Significance of Eightfold paths
The Eightfold Path in Buddhism represents a comprehensive guide to ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom, aimed at leading individuals to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering, ultimately achieving Nibbana. This system includes components such as Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, and others, detailing a systematic approach for moral and spiritual development. Each element of the Eightfold Path fosters essential practices and principles that guide practitioners towards liberation and a deeper understanding of existence, making it a foundational teaching in Buddhism.
Synonyms: Noble eightfold path, Middle way, Buddhist path, Path to enlightenment, Dhammacakkappavattana sutta
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eightfold paths'
The Eightfold Path in Buddhism is a fundamental framework guiding ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom. It comprises eight practices essential for overcoming suffering, achieving enlightenment, and ultimately reaching Nirvana.
From: Cetasikas
(1) The eightfold Path outlines the approach to achieving enlightenment and overcoming clinging and suffering.[1] (2) The Buddhist guideline for ethical and mental development, leading to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.[2] (3) A fundamental teaching in Buddhism outlining the path to achieving enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.[3] (4) Buddhist framework of practice consisting of right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.[4] (5) The eightfold Path is a crucial framework in Buddhism that encompasses ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom necessary for enlightenment.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A set of principles in Buddhism aimed at cultivating ethical and mental disciplines that lead to enlightenment.[6] (2) The fundamental framework of Buddhist practice aimed at leading individuals toward enlightenment, comprising right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.[7] (3) The path outlined in Buddhism that serves as a guide to end suffering and achieve enlightenment.[8] (4) The path that leads to the eradication of ignorance and enlightenment, comprising right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.[9] (5) The path leading to the cessation of dukkha, which includes the practices of right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.[10]
From: The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The Buddhist path to enlightenment and moral living, which Visakha supported through her actions and contributions, ultimately guiding others in the community.[11] (2) The path to wisdom and enlightenment in Buddhism, comprising right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.[12] (3) A guide for behavior and practice aimed at achieving Nibbana; it consists of Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.[13] (4) The set of principles taught by the Buddha as a means to overcome suffering and achieve enlightenment.[14] (5) The path leading to the cessation of suffering, emphasizing the importance of moral conduct and understanding in Buddhism.[15]
From: Dhammapada (translated from the Pali)
(1) The best of ways, which is a spiritual path that leads to enlightenment and the cessation of suffering.[16] (2) The best of ways to follow for achieving a higher understanding or enlightenment.[17] (3) The path taught by Buddha that leads to Nirvana, recognized as integral to overcoming suffering and achieving enlightenment.[18]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The noble path leading to Nibbana, integral to the teachings of Buddhism and the process of stream-winning.[19] (2) The path consisting of eight harmonious practices that guide one towards the cessation of suffering, including right perspective, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.[20]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) The framework detailing eight conditions under which eye-contact serves as a basis for feelings.[21] (2) A fundamental aspect of Buddhist teaching that provides a practical guide to end suffering and achieve enlightenment, though not explicitly mentioned in the passage.[22]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A core principle in the teachings that outlines a practical guide to ethical and mental development.[23]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The path comprising eight practices aimed at ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom, designed to lead to the cessation of suffering.[24]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) A central teaching in Buddhism that outlines the path to enlightenment and Nibbana, whose efficacy is doubted.[25]
From: A Discourse on Paticcasamuppada
(1) The path prescribed by the Buddha for attaining enlightenment, which is said to be incompatible with many other beliefs.[26]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A key Buddhist practice path that leads to liberation and enlightenment, consisting of eight principles.[27]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Paths that consist of eight components, notably including the noble eightfold path (aryashtangamarga) and various paths of liberation (vimoksha).[28] (2) A fundamental teaching of Buddhism outlining the path toward enlightenment through eight practices including right view, right intention, right speech, and others.[29] (3) A path outlined in Buddhist teachings comprising practical steps toward moral and spiritual development, where morality plays a crucial role.[30] (4) The systematic method of training the mind that leads to enlightenment.[31] (5) A core concept in Buddhism comprising eight practices that aid in achieving nirvana and are necessary for attaining the first, second, third, and fourth fruits.[32]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) A foundational teaching in Buddhism outlining the key practices leading to enlightenment.[33] (2) A foundational teaching of Buddhism aimed at ending suffering and achieving enlightenment.[34] (3) A guide in Buddhism consisting of right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.[35]
From: Karandavyuha Sutra
(1) A key component of Buddhist practice in Hinayana, providing guidelines for ethical and mental development leading to enlightenment.[36] (2) A core principle of Buddhist practice leading to liberation.[37]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) The path to enlightenment consisting of Right Understanding, Right Intent, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.[38] (2) A core teaching in Buddhism outlining the practices needed for spiritual development and the cessation of suffering.[39]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The guideline approach of right understanding, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration leading to enlightenment.[40]
From: The Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva
(1) A fundamental Buddhist practice designed to cultivate ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom towards liberation.[41]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The Buddhist path that includes ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom, crucial for attaining enlightenment.[42]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A set of principles guiding individuals towards liberation and wisdom.[43] (2) The holistic approach taught by the Buddha, comprised of ethical and mental practices that lead to the cessation of suffering and ultimately to Nibbana.[44]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The practice that promotes ethical living, mental discipline, and wisdom leading to enlightenment.[45] (2) A fundamental therapeutic guide in Buddhism comprising the right understanding, intent, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.[46]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Eightfold Path is a comprehensive system of practices outlined by various teachers aimed at cultivating proper conduct and awareness.[47]
Hindu concept of 'Eightfold paths'
The Eightfold Path, or ashtanga-yoga, in Hinduism signifies a comprehensive set of practices focused on spiritual realization and liberation, guiding practitioners towards personal transformation and ultimate enlightenment.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Also known as ashtanga-yoga, it encompasses the various practices aimed at achieving spiritual realization and liberation.[48]
Jain concept of 'Eightfold paths'
The Eightfold Path in Jainism may be interpreted as a structured approach to achieving liberation, highlighting meditation and mental growth, similar to its Buddhist counterpart but distinct in its ethical and philosophical underpinnings.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) The Buddhist path of practice leading to liberation, emphasizing the importance of meditation and mental development.[49]
The concept of 'Eightfold paths' in local and regional sources
The Eightfold Path is a fundamental framework in Buddhism, outlining essential practices and principles that guide individuals toward achieving enlightenment. It serves as a roadmap for ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom.
From: Tibet (Myth, Religion and History)
(1) The Eightfold Path outlines the practices and principles necessary for achieving enlightenment in Buddhism.[50]