Noble Eightfold Path

Word Count: 842 The goal of Buddhism is to reach Nirvana and extinguish one’s flame. [1]The Noble Eightfold Path is the method of reaching Nirvana, thereby ending suffering caused by Samsara, the world of rebirth. An average person that does not have the goal of cessation can still benefit by taking the Noble Eightfold Path. The eight items discussed in the Noble Path can be interpreted in a non-Buddhist context simply as a means to improve one’s wellbeing. An individual can become a better all around person through proper wisdom, right conduct, and good concentration. The first two items of the Noble Path are right views and right intention. Buddhist texts describe these items as the wisdom required to attain cessation.[2] This involves
These items are summarized as the proper conduct or action required to attain cessation.[4] Right action involves not stealing, or harming others for example. A person is much better off performing right action in modern time anyways as most of the wrong actions are illegal. Right speech involves not lying or gossiping. Wrong speech is not illegal but one can still benefit from it as seen in the following example relating to wrong livelihood. A person stands to benefit from choosing a right livelihood as they can avoid moral dilemmas. For example, a job as a defense lawyer is not good for one’s wellbeing because of the moral implications. Defense lawyers attempt to get some of the most heinous criminals a non-guilty verdict. They may know their client killed someone but they will still do whatever they can to get the murderer freed. This occupation is not a right livelihood as it does not follow the requirement of right speech. Defense lawyers that know their client is guilty will lie or obscure facts in order to prevent a guilty verdict. A defense lawyer can improve their emotional well being by finding a new job that encompasses right speech and right
These items are described as the concentration required to reach the cessation of suffering.[5] These involve ways to control our mind and the sorts of thoughts that we have. Meditation is a great skill that anyone can benefit from learning. Several professional athletes practice meditation in order to improve their concentration. “Meditation strengthens the mind, it comes under control and is able to provide effective guidance to the physical body to effectively execute all its projects”. As a result, studies have found a positive correlation between meditation or concentration techniques and athletic performance.[6] Athletes are not the only people that benefit from meditation. Anyone can benefit from meditation because there are several health benefits; there are psychological, physiological, and spiritual benefits that arise from meditation. More people are starting to recognize the benefits from meditation and consequently there is an increased popularity in activities such as yoga. Therefore, one could improve their wellbeing by acquiring the concentration of Buddhists. A person in modern society can improve their wellbeing by following the Noble Eightfold Path that Buddhists take in order to reach Nirvana. An individual can become a better all around person through proper wisdom, right conduct, and good concentration.
Although a person may not have the goal of Nirvana,