The Noble Eightfold Path (ariya aṭṭhaṅgika magga) is the fourth Noble Truth — the practical way to the end of suffering. Its eight factors are not steps to be taken one after another; they support each other and are developed together, like the strands of a rope.
Wisdom (paññā)
- Right view (sammā diṭṭhi) — understanding the Four Noble Truths and the law of kamma.
- Right intention (sammā saṅkappa) — intentions of renunciation, goodwill and harmlessness.
Ethical conduct (sīla)
- Right speech (sammā vācā) — avoiding lying, divisive, harsh and idle speech.
- Right action (sammā kammanta) — avoiding killing, stealing and sexual misconduct.
- Right livelihood (sammā ājīva) — earning a living without harming others.
Concentration (samādhi)
- Right effort (sammā vāyāma) — preventing and abandoning unwholesome states, cultivating and maintaining wholesome ones.
- Right mindfulness (sammā sati) — clear awareness of body, feelings, mind and mental qualities.
- Right concentration (sammā samādhi) — a unified, collected mind developed through meditation.
A simple way to begin: choose one factor this week — for example right speech — and notice it in daily life.