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8 fold path
Hi,
do you consider the 8 fold path as a prescription for daily living? Or is it meant to be merely an indicator that you're headed in the right direction?
thanks!
do you consider the 8 fold path as a prescription for daily living? Or is it meant to be merely an indicator that you're headed in the right direction?
thanks!
0
Comments
Ultimately, it is a constant and revolving reminder of how to - and how not to - take each step along the path......
In my view.
That's all I need to know.
Yes, I do consider the Eightfold Path as a prescription for daily living.
To me, an indicator is something that arises when the conditions are right (like litmus paper and pH).
But in the case of the Eightfold Path, these behaviors arise because they have been deliberately and consciously cultivated ... i.e., we have retrained our mind. They do not arise as a result of our meditations (although meditation may be of some assistance).
While the monks I have taken teachings from have all talked about the importance of meditation practice, they have also said that the most important practice is how we use our mind (and heart) every second we are off the meditation cushion ... and that is what the Eightfold Path is all about.
She also said that until that insight we still have our own version or understanding of the 8 fold path. It is not the 8 fold path that buddha was talking about (that comes later), but it can be helpful and meaningful to us nonetheless.
The monks who were said to understand buddha during the 8 fold path sutra had practiced spiritually their entire lives.
The same goes for the four noble truths.
I'd like to cultivate the 8 fold path in my life, but I'm not sure how to assess some of the branches. For example, right livelihood seems like a straightfoward task, but how do you gauge something more intangible like right view or right mindfulness? What works for you?
remember that the eightfold path is symbolised by a wheel.
I look upon it this way:
The Buddha is the hub, or centre of the wheel... it all revolves around his teachings and the Buddha's original role as our mentor, guide and example.
The spokes are the Dhamma - his teachings, and all his fundamental knowledge given to us by way of instructions and example... I think it safe to say that pretty much everything the Buddha transmitted, could be honed down to these 8 'spokes'...they all rely upon one another, and they constantly turn... with really, no 'number one' and no 'number eight'....
The outer band is the Sangha... the unity, the community, the people who roll with it, and together, proceed along the way.....
enjoy the link.
but research other teachings and views, too. That is but one....
This website is brilliant.
Oh yes, Jeffrey, you are right. NONE of this can be really understood from reading, discussing, or even from intellectualization. Too often, all these produce is a false sense of pride rather than true understanding. And needing to think we know the answers now can be merely another form of seeking certainty
The true path is so very slow, and we are still dreaming of a reality we have not yet seen or comprehended. My teacher tells us that it will take lifetimes to achieve enlightenment, so we need patience, faith in the process, and a tolerance for that which is yet unknowable.
But listen, I have seen it interpreted that way, and I thought it a brilliant analogy. I'm not sure it's an 'official' angle though...I think it's more of a symbolic interpretation that seems to fit, and helps with the visualisation and 'rooting' of the Eight-spoked wheel image.....But I'm not really certain that any major schools see it as the way to see it....
Just to advise you of that.
But I think it works well, huh?
When I read the suttas, I cannot help but notice that the Buddha has often rendered a 'simpler' form of teaching to householders (lay people) than that He rendered to monks. Did he do this because He felt that the lay people were not "ready" for the "full" teaching (4NT & 8FP)?
Maybe some experienced members can shed some light here...
it is in fact because much of what he taught the ordained, was not necessary or applicable to laypersons.
I think in fact it was the Dalai Lama who said that although Monks and Nuns have a greater degree of discipline bestowed upon them, and more demands by way of precepts, it is in fact far more difficult for a lay person to adhere to the strict guidelines of the 8Fold path, because of all the conditions they are subjected to, during their days.....
So, "simpler" it might be.
Easier - it ain't!
The teaching reduced to:
Dana (Generosity)
Sila (Morality/Ethics)
Bhavana (Mental Cultivation/Meditation)
Looks simple enough.... but yes, like you said... it ain't so easy!
Hope this doesn't sound too corny or fluffy.
- Raven