The Eightfold Path: Right Mindfulness

The Eightfold Path, Part Seven (an 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 mindfulness is pure awareness of the present moment; transparent perception, an awareness that penetrates our biased interpretations of reality.

Humans have a propensity to interpret with the bias of an ego-filter: an evaluation based on previous experiences. The goal of mindful perception is to live in the present moment without bias.

Meditation plays a key role in right mindfulness, and the purpose of meditation is to be fully aware in the present moment: any other goal invites the specter of dukkha (grasping, frustration, et cetera).

There are four foundations of mindfulness, which are the basis of meditation practice as taught by Shakyamuni Buddha (Maha Satipatthana Sutta):

• Contemplation of the body
• Contemplation of feelings (revulsion, attraction, neutral)
• Contemplation of the state of mind (a dispassionate observation)
• Contemplation of phenomena (dharmas: irreducible, fundamental units of experience)

No amount of effort will yield a profound result without mindfulness; it is the root of Buddhism.

 

“Breathe and you know you are alive.” Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh

 

The Eightfold Path, Right Livelihood

The Eightfold Path, Part Five (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

We should earn our living legally and peacefully; in addition, we should be aware of the consequences of our vocation: how we make our living can either cultivate or corrode compassion.

The Buddha specified four professions that harm sentient beings and should be avoided: dealing in sentient beings (e.g.: prostitution), dealing in weapons, selling intoxicants and poisons, and working in meat production and butchery.

Of course, we are all interconnected, and it is impossible to be completely separated from ‘impurity.’ For example, a construction worker may find herself erecting a building that is used to sell alcohol, and worry about ‘crossing the line.’ But we should be careful that we do not obscure the message by becoming too pedantic. Even though the consumption of alcohol is a huge problem in our society, it is an acceptable, social convention, and most people are able to enjoy it without difficulties. I do believe that in an enlightened society alcohol would not be necessary, but we’ve a little way to go before we get there.

And we must all make a living.

Sometimes it is difficult — if not impossible — to choose (or change) careers in order to follow the teachings to the letter. And if, for example, we eat meat, aren’t we enabling the butcher? We should not judge his vocation; rather, we should thank him for helping to feed us and/or others that we know (there are even Buddhist monks who will eat meat if it is offered to them). Perhaps it is enough to think about, make a case for, and work toward a future in which none of us feels the need to eat the flesh of animals (right view, right intention…).

The Eightfold Path is a guide, an experiential map through life’s labyrinth. We shouldn’t get tangled in words; words illuminate the path, but they are not the path itself. Each of us experiences the path in our own way; beyond words, and even beyond thoughts.

In practicing Right Livelihood you should try to settle into a career that doesn’t contravene your ideals. Choose as wisely, and compassionately, as you are able to.

 

The Eightfold Path, Right Action

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.