Eightfold Path By Hrukti Maat

Introduction Eightfold Path is considered the foundational teachings of Buddhism It outlines the eight fundamental elements of a Buddhist practice and the basic requirements of spirituality The gist of the Eightfold path is the concept of “righteousness” and the applications of this concept

Introduction The Eightfold Path are: right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration Righteousness is the most powerful spiritual element and the application of righteousness to various aspects of spiritual practice will ensure evasion of suffering and spiritual accomplishment

Right View Right View means right perspective or correct way of seeing events and things Right view means do not see the world as your enemy, do not think money is everything and do not think you’re the king and everyone is your slave, etc. Right view enables a person to see through the falsehood of the world and be able to release hatred, greed and attachment

Right Thought Right thought is the promotion of good thought and positive thinking Right thought means do not think of negative thought of death or destruction, do not think of harm to anyone, etc. Right thought is very important because every evil Karma is initiated in the mind and so safeguarding the mind is very critical to the success of spiritual endeavor

Right Speech Right speech pertains to everything that a person says Right speech means no profanity, no deception, no mockery, no rumor, etc. (nothing that may harm a person’s feelings or reputation) Know that your words are mantra with magical power so use them wisely

Right Action Right action means doing things to benefit others instead of harming others Right action means, no killing, no stealing, no fornication, no violence, etc.. (nothing that would harm another person body or property) Right action also means to do things that benefits other people such as giving and serving (again do what is right)

Right Livelihood Right livelihood means having jobs or career that are positive and beneficial Right livelihood means don’t be a professional criminal (i.e. Mafia hit man), don’t be a butcher or hunter, don’t be a prostitute, etc. Some less desirable professions are: cook, bartender, casino dealer, lawyer for criminal defense

Right Effort Right effort means the right endeavor or right personal pursue Right effort means do not pursue hobbies such as hunting or fishing, weapon creation, writing that promotes negativity, etc. Right effort means endeavor to do things that are beneficial to other and promote peace and harmony in the society

Right Mindfulness Right Mindfulness also means right intention or right motivation Right mindfulness means do not wish others ill, do not curse, do not pray for disaster, do not wish for stock market crash, etc. Know that your thoughts and intention are loudly broadcasted in the spirit world and your mindfulness attracts the similar type of spirits into your life

Right Concentration Right concentration also means right meditation or mental focus Right concentration means practicing the meditation that will be most beneficial to a person’s enlightenment (i.e. Three Treasures) Without right concentration, a person can waste his or her whole life and achieve only minor or trivial success

Conclusion Eightfold path is the fundamental teaching of Buddhism and it enables a person to transcend out of the suffering of worldly Karma The gist of Eightfold path is the promotion of righteousness and if we can apply righteousness to every aspect of our lives, then we have achieved the Eightfold path

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