Overview
The Noble Eightfold Path is the Fourth Noble Truth. It is the practical, middle way discovered by the Buddha that leads directly to the cessation of suffering. In Theravāda orthodoxy, these eight factors are not practiced one by one, but are cultivated simultaneously, culminating in a single supramundane mind-moment that eradicates defilements.
The List
- Sammā-diṭṭhi - Right View: The correct understanding of the Four Noble Truths, and the understanding of kamma and its results. (Wisdom group).
- Sammā-saṅkappa - Right Intention: The resolve for renunciation, loving-kindness (non-ill-will), and compassion (harmlessness). (Wisdom group).
- Sammā-vācā - Right Speech: Abstaining from false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech, and frivolous chatter. (Virtue group).
- Sammā-kammanta - Right Action: Abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct. (Virtue group).
- Sammā-ājīva - Right Livelihood: Abstaining from professions that cause harm to others (weapons, poisons, meat, intoxicants, slavery). (Virtue group).
- Sammā-vāyāma - Right Effort: The exertion to prevent and abandon unwholesome states, and to develop and maintain wholesome states. (Concentration group).
- Sammā-sati - Right Mindfulness: The continuous, clear awareness of the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena (the Four Foundations of Mindfulness). (Concentration group).
- Sammā-samādhi - Right Concentration: The unification of the mind achieved through the four fine-material absorptions (jhānas). (Concentration group).
Textual References
- Canonical: Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (SN 56.11) – The Buddha’s very first discourse outlining the Middle Way.
- Canonical: Mahāsatipaṭṭhāna Sutta (DN 22) – Provides the exact canonical definitions for each of the eight factors.