The EIGHTFOLD PATH
WISDOM TRAINING
1. Right View: is knowledge of what life is about, knowledge of the four noble truths and the Buddha's teachings. This means a life long process of studying and learning.

2. Right Intentions: means a clear devotion to being on the path toward enlightenment.
ETHICS TRAINING
3. Right Speech: involves both clarity of what is said, taking care to say just what is meant and speaking kindly without malice.

4. Right Behavior: involves reflecting on ones behavior and the reason for it. The outlines for right behavior can be found in the paramitas and precepts.

Go back
The Six Paramitas
1. I shall be helpful to others.
2. I shall follow the precepts of the Buddha.
3. I shall be patient and understanding.
4. I shall do my best in all things.
5. I shall meditate on the teachings of the buddha.
6. I shall seek the light of wisdom.

The Five Precepts
1. I shall not harm living things.
2. I shall not take what does not belong to me.
3. I shall not behave sexually impure.
4. I shall not tell falsehoods.
5. I shall not take harmful foods or drinks.


5. Right Livelihood: involves choosing an occupation that keeps an individual on the path. This is a path that promotes life and well being rather than finanical gain or that which is harmful to other living beings. Such as pushing drugs, selling alcohol, or butcher.
MEDITATION TRAINING
6. Right Effort: means training the will and curbing selfish passions or desires. It means placing and keeping oneself on the path toward enlightenment. Progress is getting up one more time than you are knocked down.

7. Right Mindfulness: implies continuing self examination and awareness. The Dhammapada, a basic buddhist text begins; "All we are is the result of what we have thought, it is founded on our thoughts, it s made up on our thoughts."

8. Right Concentration: is focusing our mind on the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Ultimately to be absorbed into a state of of nirvana, free of rebirth, or by choosing to return as a bodhisattva to help others toward nirvana.

Go back