The Eightfold Path of Buddha

Last Updated: March 2, 2024

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Buddha taught the Eightfold Path to his disciples and stated that by following this path, they could end their suffering. This Noble Eightfold Path, as proposed by the Buddha, naturally guides the human being towards the realization of spiritual Awakening, of Nirvana, by freeing him from his attachments and his illusions, and thus helps him to understand the innate truth of all things.

The Buddha strongly advocated for putting his teachings into practice, as full Enlightenment cannot be attained solely through intellectual knowledge or the act of practicing alone. The Eightfold Noble Path, sometimes called the Noble Eightfold Path (represented by the eight spokes of the Wheel of Dharma), forms the core of the Buddha's teachings and serves as the foundation for all Buddhist practices. It is mentioned alongside the Four Noble Truths in the Buddha's very first sermon, the discourse that sets the wheel of dharma in motion.

1. The right sight or vision (Samma Ditthi)

Sight or right vision in Buddhism involves understanding the Four Noble Truths and recognizing the dissatisfaction, impermanence, and emptiness in life. Through meditation, correct views rooted in reality emerge, replacing distorted perspectives influenced by desire and illusion. The practice of right view focuses on assessing one's motivations, intentions, and habits to gain clarity and make decisions without attachment to preconceived ideas. Right view is about seeing clearly, being fully present, and not being swayed by personal opinions. It is the foundation of the Eightfold Path and leads to greater awareness, clarity, and beneficial states of mind

Right understanding, perfect vision, or right vision embodies untainted comprehension. It entails an initial grasp of the four noble Truths, focusing on understanding dissatisfaction, its causes, its cessation, and the path leading to it—essentially recognizing the necessity and nature of the practice.

2. The right thought or intention (Samma sankappa)

Right thought embodies liberated thinking, free from negativity. It guides our actions and creates karma. It's not dogma but the expression of wisdom and compassion, aiming to manifest kindness. The Buddha emphasizes cultivating three key intentions: renouncing desires, aversion, and anger.

Correct thought or intention in Buddhism involves freeing the mind from attachment to sensuality, malice, and violence. It focuses on thoughts without lust, ill will, or cruelty, shaping actions and words. To cultivate correct thinking, one must transcend conditioned narratives that influence perception of reality. Correct thinking is free from conditioning and negative emotions, promoting clarity and wise decision-making.

3. The right speech or words (Samma vaca)

Right speech, or verbal communication, is a constant engagement that must be subjected to the influence and control of spiritual life. Buddha instructs his disciples and laypeople to abstain from lying, slander, hateful or abusive speech, foul language, and frivolous chatter. The right word enables us to express ourselves in a noble, truthful, and authentic manner, fostering harmony.

Correct speech entails controlling speech in all its facets, particularly refraining from lies, gossip, harsh words, and vain talk. It prompts us to consistently examine our intentions before speaking, assessing the necessity and appropriate timing of our words, and advocating for words that promote harmony rather than discord.

4. The right action (Samma kammanta)

Correct conduct in Buddhism involves adhering to fundamental precepts to avoid causing suffering and excess in life. Right action includes honoring at least five precepts: refraining from killing, injuring, stealing, engaging in sexual misconduct, and indulging in intoxicants. This conduct is linked to right intention and speech, guiding individuals to act with respect towards all beings and prevent the creation of suffering

Right action embodies action that upholds the precepts and serves as the expression of Awakening. It aligns perfectly with the present moment, devoid of ego, and executed with complete non-attachment, with no one claiming ownership over its execution or outcomes. According to Buddha, right action, traditionally, delineates the essential precepts that lay Buddhists must adhere to for progressing effectively on the path: refraining from killing, stealing, lying, engaging in illicit sexual behavior, and abstaining from intoxicants.

5. The right livelihood (Samma ajiva)

Right livelihood, as advised by the Buddha, involves earning a livelihood in a righteous manner, without resorting to illegal or immoral activities. Work should not come from actions that cause suffering to other beings, such as butchery, human trafficking, arms trade, or the sale of poisons or drugs.

Correct livelihood involves abstaining from harmful and unethical methods of earning a living and adopting just and honorable means that do not harm any living being. Serious practitioners of Buddhism are urged to refrain from engaging in activities such as selling living beings, poisons, drugs, alcohol, or weapons.

6. The right effort (Samma vayama)

Right effort is about actively avoiding negativity and fostering positivity. It involves overcoming harmful states and cultivating beneficial ones. As Dhamma Sami explains, it's both resisting unfavorable conditions and nurturing favorable ones. Ultimately, right effort is self-improvement that utilizes each moment for growth and enlightenment, guided by the Buddha's teachings.

Right effort means applying the teachings of Buddha and working on oneself to alleviate suffering. Each moment and action should be viewed as conducive to self-realization and Awakening. Vigilance is crucial to ensure that efforts are not selfishly motivated, as this could lead to a quest for personal gain, which is contrary to liberation. The state of mind characterized by aimlessness and detachment, known as Mushotoku, should be central to right effort and practice.

7. Right attention (Samma Sati)

Right attention, also known as mindfulness, is emphasized by the Buddha as essential for Awakening, along with meditation practice. It involves being fully alert and present in the here and now, without being distracted by daydreams, anticipation, worry, or thoughts of the past or future. Right attention entails being aware of oneself, including one's body, emotions, and thoughts, as well as being mindful of others and everything around us. By being fully present and non-judgmental, the mind can let go of attachment and desires, leading to great satisfaction.

Correct attention encompasses total presence and constant vigilance over both inner and outer phenomena, physical and mental. Sati, or mindfulness, entails the four fundamental attentions, which are foundational to meditative practice in the Buddhist Path: attention to the body, sensations, mind, and phenomena. This mindfulness practice involves analyzing and being aware of these aspects of existence without judgment or attachment to one's opinions.

8. The right concentration (Samma samadhi)

Right concentration, synonymous with meditation, is emphasized by the Buddha as fundamental for spiritual practice. Daily meditation serves as the cornerstone for navigating the other paths of the noble eightfold path with increasing ease and fluidity. Serious and diligent meditation practice facilitates subtle yet profound transformations within oneself, gradually shifting one's perspective on life and fostering a deeper connection with reality. Through meditation, individuals become better equipped to understand and distance themselves from their environment and relationships.

The last point, right concentration, is about meditation, especially important in Zen Buddhism. It's like the peak of the Eightfold Path, where meditation helps you grow, find freedom, and reach deeper states of awareness. Right concentration means using meditation in the right way, for your own spiritual journey and enlightenment.