The Eightfold Path

Question 1

What is one reason why the Eightfold Path is significant?

Answer 1

• It can help Lay Buddhists get a better rebirth.

Question 2

What is the Eightfold Path?

Answer 2

• The Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Four Noble Truths and the first of the Buddha’s teachings. It is living between luxury and poverty, having enough to live and feeling comfortable, eliminating desire and craving.

Question 3

What is the first section of the Eightfold Path?

Answer 3

• Wisdom, through having the Right View.

Question 4

What is the Right View and why is it significant?

Answer 4

• Right view is a significant step on the path as it means that you should see and understand things as they really are and accept the Four Noble Truths.
• You need to accept that all beings are subject to suffering and realize the impermanent and imperfect nature of worldly objects and ideas, and not a perfect image of the world. This will help you to have complete understanding of the true nature of all things​

Question 5

How does having the Right View help Lay Buddhists get a better re-birth?

Answer 5

• This can help lay Buddhists as they’ll know the true reality of human nature, and by having this, and following the Eightfold Path, it’ll help them get closer to enlightenment, therefore a better re-birth.

Question 6

What is one impact of living according to the Eightfold Path?

Answer 6

• An impact of living according to the Eightfold Path would be that it brings Buddhists closer to achieving their goal of a better-rebirth and will help them to be free of suffering.
• At a minimum, it will help to reduce suffering in their day-to-day life.

Question 7

What is a second impact of living according to the Eightfold Path?

Answer 7

• An impact of living according to the Eightfold Path would be that Buddhists will spend a lot of time learning, researching and thinking about the Dhamma as they must understand these in order to develop wisdom and have the Right View and Right Intention.
• Some Buddhists may join their local group and give up their time to learn about the Dhamma from Monks or experienced Buddhists.

Question 8

What is one evaluation point for the practice of the Eightfold Path?

Answer 8

• The Eightfold Path is very important as it means to achieving the goal of Nibbana. It is the most important practice as it is what the Buddha identified as being the path to follow in order to achieve Nibbana.

Question 9

What is the second evaluation point for the practice of the Eightfold Path?

Answer 9

• No single practice can help a Buddhist to achieve Nibbana, and all of the Eightfold Path has to be done at once. For example, meditation is useful, but not without having the Right View of the Buddha’s teachings first.

Question 10

What is another reason for the Eightfold Path being important?

Answer 10

• It can help Buddhist Monks reach Nibbana

Question 11

How is the Eightfold Path useful to Buddhist Monks?

Answer 11

• Through the Morality Section of the Eightfold Path, specifically by having the Right Speech.

Question 12

What is ‘Right Speech’ and why is it important?

Answer 12

• Right speech involves recognition of the truth, and also an awareness of the impact of idle gossip and of repeating rumours.
• Communicating thoughtfully helps to unite others, and can heal dissention. By resolving never to speak unkindly, or in anger, a spirit of consideration evolves which moves Buddhists closer to everyday compassionate living​

Question 13

What is one quote as an example of how important Right Speech is?

Answer 13

“Do not speak harshly to anyone….For angry speech is painful: retribution may reach you” - Dhammapada

Question 14

What does the Dhamma quote of Right Speech explain?

Answer 14

• This explains that using harsh words is not compassionate and only sends Buddhists further away from the Eightfold Path.
• This is important because using kinder words helps others, as well as yourself and helps Buddhists become closer to the goal of enlightenment.

Question 15

What is a third impact of living according to the Eightfold Path?

Answer 15

• An impact of living according to the Eightfold Path would have a significant impact on a Buddhist’s life.
• For example, following the Morality section of the Eightfold Path might mean that they must give up their job as it may cause harm and look for a less cruel job.

Question 16

What is a fourth impact of living according to the Eightfold Path?

Answer 16

• An impact of living according to the Eightfold Path would have a significant impact on a Buddhist’s life.
• For example, following Right Speech might mean that they have to avoid certain conversations with friends or to be extra careful not to spread misinformation and fact-check their speech.

Question 17

What is the third evaluation point for the practice of the Eightfold Path?

Answer 17

• People are more materialistic than ever and cling to objects and things for happiness, so following the Eightfold Path can help people to overcome attachment and minimise their suffering.

Question 18

What is the fourth evaluation point for the practice of the Eightfold Path?

Answer 18

• Buddhism is a religion which focuses on actions and personal effort. Living according to the Eightfold Path is very important because it requires Buddhists to be active in achieving their goal.
• It is not simply enough to believe in the Buddha’s teachings, but you must put these into practice in your everyday life.

Question 19

What is the final reason the Eightfold Path is important?

Answer 19

• As it can help Buddhists focus on what is important.

Question 20

How can Buddhists find what is important?

Answer 20

• Through the Meditation section of the Eightfold Path, specifically, Right Mindfulness.

Question 21

What is ‘Right Mindfulness’ and why is it important?

Answer 21

• Right Mindfulness means being aware of and focused on that moment.
• By being aware, we can see how old patterns and habits control us. In this awareness, we may see how fears of the future limit our actions​.
• Therefore, we can have perfected thinking patterns, with the ability to see things how they are. This relates to having the Right View, as you can see the world’s reality more clearly with both together.

Question 22

What is an example of Right Mindfulness?

Answer 22

• For example, Buddhists can practice Right Mindfulness by using the Samatha Meditation method which trains the mind to develop inner strength and freedom from turmoil.
• This produces a happier and more unified state of mind, leading to clarity and understanding.

Question 23

What is the fifth impact of living according to the Eightfold Path?

Answer 23

• An impact of living according to the Eightfold Path would be that a Buddhist might extinguish the characteristics of the three root poisons.
• When they practice Right Mindfulness, they might become more aware of their thoughts and identify intentions rooted in greed. This allows them to work on having the Right Intention.

Question 24

What is a sixth impact of living according to the Eightfold Path?

Answer 24

• A Buddhist would have to find time in their day to meditate in order to follow the Meditation/Mindfulness aspects of the Eightfold Path.
• This might mean giving up time usually spent with friends or family in order to meditate or practice how to control their thoughts.

Question 25

What is the fifth evaluation point for the practice of the Eightfold Path?

Answer 25

• The Eightfold Path is still relevant because it seems that people are suffering more in the modern world, particularly with their mental health, and this is a way to reduce suffering in life for both Buddhists and non.