The Eightfold Path

October 18, 2019 by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)

Photo: by Danh Tran

"The Eightfold path is best, the Fourfold truths. Dispassion is the best mental state, the seer is the best human being" (Dhammapada 273).

Thanissaro Bhikkhu: “The best path is the eightfold. The essential truths are the four sayings. Dispassion is the key quality. The perceptive one among humans.”

The Path to Enlightenment: Understanding the Eightfold Path of Buddha

The Eightfold Path was briefly mentioned but not elaborated on. It is crucial for achieving Nirvana, as stated by Buddha in the following verse.

The Eightfold Path consists of:

1. Right View;

2. Right Intention;

3. Right Speech;

4. Right Action;

5. Right Livelihood;

6. Right Effort;

7. Right Mindfulness;

8. Right Concentration.

These are all interconnected.

The Foundation of Right View in Buddhism

View–drishti–refers to a person’s perception and opinion, guiding the way to Nirvana by focusing on essential understanding and evaluation of things.

Right view is the accurate perception of reality, guided by intelligence rather than emotions. It requires a clear and undistorted mind, as the mind acts like a mirror reflecting perceptions. The Eightfold Path involves psychological aspects, even when addressing external behaviors.