eightfold path

English - English

Definition of eightfold path in English English dictionary

Buddhist doctrine, stated by the Buddha in his first sermon near Benares, India. The path is regarded as the way for individuals to deal with the problems named in the Four Noble Truths. The path consists of right understanding (faith in the Buddhist view of existence), right thought (the resolve to practice the faith), right speech (avoidance of falsehoods, slander, and abuse), right action (abstention from taking life, stealing, and improper sexual behavior), right livelihood (rejection of occupations not in keeping with Buddhist principles), right effort (development of good mental states), right mindfulness (awareness of body, feelings, and thought), and right concentration (meditation). It is also called the Middle Path, because it steers a course between sensuality and asceticism. Following the Path leads to escape from suffering and attainment of nirvana

Related Terms

noble eightfold path

In Buddhist teaching, the Noble Eightfold Path is described in the fourth Noble Truth as "the path to the end of suffering". The eight steps are: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration

Hyphenation

eight·fold path

Turkish pronunciation

eytfōld päth

Pronunciation

/ˈātˌfōld ˈpaᴛʜ/ /ˈeɪtˌfoʊld ˈpæθ/