The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path of Buddha

by Francis O’Neill

The Eightfold Path of Buddha | Steps to Health, Weath & Inner Peace | 1 imageThis article is now included, and developed further, in the mind, body & spirit self-help guide Steps to Health, Wealth and Inner Peace. Get a copy here. This book is also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, iBooks, Nook and Kobo.[ The Eightfold Path of Buddha ]

The Eightfold Path of Buddha | Gold buddha | 400 imageSiddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is attributed with originating the idea of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. He posited the Eightfold Path to freedom, in order to achieve this. This being based upon a simple eight point formula of:

1. Right view

Right view involves seeing things as they really are. That is, all things being in flux, in impermanence, and this in context with the law of karma. [ The Eightfold Path of Buddha ]

2. Right intention

Right intention involves the renunciation of desire. It involves embracing goodwill and kindness towards all beings.

3. Right speech

Right speech invokes moral discipline, ethical conduct, being honest and straight with others – not to harm others through what one says privately or publicly.

4. Right action

Right action invokes healthy and proper conduct in one’s activities – and avoiding actions that can harm others or oneself.

5. Right livelihood

 Right livelihood requires us to acquire honest and healthy means of living, and earning a living – based upon harmlessness towards all beings.

6. Right effort

Right effort requires one’s efforts being placed in a wholesome direction, supporting the mind – and moving away from misdirected effort that is harmful to others or oneself. [ The Eightfold Path of Buddha ]

7. Right mindfulness

Right mindfulness invokes being mindful, taking charge of our thinking, our thoughts, and directing them towards wholesome ends.

The Eightfold Path of Buddha | Woman meditating | 400 image8. Right concentration

Applying one’s focus on lifting consciousness through meditation and contemplation.

Other comments by Buddha

Work out your own salvation. Do not depend upon others. No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path.

There are only two mistakes one can make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.

Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.

 

Other links you might like:

Twelve Inspirational Life Books
Life and Death Making Sense of It
Try some loving kindness contemplation
6 Steps Starter Guide to Meditation


Scroll to Top