The Eightfold Path

The Eightfold Path is the fourth principle of suffering and contains all of elements that the Buddha prescribed to end our suffering. The Path is divided into eight steps which are combined into three elements: Wisdom, Conduct, and Practice. Click on the links for more information on each step.

1. Skillful Understanding (Wisdom)
   • The Four Principles of Suffering
   • Cause and effect (karma)
2. Skillful Intention (Wisdom)
   • Are you practicing three skillful intentions?
     • Letting go (generosity)
     • Loving-kindness (metta)
     • Compassion
3. Skillful Speech (Conduct)
   • Speaking truthfully
   • Abstaining from malicious talk
   • Abstaining from harsh language
   • Abstaining from gossip
4. Skillful Action (Conduct)
   • Abstaining from killing
   • Abstaining from stealing
   • Abstaining from speaking falsely
   • Abstaining from sexual misconduct
   • Abstaining from misusing alcohol or other intoxicants
5. Skillful Livelihood (Conduct)
   • Livelihood that benefits yourself and others
6. Skillful Effort (Practice)
   • Preventing negative states of mind
   • Overcoming negative states of mind
   • Cultivating positive states of mind
   • Maintaining positive states of mind
7. Skillful Mindfulness (Practice)
   • Practicing mindfulness both on and off the cushion
8. Skillful Concentration (Practice)
   • Practicing skillful concentration both on and off the cushion
   • Overcoming the five hindrances (desire, aversion, restlessness/worry, mental/physical laziness, doubt)