Buddhism

The Eightfold Path describes the way to end suffering. Siddhartha (Buddha) laid out the eightfold path after learning what suffering was. It is a guideline to mental and ethical development. To free people of attachments is one of its goals. The last of the four noble truths is the eightfold path, this in turn ends suffering. It is through practice that one can reach a higher level of existence. This allows a person to finally reach nirvana. Following the eightfold path only to reach nirvana will not work because you can't have that as your only goal. The eightfold path is not a sequence of single steps, instead the principles are seen with a relationship with each other. 

Steps to the Eightfold Path:

1. Right way to understanding (of the world) –four noble truths—understand the world this way

        Early- faith, confidence in the Buddha’s teaching

        You believe it because you have experience

       2. Right thought –don’t attach to them/give up thoughts of greed or desire

·            Give up anger

·            Give up malice

·            Think not lustful thoughts

·            Cultivate loving kindness

·            Cultivate compassion

3.     Right speech

4.     Right action

5.     Right livelihood

6.     Right effort—try to eliminate unwholesome thought

7.     Right mindfulness

8.     Right concentration—meditation (like raja yoga-control of the mind)

I really enjoyed the field trip that we took the other day as a class. I enjoyed trying to meditate and watching how meditation is done. It was interesting listening to our host talk about Buddhism and the different ways to practice. Before going on the field trip i didn't know about standing after meditating and walking around the room for a period of five or ten minutes.