Understanding the Eightfold Path in Buddhism : หน้า 49/164

Suzanne Jeffrey "The path begins with Right View, Samma-Ditthi. This is also called Right Understand- ing. On one level, this means that we understand that there is cause and effect: that do- ing good deeds will reap positive outcomes and that doing bad deeds will reap negative outcomes. On another level, however, this refers to the wisdom of correctly being able to view the reality of the world and life within it for what it truly is. For example, we are able to differentiate between good and bad deeds, right and wrong, ‘boon’ and ‘baap’ or good energy/bad energy, proper and improper behavior. I am certain that you understand what I am saying. Now then, in different social groups, the lines of what is ‘good’ and what is ‘bad’ sometimes become blurred. We should always be aware of what is good and what is bad, but in some educational practices, good (sound) practice is not always adhered to if there are fifty children in the classroom compared to ten in the classroom. So you can see that even with Right View, there can be a variety of ways that people’s ‘view’ can differ or fluctuate. "Right Intention (Right Thought) comes next, or Samma Sangkappa. This refers to the wisdom resulting from having correct thinking and thoughts; ones that are free from sensual desire, anger or ill-will, delusion, manipulation, and exploitation. The question might arise, then, as to who teaches us correct thinking so that our thoughts are free from delusion… because we are all deluded in one way or another, are we not? We work, as we progress along the eightfold path, toward un-deluding ourselves: we work to see reality, and then be able to let even the reality go by. With Right Intention we ultimately want to dedicate ourselves to the attainment of Nirvana. "Right Speech, or Samma Vaca, means to speak with honesty and truthfulness with an endearing or appealing manner. How many times, however, do we hear sarcasm or gossip spoken every day? And how do we change our speech to reflect a true sense of compassion reflecting on those around us? Therefore, we need to refrain from (1) Tell- ing Lies, (2) Speaking Divisively, (3) Speaking harshly, and (4) Gossiping. "Fourth is Samma Gammanta meaning Right Action. This ranges from abstaining from sexual misconduct to killing to stealing to anything that we do that is not reflecting lov- ing kindness to other people. So if we think about ‘right action’ and the way we conduct ourselves, we have to wonder about all of the white-collar crime that happens as well as the violent crime that occurs. If we always want to display right action, then we have to examine ALL actions that people undertake. "Right Livelihood, or Samma Ajiva, is the fifth of the eightfold path. Initially, this refers