The Eightfold Path, Part Four (an ongoing introduction to Buddhism…as I understand it)

Wisdom

1. Right View

2. Right Intention

Ethical Conduct:

3. Right Speech

4. Right Action

5. Right Livelihood

Mental Development:

6. Right Effort

7. Right Mindfulness

8. Right Concentration

Right Action is predicated on  mental self-discipline, and this particular ‘step’ on the Eightfold Path involves the body as the vehicle for articulation. Mind-body interaction is central to the concept: what you do with your body dictates your state of  mind. Unwholesome deeds cause unstable states of mind; conversely, wholesome acts produce sound states of mind.

There are others, but the precepts that probably appply most closely to Right Action encourage you to abstain from:

  • harming sentient beings (including yourself), especially the taking of a life
  • taking what is not yours
  • sexual misconduct (a specific case of harming others)
  • abusing intoxicants

The precepts are sometimes compared to the ten commandments of Christianity; however, there are two fundamental differences:

  1. The precepts are offered as guidance, not as commandments. Each person must use his/her wisdom to utilize the precepts in a manner that they determine to be appropriate. The precepts illustrate the way an enlightened being behaves.
  2. The true significance is the essence of the precepts, and is not contained in the words themselves (but perhaps this is true of The Ten Comandments as well…). Moral conduct should be examined in a framework that includes all aspects of the Eightfold Path.