2. Right Intention - Samma Samkappa
Right Intention is also known as Right Orientation. Once we have obtained Right Understanding and we no longer force our preconceived ideas onto matters we have then lost the need to manipulate situations into what we believe they should be. It essentially refers to pure intention, addressing matters without selfish motives fuelling our actions.
3. Right Speech � Samma Vaca
Right Speech involves two aspects. The first involves abstaining from the harmful forms of speech such as abusive language, lying etc. The second aspect of Right Speech incorporates the skills that are obtained from Right Understanding and Right Intention. If one�s view of a situation is unaffected by personal assumptions and one�s intention is pure nothing is left unsaid out or fear or personal reservations.
4. Right Action � Samma Kannacunta
Right Action also involves two different aspects. On one hand, Right Action involves promoting �peace and harmony� not practising any type of action that will result in the harm of oneself or another person, whilst on the other hand it involves renouncing the complications that we involve in our lives through Wrong Speech, Wrong Intention and Wrong Understanding.
5. Right Livelihood � Samma Ajiva
Right Livelihood is concerned with practising the aforementioned aspects of the Eightfold path in relation to the way we earn a living. Therefore, jobs that require cheating, lying, killing animals and selling harmful products, such as drugs, alcohol etc are viewed as unacceptable.
6. Right Effort � Samma Vayama
Right Effort involves approaching all things in life with a positive and non-aggressive attitude.
7. Right Mindfulness � Samma Sati
Right Mindfulness is directly involved with Right Effort. Right Mindfulness entails being complete awareness of our experiences. This is applied to all aspects of existence, wether they be physical, emotional or mental.
8. Right Concentration � Samma Samadhi
Right Concentration is also referred to as Right Absorption, and is closely involved with Right Mindfulness. It is the ability to concentrate on the appropriate details, see things how they are, in their most simple and true form. This is achieved through different meditative techniques.
The eight different paths of the Eightfold path are divided into three divisions.
Mental Discipline � Samadhi
Mental Discipline involves Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. These must be first learnt in order to gain Ethical Conduct.
Ethical Conduct � Sila
This division involves Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood. However, Ethical Conduct is not attainable without the practice of mental discipline and wisdom. Ethical Conduct is essentially compassion. It involves freeing one�s soul from hate, anger and grief and embracing love, kindness, generosity and forgiveness.
Wisdom � Panna
Wisdom involves Right Intention and Right Understanding. Wisdom constitutes the ability to understand things as they are, rather than as we wish they would be.
Karma
Karma refers to the idea or ideal that our actions will affect our future. However, it may also refer to actions from our previous life affecting our current one. Essentially, karma means �action�, though not in the literal sense of the word. To put it simply, like attracts like, and we are responsible for creating the situations we find ourselves in; if not directly, we are indirectly through the law of karma.
Nirvana
Nirvana is the absolute goal of Buddhism. As the Vedic�s refer to moksa, the Buddhist�s refer to Nirvana. Simply, Nirvana means cessation. It means that the soul has achieved its highest state and is no longer required to reincarnate and live through the suffering of life. Nirvana is achieved through the following and understanding of all the previously mentioned doctrines.
Words � Natalie Gardner
Design / Brushes � PixelScripts
Photo � Unknown, from
gettyimages.com