Buddhism
Buddha's Core Teachings
The Noble eightfold path
The mental discipline group consists of Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. Right Effort consists of the willful actions one takes to stop unhealthy states of mine from emerging, ridding one's mind of unwholesome thoughts that are present, creating good states of mind, and perfecting those good states of mine that are present (Bodhi). Keeping a healthy state of mind and not allowing one's wonder off into unhealthy states plays a crucial role in the success one will have in the two following elements. Right Mindfulness is the idea that one is fully aware of one's physical body, pleasant or unpleasant feelings, state of mind from moment to moment, and one's thoughts (Bodhi). Being aware and in control of these factors is important because they may be triggers for one's actions. Right Concentration leads one to the four stages of Dhyana or trance. The first stage consists of maintaining feelings of joy and unwholesome thoughts, the second stage consists of intellectual activities being suppressed. The third stage consists of developing a peaceful mind and the disappearance of joy, the final stage consists of the all sensations and feelings vanishing, the being is only left with complete awareness and calmness (Rahula).
Ethical behavior, the first of three groups is built on the idea of love and compassion for all existing beings (Rahula). Ethical behavior includes Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood. One must be both compassionate and wise in their ethical conduct. Right Speech is the practice of refraining from speaking dishonestly, bringing out hostility amongst others, using spiteful language, or spreading gossip (Rahula). Essentially, if there is nothing positive or beneficial to be said, then one should refrain from speaking at all. Right Action points at encouraging an individual to avoid purposefully harming others, stealing from others, and participating in illicit sexual relations (Bodhi). Abstaining from killing or harming other beings includes any being that is conscious, such as animals. Both men and women should refrain from sexual intercourse outside of marriage. Right Livelihood teaches that one should be a part of a profession or earn one's living through an upstanding manner. Buddha taught five specific professions that should be avoided at all costs. This includes occupations that deal with weapons, meat manufacturing, slave trade, animal slaughter, prostitution, and making intoxicating substances (Bodhi). One's wealth should never be acquired illegally or through brutality, instead wealth should be gained truthfully and peacefully.
The last group, wisdom, is composed of Right Thought and Right Understanding. Right Thought indicates one should develop thoughts of love, kindness, and compassion, instead of hatred, ill intention, and cruelty (Rahula). Lastly, Right Understanding is the understanding of things as they are. Two different types of understanding in Buddhism are recognized to assist individuals. The first being "knowing accordingly", which is knowledge or the collected memories of something as it should be and the second is "penetration", which is a deep understanding of things as they are (Rahula). The Right Understanding is essentially the understanding of the Four Noble Truths or the ultimate reality. The Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths in practice are the path to nirvana, a state in which there is no suffering, desire, or sense of self. The being is ultimately released from the cycle of karma, rebirth, and death. Practicing all these different aspects leads one to live an honorable, peaceful, joyful, and conscious life that one has chosen to perfect day after day
Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration
Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood
Right Thought and Right Understanding
The Eightfold Path or the Middle Way is a passageway to liberation. They are grouped into three necessary aspects of Buddha's teachings, moral behavior, mental control, and wisdom (Rahula). The steps of the Eightfold Path are not meant to be followed one after the other, however, all eight steps should be practiced, as they are connected.
What is The Eightfold Path?