blog




  • Essay / The Middle Way: the Right Path - 697

    Siddhartha Gautama, known to a wider audience as "Buddha", the enlightened being accredited with creating the foundations of Buddhist philosophy. Essentially, his teachings are embodied in two important principles: (1) The Four Noble Truths (2) The Noble Path or the Noble Eightfold Path. The latter is also known as the Middle Way and is described by the Buddha as "a path of moderation between the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification." At its core, the Noble Way defines a comprehensive path and guide to a path in life, which emphasizes discipline in practice more than intellectual knowledge. These eight factors are interconnected and must be well understood in order to be applied correctly. When practiced in unison, these factors bring to life understanding and teaching, leading to true understanding and cessation of suffering or "dukkha", which states that the search for spiritual path is born from suffering. In order to adequately understand “The Middle Way,” one must analyze its eight factors. The eight factors are divided into three categories, which are not classified in chronological order of importance and do not fall into levels of diplomas or stages; rather, they operate in dependence on each other. The category of Wisdom or (“paññā” in Pāli language), contains two factors: (1) Right View, which suggests seeing reality as it is, and not just as it appears to be. It is the process of acquiring knowledge and understanding of the Four Noble Truths, through personal experience and the practice of spiritual exercises. (2) Right intention, means intention to waive. This factor is linked to detachment, love and non-violence. Unlike thoughts based on selfish desire, hatred and violence are present; it's a ...... middle of paper ...... and escapes from your lungs. Notice that your head is full of disjointed thoughts that clutter the mind. With continued treatment, the mind tends to slow down and become clearer. Buddha practiced Vipassana meditation; which is (notice the-breath-meditation) in order to bring about enlightenment. The eight factors of the path are always accessible to us; these are mental components that can be established in the mind simply through determination and effort. It is a tool for straightening one's views and clarifying one's personal intentions, purifying our conduct, speech, actions and livelihood. Take these steps as the foundation of the middle path. Advise how to apply oneself with energy and mindfulness to cultivate concentration and insight, through practice and gradual progress, without deviating from the law and without expecting quick results..