The Eightfold Path

Question 1

What are the three sections of the Eightfold path?

Answer 1

wisdom
morality
meditation

Question 2

what did the eightfold path comprise of

Answer 2

right understanding (wisdom)
right thought (wisdom)
right speech (morality
right action (morality)
right livelihood (morality)
right effort (morality)
right mindfulness (meditation)
right concentration (meditation)

Question 3

what is meant by right understanding (wisdom)?

Answer 3

reading and testing teachings of Buddha before making judgement

Question 4

What is meant by right thought (wisdom)?

Answer 4

altruistic thinking - concerned about environment + religious Qs

Question 5

What is meant by morality + quote?

Answer 5

universal love and compassion
Buddha’s teachings = ‘For the good of many, for the happiness of many, out of compassion for the world.’
not about sin/ guilt + not codified

Question 6

What is meant by right speech (morality) + quote from Rahula (Buddha’s son)?

Answer 6

lies, swearing, frivolous etc

‘if one cannot say something useful one should keep noble silence.’

Question 7

What are the ‘Five precepts’ that should be followed to achieve right action (morality)?

Answer 7

refrain from taking life
refrain from taking that which is not given
refrain from misuse of the senses
refrain from telling lies
refrain from self-intoxication with drink and drugs

Question 8

What is meant by right livelihood (morality)?

Answer 8

ahishma - harmlessness

Question 9

What is meant by right effort (morality) + ideas of Rahula (Buddha’s son)?

Answer 9

effort to achieve enlightenment
Rahula - effort = will to :
prevent and get rid of evil, unwholesome states of mind
produce and develop wholesome states of mind

Question 10

What is meant by right mindfulness (meditation)?

Answer 10

awareness of thoughts, speech, actions etc
awareness of inner motivations + intentions
rid of greed, hatred + ignorance

Question 11

What is meant by right concentration (meditation)?

Answer 11

using meditation to gain insight into true nature of things