In Buddhism, the Dharma of the Noble Eightfold Path is declared to be the way that leads to the end of suffering, and nirvana.
As the name indicates, there are eight elements in the Noble Eightfold Path, and these are divided into three basic categories[1] as follows:
- 1. Right view (samma ditthi) – "Knowledge with regard to [the Four Noble Truths]"[2]
- 2. Right intention (samma sankappo) – "Being resolved on renunciation, on freedom from ill-will, on harmlessness"[3]
- 3. Right speech (samma vaca) – "Abstaining from lying, from divisive speech, from abusive speech, & from idle chatter"[4]
- 4. Right action (samma kammanto) – "Abstaining from taking life, abstaining from stealing, abstaining from unchastity"[5]
- 5. Right livelihood (samma ajivo) – Avoiding "[b]usiness in weapons, business in human beings, business in meat, business in intoxicants, and business in poison"[6]
- 6. Right effort (samma vayamo) – Undertaking to "abandon what is unskillful" and "develop what is skillful"[7]
- 7. Right mindfulness (samma sati) – Maintaining mental focus "on the body", "feelings", "the mind" and "mental qualities in & of themselves — ardent, alert, & mindful — putting aside greed & distress with reference to the world"[8]
- 8. Right concentration (samma samadhi) – Withdrawal "from unskillful (mental) qualities", leading to "the stilling of directed thoughts & evaluations", "the abandoning of pleasure & pain" and "purity of equanimity & mindfulness"[9]
See also
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