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eightfold path

from a buddhadharma site.


1. Right Understanding.
Knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. In other words, it is the understanding of oneself as one really is. The keynote of Buddhism is this Right Understanding. Buddhism, as much , is based on knowledge and not on unreasonable belief.
2. Right Thoughts.
  • The thoughts of renunciation which are opposed to sense-pleasures.
  • Kind Thoughts which are opposed to ill-will.
  • Thoughts of harmlessness which are opposed to cruelty. These tend to purify the mind.
3. Right Speech.
Rrefraining from falsehood, stealing, slandering, harsh words and frivolous talks.
4. Right Action.
deals with refraining from killing, stealing and unchastity. It helps one to develop a character that is self-controlled and mindful of right of others.
5. Right Livelihood.
Earning ones living in a way that is not harmful to others. Five kinds of trades which should be avoided by a lay disciple.
  • Deadly weapons
  • Animals for slaughter
  • Slavery
  • Intoxicants
  • Poisons
6. Right Effort.
This is fourfold:
  • Discarding evil that has already arisen.
  • Preventing the arising of unrisen evil.
  • Developing that good which has already arisen.
  • Promoting that good which has not already arisen.

“Effort is needed to cultivate Good Conduct or develop one's mind, because one is often distracted or tempted to take the easy way out of things. The Buddha teaches that attaining happiness and Enlightenment depends upon one's own efforts. Effort is the root of all achievement. If one wants to get to the top of a mountain, just sitting at the foot thinking about it will not bring one there. It is by making the effort of climbing up the mountain, step by step, that one eventually reaches the summit. Thus, no matter how great the Buddha's achievement may be, or how excellent His Teaching is, one must put the Teaching into practice before one can expect to obtain the desired result.”

7. Right Mindfulness.
The awareness of one's deeds, words and thoughts; this is also fourfold:
  • mindfulness with regard to body
  • mindfulness with regard to feeling
  • mindfulness with regard to mind
  • mindfulness with regard to mental objects
8. Right Meditation.
Meditation means the gradual process of training the mind to focus on a single object and to remain fixed upon the object without wavering. The constant practice of meditation helps one to develop a calm and concentrated mind and helps to prepare one for the attainment of wisdom and enlightenment ultimately.

m. | 09.27.01

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