The Eight Fold Path to Nirvana

“The opportunity you have now, as a human who is capable of thinking clearly, who can see truly the suffering in which you live, who comprehends its causes and who has at last found the true Path to escape it, is rare beyond all rarity.”

Geshe Michael Roach - The Garden Discovered by Buddha Himself, the eightfold path is the only way to Nirvana. It avoids the extreme of self-torture that weakens one’s intellect and the extreme of self-indulgence that hinders spiritual progress. [Going back to the whole goal of Buddhism; to end self suffering]. It consists of the following eight factors: 1. Right Understanding is the understanding of oneself as one really is. The keynote of Buddhism is this Right Understanding. Buddhism, is based on knowledge and not on unreasonable belief. It is focussed on improving one's lifestyle and loving what you have. 2. Right Thoughts are: The thoughts of reincarnation. Kind Thoughts. Thoughts of harmlessness. These tend to purify the mind. 3. Right Speech deals with refraining from lying, stealing, gossiping, harsh words and intense talks. 4. Right Action deals with staying away from killing, stealing and lack of chastity. It helps one to develop a character that is self-controlled and mindful. 5. Right Livelihood deals with five kinds of trades that should be avoided by a lay disciple. They are: Trade in deadly weapons Trade in animals for slaughter Trade in slavery Trade in intoxicants Trade in poisons Right Livelihood means earning one’s living in a way that is not harmful to others. 6. Right Effort is: The journey to discard evil that has already is here. The journey to prevent the coming of evil. The journey to develop that good which has already arisen. The journey to promote that good which has not already come. Effort is needed to cultivate Good Conduct or develop one’s mind, because we are often distracted or tempted to take the easy way out of things.  7. Right Mindfulness is: Mindfulness with regard to body Mindfulness with regard to feeling Mindfulness with regard to mind Mindfulness with regard to mental objects Right Mindfulness is the awareness of one’s deeds, words and thoughts. 8. Right Meditation. Meditation means the gradual process of training the mind to focus on a single object and to remain fixed upon the object without wavering. The constant practice of meditation helps to develop a calm and concentrated mind and helps to prepare for the ultimate attainment of Wisdom and Enlightenment.