Like right speech, there is a very simple way to think about right action: it is action that gives rise to peace and happiness in self and others. In the same way, right action is simply right intention as applied to action. As usual, the Buddha provided useful...
There is a very simple way to think about right speech: it is speech that gives rise to peace and happiness in self and others. In that sense, right speech is right intention as applied to speech, so as long as you maintain right intention while speaking, you...
Right intention means these three intentions: renunciation, non-ill will, and harmlessness.[1] They are the direct opposite of three intentions that result in suffering: unwholesome desire, ill will and harmfulness. Renunciation does not just mean giving everything...
Right view is the “forerunner” of the Noble Eightfold Path,[1] which is why the Buddha listed it first. Having the right view guides the practice. Right view is like having the right map, while the other seven are like having a good vehicle. The...
Once, the Buddha’s attendant Ānanda asked the Buddha a deceptively simple question: what is the teaching of all buddhas past and present? That is kind of like asking, “What is the teaching of all geography teachers in the world?” It takes a deep and...
Imagine a man holding onto a chain attached to a stake in the ground. He has been circling around that stake for years, walking thousands of miles without going anywhere. There is an end to his imprisonment, which will enable him to live a better life: he...
