Noble Eightfold Path
he Noble Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the achievement of self-awakening. It is used to develop insight into the true nature of phenomena (or reality) and to eradicate greed, hatred, and delusion. The Noble Eightfold Path is the fourth of the Buddha's Four Noble Truths; the first element of the Noble Eightfold Path is, in turn, an understanding of the Four Noble Truths. It is also known as the Middle Path or Middle Way.
All eight elements of the Path begin with the word "right," which translates the word samyañc (in Sanskrit) or sammā (in Pāli). These denote completion, togetherness, and coherence, and can also suggest the senses of "perfect" or "ideal." 'Samma' is also translated as "wholesome," "wise" and "skillful."
In Buddhist symbolism, the Noble Eightfold Path is often represented by means of the dharma wheel (dharmachakra), whose eight spokes represent the eight elements of the path.[1]
Threefold division
The Noble Eightfold Path is sometimes divided into three basic divisions, as follows:[2][3]
| Division | Eightfold Path factors | Acquired factors |
|---|---|---|
| Wisdom (Sanskrit: prajñā, Pāli: paññā) | 1. Right view | 9. Superior right knowledge |
| 2. Right intention | 10. Superior right liberation | |
| Ethical conduct (Sanskrit: śīla, Pāli: sīla) | 3. Right speech | |
| 4. Right action | ||
| 5. Right livelihood | ||
| Concentration (Sanskrit and Pāli: samādhi) | 6. Right effort | |
| 7. Right mindfulness | ||
| 8. Right concentration |
This presentation is called the "Three Higher Trainings" in Mahāyāna Buddhism: higher moral discipline, higher concentration and higher wisdom. "Higher" here refers to the fact that these trainings that lead to liberation and enlightenment are engaged in with the motivation of renunciation or bodhicitta.