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Buddhism: Introduction

• Buddhism: Key facts
• The Buddha: An introduction
• The Noble Eightfold Path
• The Moral Precepts of Buddhism
• Life after death

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The Noble Eightfold Path

Information: An overview of the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism. A version of this article was originally published on the website www.faithnet.org.uk.

Wisdom

Right understanding: This involves seeing life as it is, in all its impermanence and unsatisfactoriness. Buddha taught that people need to realise that although they may satisfy their cravings one minute, others will emerge almost as quickly. We will never be satisfied, trying to satisfy ourselves.

Right thought: Here one acknowledges the power of one's mind, which should be filled with thoughts of loving-kindness and compassion. By re-training our mind we can put aside the desires and cravings of the moment.

Morality (action)

Right speech: Buddhists are encouraged to avoid such things as lying and gossiping. They believe right speech reflects a healthy mind.

Right action: Such action involves not taking life, stealing or indulging in sexual misconduct, and again is indicative of a healthy attitude.

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Morality (action) continued...

Right livelihood: A Buddhist must be careful not to make their living from things which involve destroying life, or hurting people. Our surroundings greatly influence us, and are also an indication of what we believe (i.e. If we believe something is right/good, we will go there, or do it).

Right effort: This is needed to think about what one says and does. Actually re-training the mind to surpass the moment, is how people overcome dukkha.

Meditation

Right awareness: One must be wholly alert or awake in life. Inattentiveness will lead one to become trapped in the cycle of trying to satisfy one's cravings (which is impossible).

Right concentration: With this one achieves a deeper level of attentiveness, as characterised by peace and calm. The ultimate goal of any Buddhist is to attain nirvana, which is a state of mind whereby people see their cravings and the trappings of life for what they really are (nothing!).

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