The Eight Fold Path

1- Right View-  this is the first step on the middle path.  It means one has to learn to see and understand things as they actually are, with out bias, ignorance or arrogance. It also means to acknowledge and accept the Four Noble Truths. Since our view of the world forms our thoughts and our actions, if  one comprehends things right, then our actions and thoughts will become right.

2- Right Intention  This is more than simple ‘meaning well’.  It means the mental energies that control our actions.  which means resistance to desire feelings of anger and not to think or act cruelly, violently, or aggressively, and to develop compassion for all things.

3- Right Speech  is the first step of ethical conduct.  This is moral discipline. Words alone can do so much, from making friends, or enemies. Buddah explained right speech as follows- “1. to abstain from false speech, especially not to tell deliberate lies and not to speak deceitfully, 2. to abstain from slanderous speech and not to use words maliciously against others, 3. to abstain from harsh words that offend or hurt others, and 4. to abstain from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth.”  So to take it’s meaning as speak only the truth, with compassion, in a friendly manner and refrain from inane talk, lies and inflammatory speech would be accurate. 

4- Right Action People speak with more than just words.  Body language and actions can sometimes mean more than the words spoken. It means to act as you speak, with compassion and honestly. Buddha explains it as such “1. to abstain from harming sentient beings, especially to abstain from taking life (including suicide) and doing harm intentionally or delinquently, 2. to abstain from taking what is not given, which includes stealing, robbery, fraud, deceitfulness, and dishonesty, and 3. to abstain from sexual misconduct.”

5- Right livelihood  This simple means one should only take a job or career for the right reasons, and taking an honest profession.  According Buddha jobs to avoid would be: dealing in weapons, dealing in living beings (including raising animals for slaughter as well as slave trade and prostitution), working in meat production and butchery, and selling intoxicants and poisons, such as alcohol and drugs. Also, any profession that would violate the 3^rd and 4^th steps should be avoided.

6- Right effort This can be seen as the precursor to anything we do or say Without effort, nothing can be achieved.  If one honestly tries, and honestly gives their best, this is right effort.  Whereas misguided effort distracts the mind from its task, and confusion will be the consequence. Any effort that fuels desire, envy, aggression, and violence can on the other side fuel self-discipline, honesty, benevolence, and kindness.

7- Right mindfulness is the mental ability to see things as they are, with clear consciousness. This is keep an open mind about everything.  According to Buddha the basics for this step are: contemplation of the body, contemplation of feeling (repulsive, attractive, or neutral), contemplation of the state of mind, and contemplation of the phenomena.

8- Right concentration refers  to a state where all mental faculties are unified and directed onto one particular object. Right concentration for the purpose of the eightfold path means  concentration on the right things. The Buddhist method of choice to develop right concentration is through the practice of meditation. The meditating mind focuses on a selected object. Through this practice it becomes natural to apply elevated levels concentration also in everyday situations.

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