EightFold path
...ct nature of worldly things, and to understand the law of karma. It is the first teaching because one’s worldview will determine one’s thoughts and right view yields right actions (The Noble Eightfold Path). Right Intention deals with positive and negative energy and the commitment to mental self-improvement. The Buddha explains right intention as threefold: "the intention of renunciation, the intention of good will, and the intention of harmlessness". These intentions include the resistance of desire, aversion or anger, and acts of cruelty or aggressiveness (Bodhi). Right Speech is deeply emphasized among all Buddhist because of the severe consequences of speech; words can save lives, make enemies or friends, start war or create peace. Buddha explained his third principle as abstinence from false speech, abstinence from slanderous speech and not to use words maliciously against others, abstinence from harsh words that offend or hurt others, and finally abstinence from idle chatter that lacks purpose or depth (The Noble Eightfold Path). Right Action encompasses many ideas in one principle. It gives restriction to the way one should use their body. To a Buddhist Right Action includes but is not limited to abstaining from taking another’s life or one’s own life, stealing and behaving unchastely. The idea of Right Action is based in respect; self-respect and respect for everything else that is good (Noble Eightfold Path). The fifth of Buddha’s principles is Right Livelihood. Right Livelihood preaches that one should earn one's living in a righteous way and that wealth should be gained legally and peacefully. Buddha specifically mentions that one should avoid dealing in weapons, dealing in living beings which includes slavery and prostitution, working in meat production and butchery, and finally avoid selling intoxicant, such as alcohol and drugs (The Noble Eightfold Path). Right Effort, the sixth of Buddha’s principles is directed by the idea of what one should do rather than what one shouldn’t do. Backed by one’s mental energy, effort along with persistence allows for actions to have more positive outcomes. One must pursue their faith with passion otherwise the fruit of their actions will have no value (Noble Eightfold Path). Right Mindfulness is the mental ability to see things as they are, with clear consciousness. The process begins with impression which quickly changes into interpretation, experience, and eventually influences action. Right Mindfulness allows for one to have control over their thoughts. Buddha broke this principle into the four foundations of mindfulness: contemplation of the body, contemplation of feeling, contemplation of the state of mind, and contemplation of the phenomena (The Noble Eightfold Path). The last of the principles of the Noble Eightfold Path is Right Concentration. Most often through meditation, concentration is achieved by focusing on a selected object or idea. By directing all of one’s energy and thought in one area, one can come to understand and appreciate the universe which can bring one closer to wholeness (The Noble Eightfold Path). The Noble Eightfold Path plays a huge role in the daily lives of Buddhist all over the world. A contemporary Buddhist will inevitably encounter many challenges during their life to not strictly adhere to these principles. However, it is possible to live a good life with their direction. An active Buddhist could overcome the secularization of society by choosing to live within a positive community that attempts to live by similar motives. One could meditate daily, continuously reflect on Buddha’s teachings, and contemplate decisions before action so that one would make good choices. One would definitely want to avoid any type of profession that does not follow such principles; one would not be a burglar, drug dealer, bartender...