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The Noble Eightfold Path


Being an illustrious rhetorician, Buddha narrated his first speech in the Deer Park. From that moment, he chose the perplexing symbol of the wheel with its famous eight spokes to represent the Noble Eightfold Path. His preachings are like a WHEEL which goes round and round that never stops. Though the wheel has a central point- the only point which is fixed and immovable just like-Nirvana.  These eight discourses on the wheel symbolize the eight parts of the Noble Eightfold Path which portray-

Just as every spoke is needed for the wheel to keep turning, we need to follow each step of the path. 


1. Right View. The right way to think about life is to see the world through the eyes of the Buddha--with wisdom and compassion.
2. Right Thought. We are what we think. Clear and kind thoughts build good, strong characters.
3. Right Speech. By speaking kind and helpful words, we are respected and trusted by everyone.
4. Right Conduct. No matter what we say, others know us from the way we behave. Before we criticize others, we should first see what we do ourselves.
5. Right Livelihood. This means choosing a job that does not hurt others. The Buddha said, "Do not earn your living by harming others. Do not seek happiness by making others unhappy."
6. Right Effort. A worthwhile life means doing our best at all times and having good will toward others. This also means not wasting effort on things that harm ourselves and others.
7. Right Mindfulness. This means being aware of our thoughts, words, and deeds.
8. Right Concentration. Focus on one thought or object at a time. By doing this, we can be quiet and attain true peace of mind.
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