The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path

According to the Buddha, there are eight disciplines that one must cultivate in order to reach Nirvana:

Right understanding/belief : Accept the validity of the four noble truths.
Right thought/motives: Make sure that your actions, however good they may seem, are not motivated by fear, selfishness
Right speech: Avoid gossip and harsh words. Be positive in your speech to others - and to yourself.
Right Action: These include five precepts that all Buddhists are expected to follow:
- Do not destroy life
- Do not steal

Do not engage in immoral conduct

Do not lie
Do not use intoxicants)

Right Livelihood: Your way of making living should not violate 5 precepts.

Right Effort: One must work continually to overcome selfish desire and damaging thought processes.

Right Mindfulness: This involves being aware of one's thoughts and feelings at every moment. It also involves realizing that thoughts and emotions are impermanent.

Right Meditation: One must practice quieting of the mind itself so that the true nature of everything comes into focus. Quieting and controlling the mind is perhaps the most difficult of the 8 disciplines.

Notice that an individual does not necessarily have to begin with the first component, master it and then move to the next discipline; rather one is able to make progress simultaneously on several disciplines. A spiritual guide or mentor may prescribe a specific order, but that order will vary according to the needs of the individual.

You should also see that the Eightfold Path divides into three major categories:

Virtue: (speech, action, livelihood)
Concentration (effort, mindfulness, meditation)
Discernment: (right view, understanding)

Taken together, the eight disciplines are a practical means for moving from ignorance to enlightenment.