teaching of Buddhism and it enables a person to transcend out of the suffering of worldly Karma

• The gist of Eightfold path is the promotion of righteousness and if we can apply righteousness to every aspect of our lives, then we have achieved the Eightfold path

Questions