In many ways, the central core of the teaching of Buddha deals with the Eightfold
Path. Because of the importance to the Buddhist worldview and the practical applica-
tion to how one lives life, we turn to a brief discussion of the tenets of the Eightfold
Path.The Eightfold Path
In many ways, the Four Noble Truths form the central core of Buddhism, as they
speak to the symptoms that create unhappiness and suffering. Van Voorst notes,
“The Eightfold Path offers practical guidelines to mental and moral development
with the goal of freeing individuals from attachments and delusions; it leads to under-
standing the truth of all things.”^219 The various elements that make up the Eightfold
Path should not be studied as independent units; rather, they should be learned and
practiced simultaneously. The steps are usually reduced to three categories: wisdom,
ethical conduct, and mental discipline.
Wisdom^220
1.Right view is achieving a correct understanding and accepting the reality and origins of
suffering and the ways leading to the cessation of suffering. This first path sets the
tone for all that follow, as it asks the individual to see the universe (reality) as it
really is: impermanent, imperfect, and elusive.
2.Right purpose is being free from ill will, cruelty, and untruthfulness toward the self and
others. To follow in“the path,”Buddha encouraged his followers to discover any
“unwholesome”ways of thinking they might have and discard them. Instead, they
should develop an attitude toward the world filled with loving-kindness and com-
passion. Buddha told his followers that“Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only
by love; this is eternal.”Ethical Conduct
3.Right speech.Buddha stressed that people should use discourse that is truthful and
considerate. Right speech should be free of falsehoods and slander, be honest, pro-
mote harmony, not be divisive, and be void of idle chatter. Buddha advised,“If
you propose to speak, always ask yourself, is it true, is it necessary, is it kind.”
4.Right actionis Buddha’s version of the Ten Commandments, for this principle seeks
to promote moral, honorable, and peaceful behavior. Among other things, this
path calls for abstaining from the taking of life, from stealing, from sexual miscon-
duct, from lying, and from drinking intoxicants.
5.Right livelihoodasks all disciples to avoid occupations that harm living beings and
animals. That means refraining for stealing, exploiting people, and selling weapons
or intoxicants. Buddha believed that these forms of livelihood were not conducive
to spiritual progress.Mental Discipline
6.Right efforts means cultivating and maintaining wholesome thoughts. It was
Buddha’s belief that allowing the mind to experience anger, agitation, and even
dullness would keep a person from cultivating mindfulness and concentration.
7.Right mindfulnessrefers to being able to manage your mind. He continuously urged his
students to concentrate on the“here and the now.”This, according to Buddha, allows148 CHAPTER 4•Worldview: Cultural Explanations of Life and Death
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