Through the eightfold path of right understanding, thought, speech, livelihood, effort, mindfulness and concentration, the cessation of Dukkha will take place through a middle path, giving vision and knowledge, which will lead to enlightenment, insight, calm and nirvana (Pg. 45). Lastly, for …show more content…
the cessation of Dukkha to take place, the eightfold path should not be practiced in order, but instead should be based on one’s subjective experiences, as all eight paths are linked together (Pg.46).
Furthermore, the eightfold path helps promote ethical flourishing not seen in monotheistic faiths, due to the peaceful core of Buddhism itself, since the eight factors of Buddhism enable the three essentials that lead to peace and mindfulness, which are ethical conduct, mental discipline and wisdom.
To emphasize, an essential core of Buddhism itself ethical conduct, which is built on love and compassion for all beings (Pg. 46). Basically, Buddhism is unique in this respect from the monotheistic faiths, as it is consistent with its teachings and the Buddha himself is a virtues, moral exemplar, an example of this being his emphasis on ethical conduct, which includes right speech which prevents dishonesty, right action which promotes ethical and peaceful conduct and right livelihood, which prevents harm to others. Here, the Buddha’s approach uniquely protects autonomy and allows for ethical flourishing and the happiness of all (Pg.
48).
Lastly, as a result of the eight fold path, there are several virtues arise out of the practices of Buddhism. If one where to seriously follow the practices of the Buddhism, they could live a very ethical and virtues life, for instance, the Buddha’s teaching claim that the self is an illusion, therefore, demolishing negative personal attributes such as hatred, pride and egoism, leading to peace in one’s soul and the world at large (Pg.51).
To conclude, Buddhism advocated for virtues practices such as nonviolence, honesty and honor. Uniquely, Buddhism gives an alternative to the excesses of life’s joys and depravity of it. Through the middle path in Buddhism enlightenment, reason and peace take shape, leading to the cessation of Dukkha, here, this approach is saying that balance and moderation are key and that one must suffer to feel pleasure, but one must also be at peace. Lastly, the idea of the self as an illusion leads to virtues behavior, since it would stop selfish tendencies and promote peace.