This post focuses on the 'ins and outs' of the noble eightfold path, also called 'The middle path'. Last weeks post on the four noble truths touched on it briefly, but hopefully this one will give you a better insight into what the eightfold path is, what its made up of and how it can help you.
Despite its name, the eightfold path isn't meant to be followed, like a step-by-step guide. All of the right elements should be adhered to and worked on simultaneously, as none of them are any more important than another. They all bind together and form a powerful way for Buddhists to better themselves.
Of course, as with all of the Buddha's teachings, do not follow it blindly. Such an attitude will leave you dissatisfied, and with a result you maybe weren't seeking. Learn what works your own way, and forge your own path. I can guarantee you'll be happier that way.
The word 'right' is used at the beginning of each element, and in these instances means an ethical, balanced and middle way. The path can be broken down into three parts.
Wisdom, Morality and Concentration.
So with further delay, like all good things, let's start at number one!
Right View (Sammā ditthi)
Right understanding, also called 'right understanding', refers to our perception of the world around us. This is a crucial step on the path as it reminds us to try and view the world as it really is, not as we'd like it to be. It's important to find that fine line between pessimism and optimism (a middle line, some might say!) and focus on reality; more specifically, the reality of suffering.
Right view is the first point on the path because the right view of the world is needed before you can truly act on it, and start making the changes that you require to make.
Right Intention (Sammā san̄kappa)
Next up is having the right intention. San̄kappa translates purpose and motivation. It follows on naturally from having the right view. You need to have the right attitude to go with that view. It's the step where we truly become dedicated to the eightfold path and start acting based on what we truly, as human beings, desire. Right view gives us the equipment and the know how to adopt the middle way, right intention is the motivation to really get out there and do it! With the right understanding and right view, we remove desire. Which makes the path to the cessation of suffering so much easier.
Right Speech (Sammā vācā)
Now, this one probably explains itself pretty well already. Almost as though as general rule in today's society, we forget the power of the spoken word. Something which one might view as a harmless joke or a bit of fun, can cause such devastating damage in someone's life and to their self esteem that it's painful to even think about the effects it's had on people in the past, in some cases causing them to self-harm or even take their own life.
The element of 'right speech' encourages the use of speech in a positive manner. Not through harsh criticism or jabs at the way people look, but by lifting people's spirits and bringing compassion through communication. You'd be amazed at how much you can brighten someone's day just by complimenting them or saying something positive about them. If we all watched our speech a little closer, there'd be many more smiles on many more faces throughout the world.
Right Action (Sammā Kammanta)
Right action, also called right conduct, purely involves how you act to others, yourself and the world around you. As I mentioned above, your words can heavily impact someone's life, and that goes just as much (in some cases more) for actions. You, as a human being, can so easily cause damaging and suffering, and it's up to you to control your actions and let others and yourself benefit from the results.
Right action can be broken down into three sections.
The first of which, is to abstain from the taking of sentient life. This includes human beings and animals, even down to the tiniest of insects. However that's a broader topic that I'll delve into another week.
The second is to abstain from stealing, which also takes the forms of cheating and gaining any wealth through dishonest means.
The third is to abstain from sexual misconduct. This is also a broader topic that I'd like to discuss at a later date, so I'll leave it untouched for now.
Right Livelihood (Sammā ājīva)
The Buddha taught that anyone who earns their livelihood through unwholesome means that cause harm or suffering will eventually lead to that person's own inner deterioration. This includes, but in not necessarily limited to:
-Butchering
-Arms dealing
-Slave trade
-Prostitution
-Drug dealing (including alcohol)
Right Livelihood can also relate back to the second section of right action: stealing. If one earns their living through dishonest means and trickery then it would compromise both right livelihood and right action. This is an example of how all of the eight elements are interconnected.
Right Effort (Sammā Vāyāma)
This element of the eightfold path, on a basic level, is all about avoiding negative thoughts and emotions such as anger and jealousy. You should try your best to cultivate an enthusiastic approach towards life, in a balanced and wholesome way. Of course, realistically, this isn't always possible. People can make us angry and jealous without us meaning to be. But the point is to try. Try to become a force for good in the world by adopting the right motivation and effort to achieve what you want to achieve.
Right Mindfulness (Sammā sati)
Right mindfulness is probably the most difficult of the eight elements to grasp. Right mindfulness is what I'd consider a 'Zen' concept. It's about being focused in on the moment, on the here and now. Truly listen to the noises going on around you, focus on all the sights, smells, tastes and sensations, and hone in on those sensations. Be focused and aware.
Mindfulness and mediation is often viewed as trying to close off the world around you, and shut yourself inside your own mind. When in fact, it's the opposite. You're becoming more aware. You're slotting yourself into the world around you and becoming a part of the environment.
Right Concentration (Sammā samādhi)
Right concentration is all about using meditation to reach the highest level of enlightenment possible. Both this, and Right Mindfulness are about unifying the mind and developing one single, disciplined concentration. Once the mind is free of clutter, it is then easier for us to achieve what we desire. Right concentration is focusing the mind on a single point, an object or idea, and forms the initial stages of the meditation process.
Conclusion
And that's the essence of the eightfold path. As long as you study these eight points as a single behaviour, and not as separate steps in a path, you'll reap the benefits of it immediately. When the mind is so focused on being more compassionate, aware and awakened, it will have no choice but to become so.
