The Eightfold Path of Buddhism is part of the larger Four Noble Truths. It sets out all the focuses required to eventually attain enlightenment and nirvana. (However, I do not seek enlightenment, save that for another post) These practices lead to the end of suffering. Each of the eight elements have their own meaning and ways to attain each.
The Four Noble Truths are broken into four parts; Suffering, Cause of Suffering, End of Suffering, and The Path. The Eightfold Path is The Path. This is focused on the The Path. The Eightfold Path is then broken up into three sections as well; Wisdom, Ethical Conduct, Mental Discipline. Each serves a purpose attached to another.
You are not required to do all eight at one time. They can be practiced individually, building off each other. There is no one right way to approach these. I picked Right View as my first to tackle. If you can build a clear vision, you can see the rest of the elements, slowly adding them to your daily practices.
This is a very basic understanding of each one of the elements, which is part of a larger discussion. I encourage you to do research to find out more in detail about them. There are plenty of resources out there. My favorite way to start was Buddhism for Dummies. It gives you a solid basic understanding of what it is to be a Buddhist and how to practice.
- Right View
- Right Intent
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Right View
This is an understanding that the Four Noble Truths exist. It means seeing the world for what it is. Karma is involved here and teaches us that we should live a harm free life so that undue pain and suffering isn’t continued.
This has a direct correlation to the afterlife. The clearer your life has been it becomes easier to transition to your next life. Without a clear understanding of Right View, your transition will be painful and confusing.
Right Intent
Right Intention focuses on moment-by-moment mindfulness. This one is the “why” in our lives. Presenting yourself in truthful ways without thoughts of negativity or harm. It is meant to capture a calm, present, and stable state of mind.
Right Speech
Right Speech is the way we convey ourselves both verbally and physically. We must cease negative communication. Our words must be positive and our body aggressively. This also includes being truthful and not lie when communicating.
Right Action
This one covers a lot. Actions speak louder than words, applies here. Right Action is to not threaten or harm to all living beings. This can also mean taking advantage of people sexually. We must foster a life of respect and boundaries and understand our place in the world.
Right Livelihood
Right Livelihood means we are living an ethical life. In history this meant no selling of things that would cause harm. Like people, weapons, and alcohol. In general this means don’t do things that cause others harm and to lie an upstanding respectable life.
Right Effort
Right Effort is putting in the work to maintain that ethical lifestyle. It’s not enough to have Right Speech or Right Effort, you must embody the image of the Buddha and live an upstanding life. You must find that balance between good and bad. The middle ground is a popular way of saying that. We must make an effort to be skillful and beneficial in our lives. Not just towards others, but within as well.
Right Mindfulness
Through Right Mindfulness we must look within and find our purpose. Mindfulness is key here as we must do this with every action we take. Getting in the habit of watching our thoughts and being present in the moment is so important to living a good life. Meditation is the best way to stat this one.
Right Concentration
Right Concentration means we are withdrawing from distractions. This helps keep our mind at ease and clear to work on all the other aspects of Concentration. You can build up a healthy state of mind through meditation. It helps focus you so you can then focus on outside things. It’s a state of mind.
As you can see its pretty involved and can be daunting at first. Just remember, you can pick one and start from there and build off the other. The goal is to reach enlightenment and nirvana. It’s not impossible, as history has shown, but you can make it too.