Chapter 15

　　The Noble Eighfold Path

　　The Noble Eightfold Path (Ariya Atthangika Magga), discovered by the Buddha Himself, is the only way to Nibbána. It avoids the extreme of self-mortification that weakens one”s intellect, and the extreme of self-indulgence that retards one”s spiritual progress.

　　It consists of the following eight factors: -

　　Right Understanding - Samma Ditthi

　　Right Thoughts - Samma Sankappa

　　Right Speech - Samma Vaca

　　Right Action - Samma Kammanta

　　Right Livelihood - Samma A jiva

　　Right Effort - Samma Vayama

　　Right Mindfulness - Samma Sati

　　Right Concentration - Samma Samadhi

　　1. Right Understanding is the knowledge of the Four Noble Truths. In other words it is the understanding of oneself as one really is. The keynote of Buddhism is this Right Understanding. Buddhism as such is based on knowledge and not on unreasonable belief.

　　2. Right thoughts are threefold. They are the Thoughts of Renunciation - Nekkhamma Sankappa, which are opposed to lustful desires. Benevolent Thoughts - Avyapada Sankappa, which are opposed to ill-will, and Thoughts of Harmlessness (Avihimsa Sankappa) which are opposed to cruelty. These tend to purify the mind.

　　3. Right speech deals with refraining from falsehood, slandering, harsh words; and frivolous talks.

　　4. Right Action deals with refraining from killing, stealing, and un-chastity.

　　5. Right livelihood deals with the five kinds of trades, which should be avoided by a lay disciple. They are trading in arms, human beings, flesh (that is, breeding animals for slaughter), intoxicating drinks, and poison. Hypocritical conduct is cited as wrong livelihood for monks.

　　6. Right Effort is fourfold - namely,

　　i. the endeavor to discard evil that has already arisen,

　　ii the endeavor to prevent the arising of un-risen evil,

　　iii the endeavor to develop un-risen good, and

　　iv the endeavor to promote that good which has already arisen.

　　7. Right Mindfulness is also fourfold. It is the mindfulness with regard to body, sensations, mind, and Dhamma (Phenomena).

　　8. Right Concentration is the one-pointed ness of the mind.

　　The first two are grouped in Wisdom - Paññá, the second three in Morality - Síla, and the last three in Concentration - Samadhi.

　　 {Right Speech

　　Síla {Right Action

　　 {Right Livelihood

　　 {Right Effort

　　Samadhi {Right Mindfulness

　　 {Right Concentration

　　 {Right Understanding

　　Paññá {Right Thoughts

　　Strictly speaking these factors that comprise the Noble Eightfold Path signify eight mental properties (Cetasikas) collectively found in the four classes of Supra-mundane Consciousness whose object is Nibbána.

　　According to the order of development Síla, Samadhi, and Paññá are the three stages of the Path. All these stages are embodied in the following beautiful verse:-

　　Sabba Papassa Akaranam

　　Kusalassa Upasampada

　　Sacitta Pariyodapanam

　　Etam Buddhana Sasanam

　　To cease from all evil,

　　To do what is good,

　　To cleanse one”s mind:,

　　This is the advice of all the Buddhas.

　　Síla or Morality is the first stage.

　　Without killing or causing injury to any living being, the aspirant should be kind and compassionate towards all. Refraining from stealing, he should be upright and honest in all his dealings. Abstaining from sexual misconduct, he should be pure and chaste. Shunning false speech, he should be truthful. Avoiding pernicious drinks that pro-mote heedlessness, he should be sober and diligent.

　　Every follower of the Buddha is expected to observe these five principles of regulated behavior daily. As circumstances permit he may advance a step further and observe the eight or even the ten precepts.

　　Whilst he progresses slowly and steadily with regulated…

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