Question

What do you understand by the term eightfold path of buddhism?

Answer 1

Answer:

The Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering and the achievement of self-awakening. It is used to develop insight into the true nature of phenomena and to eradicate greed, hatred, and delusion. The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Buddha's Four Noble Truths; the first element of the Noble Eightfold Path is, in turn, an understanding of the Four Noble Truths. It is also known as the Middle Path or Middle Way. All eight elements of the Path begin with the word "right", which translates the word samyañc or sammā. These denote completion, togetherness, and coherence, and can also suggest the senses of "perfect" or "ideal". 'Samma' is also translated as "wholesome", "wise" and "skillful". In Buddhist symbolism, the Noble Eightfold Path is often represented by means of the dharma wheel, whose eight spokes represent the eight elements of the path

Answer 2

Answer:

Buddhism developed out of Hinduism in the sixth century B.C. For a Buddhist salvation is reaching Nirvana. Nirvana is a transcendental, blissful, spiritual state of nothingness--you become a Buddha, the enlightened.

The Noble Eightfold Path is:

1. Right Understanding: accepting the Four Noble Truths.

1. The existence of suffering;
2. the cause of suffering;
3. the end of suffering;
4. and the end of pain.

2. Right Resolve: renounce the pleasures of the body. Change your lifestyle so that you harm no living creatures and have kind thoughts for everyone.

3. Right Speech: do not gossip, lie or slander anyone.

4. Right Action: do not kill, steal or engage in an unlawful sexual act.

5. Right Occupation (Right Livelihood): avoid working at any job that could harm someone.

6. Right Effort: heroically work to eliminate evil from your life. Through your own effort develop good conduct and a clean mind.

7. Right Contemplation: make your self aware of your deeds, words and thoughts so that you can be free of desire and sorrow.

8. Right Meditation: train your mind to focus on a single object without wavering so as to develop a calm mind capable of concentration.

The Eightfold Path is also known as the Middle Path because it teaches avoiding the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification. Following the Noble Eightfold Path requires that a person do the above eight things. Nirvana (Salvation) is through what a Buddhist does. It is through human works, what a person does with his life.