The Noble Eightfold Path
The first step for a Buddhist is to decide to pursue the Buddhist principles of reducing sufferingPain and/or upset endured by humans., finding inner calm, and attaining enlightenmentThe realisation of the truth about life. In Buddhism it releases a person from the cycle of rebirth. and Nirvana (also spelt Nibbana)An indescribable state, held by Buddhists to be the ultimate goal of religious practice, involving breaking free from the cycle of samsara.. Once a Buddhist has decided to follow these principles, they can step onto the The Noble Eightfold PathBuddhist practises that can lead to the end of suffering and the cycle of rebirth: right views, right thinking, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation., also called the MaggaIn Buddhism this refers to the fourth of the Four Noble Truths 鈥 the pathway to ending suffering. It is also known as the Noble Eightfold Path. The word magga means 鈥榩ath鈥., which means 鈥榩ath鈥.
The Threefold Way
The Threefold WayIn Buddhism, the path to enlightenment has three approaches: ethics, meditation and wisdom. Together they are called the Threefold Way. is a shortened version of the Noble Eightfold Path. The BuddhaThe founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, after his enlightenment. It is a title which means the enlightened or awakened one. taught that the path to nirvana requires three main approaches, which together are known as the Threefold Way. These can be summarised as ethics, meditation, and wisdom. People who follow the Buddhist Dhamma (Dharma)Dhamma is Buddhist doctrine about the nature of existence and includes the teachings of the Buddha. (also called Dharma) need to live in a way that minimises harm and develops love, kindness and courage (ethics).
The Noble Eightfold Path
The Noble Eightfold Path, or magga, is a more detailed development of the Threefold Way (ethics, meditation and wisdom). Below are the eight steps of the Noble Eightfold Path, shown in relation to the Threefold Way:
ETHICS | MEDITATION | WISDOM |
Right speech 鈥 Avoiding lies, gossip and negative speech. Speaking truthfully and kindly. | Right effort 鈥 Working to develop a positive state of mind, free from craving and hatred. | Right view 鈥 Learning and coming to understand the Buddha鈥檚 teachings (Dhamma). |
Right action 鈥 Acting in a loving and peaceful way, avoiding conflict and harm, and showing restraint in seeking pleasures. | Right mindfulness 鈥 Develop mindful awareness of the body, the mind and the nature of reality. | Right intention 鈥 Being committed to develop the attitudes needed to learn from the Dhamma. |
Right livelihood 鈥 Making a living in a way that does not cause harm to living creatures or exploit others, and also not selling harmful items. | Right concentration 鈥 Working towards a state of mental focus necessary for effective meditation. |
ETHICS | Right speech 鈥 Avoiding lies, gossip and negative speech. Speaking truthfully and kindly. |
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MEDITATION | Right effort 鈥 Working to develop a positive state of mind, free from craving and hatred. |
WISDOM | Right view 鈥 Learning and coming to understand the Buddha鈥檚 teachings (Dhamma). |
ETHICS | Right action 鈥 Acting in a loving and peaceful way, avoiding conflict and harm, and showing restraint in seeking pleasures. |
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MEDITATION | Right mindfulness 鈥 Develop mindful awareness of the body, the mind and the nature of reality. |
WISDOM | Right intention 鈥 Being committed to develop the attitudes needed to learn from the Dhamma. |
ETHICS | Right livelihood 鈥 Making a living in a way that does not cause harm to living creatures or exploit others, and also not selling harmful items. |
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MEDITATION | Right concentration 鈥 Working towards a state of mental focus necessary for effective meditation. |
WISDOM |
Question
What is the magga?
Magga is the 鈥榩ath鈥 to nirvana, also known as the Noble Eightfold Path.