The Noble Eightfold Path

The Noble Eightfold Path is the way to end suffering.

It is the path that, if followed correctly, will lead to peace.

It is broken down into 3 different categories: Wisdom, Ethical Conduct and Mental Development.

Under Wisdom falls Right View and Right Intention. To have "Right View" is to realize that suffering does, in fact, exist and everyone has to go through some form of suffering to reach peace. Once you have Right View, you will have right thoughts and actions. With Right View, you will "see and understand things as they truly are".

Right Intention is a "commitment to ethical and mental self-improvement". There are 3 types of right intentions: resisting your desires, resisting anger and developing compassion, not hate.

Under Ethical Conduct falls Speech, Action and Livelihood. Right Speech is knowing when to speak and what to speak. Don't lie, don't blackmail, don't use hurtful words and refrain from conversations that don't have a purpose. An example of this would be John's experience where you couldn't speak unless you first thought about what you were saying and if it was necessary.

Right Action is acting in a kind, respectful way that will not hurt anyone. Right Livelihood is living with good morals and gaining wealth "legally and peacefully". Right Livelihood is living in a way that does not violate Right Speech and Right Action.

Right Effort, Right Mindfullness and Right Concentration all fall under the Mental Development category. Right Effort is essential in the Eightfold Path because without it, you wouldn't have the drive to get you where you need to be. Once you acheive the right state of mind and see things as they really are (Right Mindfullness), you will be on your way to peace. Right Concentration also contributes to this category. Find a way to focus all of your mind's energy on one thing, whether it be through meditation or any other kind of spiritual or non-spiritual discipline.

Following these steps will eventually lead you in the direction of peace.

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