Eight Steps

What is the purpose of a moral code? To prevent human suffering. If the moral code ends up bringing about suffering, however, then it has defeated its own purpose. Hammurabi is famous for assembling the first moral code. Later was introduced the well-known Ten Commandments of the Old Testament. These moral codes, take note, were designed to maintain what we would call a social structure. And they succeed in maintaining the social structures to which they are applied. These moral codes, however, being designed to address a social structure, cannot maintain the individual. Following moral codes such as Hammurabi's code and the Ten Commandments will keep you at peace with other people, but are not designed to bring about awareness of the private, inner world that lies at the core of every human being. Does a code, you may ask, exist that can address a person's needs in this manner? There exists such a code. This code is known as the Eightfold Path of Buddhism. Understanding the purpose of the Eightfold Path means familiarizing oneself with four fundamental concepts known as the Four Noble Truths. Of these four truths, the Eightfold Path is the fourth and final truth. The Four Noble Truths are displayed below, to be studied and contemplated. Take note that to make concepts as easy to grasp as possible, the content of the material is expressed using my own choice of words.

The Four Noble Truths:

I. This life has a certain negative quality to it.

II. This is because all of life consists of living up to the demands of countless worldly concerns.

III. The only way to overcome these worldly concerns is to extinguish all attachment to them.

IV. The Eightfold Path is the clear means through which worldly concern is to be overcome.

The Eightfold Path:

1. Proper approach
2. Proper goals
3. Proper verbal activity
4. Proper behavior
5. Proper means of support
6. Proper motivation
7. Proper recognition
8. Proper focus

This page dedicated to "Bubba", my Buddha.