Born from thoughts ultimately pure,
I may live in accord with the holy dharma,
The ways leading to personal liberation.
-- The Foundation of All Perfections (6)
a steadfast desire for liberation,
attaining these two is the first breakthrough.
-- The Three Principles of the Path (5)
Just this very noble eightfold path: right view, right resolve, right speech, right action,
right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration. (*)
The Noble Eightfold Path is the practical method taught by the Buddha to end suffering and attain liberation. It is not merely a list of ideals but a comprehensive guide to living in a way that brings wisdom, compassion, and peace. Each step is interconnected, leading the practitioner through ethical conduct, mental discipline, and the cultivation of wisdom. Walking this path is said to lead one to nirvana, the ultimate cessation of suffering, and a state of perfect freedom.
Knowledge with regard to stress, knowledge with regard to the origination of stress,
knowledge with regard to the cessation of stress,
knowledge with regard to the way of practice leading to the cessation of stress:
This is called right view.(*)
Right view is the first and most foundational step of the path. It means seeing life clearly, recognizing the truth of suffering, its causes, and the possibility of its cessation. Without understanding these basic truths, it is impossible to develop wisdom. The right view allows us to discern the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and non-self nature of all conditioned phenomena. It calls for a shift from delusion to clarity, preparing the ground for the entire path.
Aspiring to renunciation, to freedom from ill will, to harmlessness:
This is called right resolve.(*)
Right resolve follows from right view, involving the intention to live in alignment with the truths we now understand. It means developing thoughts of kindness and compassion, renouncing harmful intentions, and committing ourselves to non-violence and simplicity. Right resolve requires the cultivation of an inner disposition that seeks to let go of craving and attachment, not only for material things but also for destructive emotions like anger and hatred.
Abstaining from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, and from idle chatter:
This is called right speech.(*)
Right speech is the ethical component of the path that guides how we communicate with others. Words have the power to harm or heal, and right speech involves using this power wisely. We are called to abstain from deceit, gossip, and harshness, and instead speak truthfully and with kindness. This practice not only helps others but also purifies our own minds, as honest and compassionate speech fosters clarity and peace.
Abstaining from taking life, from stealing, and from illicit sex.
This is called right action. (*)
Right action pertains to ethical conduct in our daily lives. It requires us to refrain from actions that cause harm to others, such as killing, stealing, or engaging in sexual misconduct. Through right action, we cultivate a life of integrity and respect for all living beings. Our actions become expressions of compassion, helping to create a peaceful and harmonious environment for ourselves and others.
having abandoned dishonest livelihood, keeps their life going with right livelihood:
This is called right livelihood.(*)
Right livelihood addresses how we earn our living. It calls for a career or occupation that does not cause harm to others. This includes refraining from trades that involve violence, exploitation, or deceit. By aligning our livelihood with the principles of compassion and non-harming, we ensure that our work supports our spiritual goals and contributes to the well-being of the world.
endeavors, arouses persistence, upholds and exerts their intent
for the sake of the non-arising of evil, unskillful qualities that have not yet arisen...
for the sake of the abandoning of evil, unskillful qualities that have arisen...
for the sake of the arising of skillful qualities that have not yet arisen...
for the maintenance, non-confusion, increase, plenitude, development,
and culmination of skillful qualities that have arisen: This is called right effort. (*)
Right effort is the energy we apply to our practice. It involves the cultivation of wholesome states of mind while letting go of unwholesome ones. This step emphasizes the importance of perseverance and vigilance, ensuring that we continuously nurture positive qualities such as kindness, patience, and mindfulness. Right effort helps us stay committed to the path, overcoming obstacles and remaining steadfast in our pursuit of awakening.
where one remains focused on the body in and of itself – ardent, alert, and mindful –
putting aside greed and distress with reference to the world.
He remains focused on feelings in and of themselves... the mind in and of itself...
mental qualities in and of themselves – ardent, alert, and mindful –
putting aside greed and distress with reference to the world. This is called right mindfulness. (*)
Right mindfulness involves cultivating a clear and focused awareness of our body, mind, and emotions in the present moment. By remaining mindful of our experiences, we begin to see them as they truly are, without attachment or aversion. This practice helps us stay grounded and present, freeing us from the distractions of the past or future, and supports the development of insight into the nature of reality.
– quite withdrawn from sensuality, withdrawn from unskillful (mental) qualities –
enters and remains in the first jhana: rapture and pleasure born from withdrawal,
accompanied by directed thought and evaluation.
With the stilling of directed thoughts and evaluations, one enters and remains in the second jhana:
rapture and pleasure born of composure, unification of awareness
free from directed thought and evaluation – internal assurance.
With the fading of rapture, one remains equanimous, mindful, and alert,
and senses pleasure with the body.
One enters and remains in the third jhana, of which the Noble Ones declare,
'Equanimous and mindful, one has a pleasant abiding.'
With the abandoning of pleasure and pain
– as with the earlier disappearance of elation and distress – one enters and remains
in the fourth jhana: purity of equanimity and mindfulness, neither pleasure nor pain.
This is called right concentration. (*)
Right concentration refers to the ability to focus the mind deeply and steadily through meditation. By practicing concentration, we cultivate mental tranquility and insight, which lead to the profound realization of the truth. Entering into deeper states of meditative absorption, or jhanas, we train the mind to be free from distractions and mental disturbances, allowing us to directly perceive reality and the nature of suffering and liberation.
The Eightfold Path is a guide for those seeking liberation from the cycles of suffering. By cultivating wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline, we gradually transform our lives and our minds. The Path is not linear but an ever-deepening practice that invites us to awaken to the true nature of reality and live in harmony with it. In doing so, we step into the stream of the Bodhisattvas, dedicated to the liberation of all beings.