• Table of Contents

The Noble Eightfold Path

The path that all Buddhists should follow in order to consider themselves Buddhists. This consists of Right View, Right Resolve, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Right View—

An understanding of the four noble truths, the law of karma and impermanence.

The Four Noble Truths:

• The Truth of Suffering: We are living in an ongoing state of dissatisfaction.
• The Truth of the Origin of Suffering: Suffering/dissatisfaction arises from causes and conditions.
• The Truth of Cessation: There is a possibility of reaching a state where that dissatisfaction/suffering has ceased.
• The Truth of the Path: There is a path for us to follow that will bring us to such a state.

Right Resolve—

Having ethical and pure intentions. Aiming to have compassion and goodwill towards all beings, and to practice non-attachment.

Right Speech—

Avoiding spreading lies and harmful speech. Ideally instead you promote truth, harmony, and understanding.

Right Action—

Leading a life aligned with ideal moral principals. Refrain from actions such as stealing, violence, sexual misconduct. Ensuring your actions don’t harm other beings or yourself.

Right Livelihood—

Asking yourself if your actions are harmful or ethical. Avoid practicing behaviors that only contribute to your favor at the expense of others, by using or abusing them.

Right Effort—

Making a persistent and devoted effort towards cultivating wholesome intentions and compassionate qualities, abandoning negative mindsets and nurturing positive ones.