When Buddha identified the four noble truths, he mentioned various ways through which people can be free from sufferings. The Noble Eightfold Path identified by the Buddha is the absolute way to overcome suffering. It is the way to understand knowledge, wisdom, ethics and mental discipline.
Right views, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration consists of the noble eightfold path. If we truly understand the right views and right intention, we understand the wisdom. Similarly, if we understand the right speech, right action, and right livelihood; we understand the ethics. And, if we truly understand the right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration; we understand the mental discipline.
Noble Eightfold truth described by the Lord Buddha
1. Right Views- It is an essential part of the noble path to get away from suffering. It is the first fold of the noble eightfold path. It is defined as the right understanding or outlook. Understanding is wisdom.It is also defined as the best way of looking at matters. To overcome the pain and suffering, we should have the right views towards the things we deal or perform.
2. Right Intention- It is the second fold of the noble eightfold path described by the Buddha. It is defined as the right thought or conception towards things and matters. It is also good motivation. We should have a positive outlook towards the matter. We have to fill our mind with compassion.
3. Right Speech- It is defined as the power of speaking in the right order which is the third fold of the noble eightfold path. To get away from the suffering and pain, we must be away from the abusive speech. According to Buddha, words have the power to both destroy and heal. When words are both true and kind, they can change our world. Therefore, we should choose true and kind words. Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
4. Right Action- It is the fourth fold of the noble eightfold path. It is defined as the power of tackling things in the right way and order. According to Buddha, it is described as the process of acting in harmony with the things. Therefore, the Right action is defined as the power of dealing things in a good way where the people stay in harmony with the things they deal with.
5. Right Livelihood- It is the fifth fold of the noble eightfold path which is a part of the moral conduct, defining as the process of living in a way that does not cause any harm or suffering to others.
6. Right Effort- It is the sixth fold of the noble eightfold path. Buddha defined right effort as the power of transforming the whole structure of our lives in the right manner. He also defined it as the training of the mind in the right manner. According to Lord Buddha, all that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him. We have to throw all the negative ideas and desires in order to have a positive mind.
7. Right Mindfulness- It is the seventh fold of the noble eightfold path which is defined as the requirement for developing insight. It is also the precondition for developing wisdom as mentioned by the Buddha. While describing the noble eightfold path about right mindfulness, Buddha remained focused on the body in and of itself. Here, the mind is kept alert. Right mindfulness is the need for developing insight i.e. for penetrating mental vision.
8. Right Concentration- It is the eighth fold of the noble eightfold path which is defined as the establishment of mind in the right way or manner, also concerned with the meditation. Hence, Right concentration is the building of mind in a positive manner.
Wisdom Quotes by Buddha
1. Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind.2. Perfect wisdom illumines his understanding and selflessness ensoul the purpose of all his actions.
3. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.