Understanding the Noble Eightfold Path and Threefold Path in Buddhism : หน้า 52/141

[Right concentration, again, becomes the basis of right views, right aspirations, and other steps of the noble eightfold path, which is now experienced on a higher level, and this spiral-like progression is continued until complete liberation is attained. Similarly, Harvey explains the development of the threefold path in different levels up to the point where Arhatship is attained:57 With each more refined development of the virtue-meditation-wisdom sequence, the path spirals up to a higher level, until the crucial transition of Stream-entry is reached. The holy path then spirals up to Arhatship. Harvey's explanation of the development of the path-function is quite explicit in its relation to the attainment of different levels of noble states. The development of the threefold path in this manner is comparable to that of the noble eightfold path, previously explained by Govinda, as these two titles of ‘path’ correspond to one another.58 Thus, certain levels of the noble eightfold path can be comparable to the four transcendent paths, just like the same road leading straight up to a destination being addressed with different titles at certain points along the way.59 The four transcendent maggas, in functioning by eradicating defilements, must be constitutive of the eight elements of the noble path that are instrumental to enlightenment. As these transcendental paths and fruits function in transubstantiating a person into noble states, they may be considered comparable to Brahma, the creator. Indeed, as these supramundane paths and fruits can be regarded also as ‘shared or the same kind of properties/qualities’ of the Buddha and his noble disciples which distinguish them from worldly people (lokiya puthujana), they seem to fit in the meaning of ‘dhamma’ in our quest.60 57 Peter Harvey, An Introduction to Buddhism: Teachings, History, and Practices (Cambridge England ; New York: Cambridge University Press, 1990), pp. 70-71. 58 M.I.301. 59 In the Pāli canon, the noble eightfold path is mentioned as the best of all ‘conditioned states.’ A.II.34. The Theravādins also understand the four transcendent maggas as ‘conditioned.’ Kv.318, Kv.580. 60 Cf. Harvey’s interpretation of dhamma that is the Tathāgata’s body as the noble eightfold path, as mentioned earlier.