Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Higher Training I: Ethics


The Noble Eightfold Path is grouped into three higher learnings for ease of teaching and learning purposes. The first higher learning is called ethics and it consists of Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood.

Right Speech
This practice considers being truthful, not participating in slander and other name calling, talk that may bring about hatred and other negative effects, and harsh and impolite language. The most interesting aspect of this practice is that one should avoid all idle talk or useless gossip. This basically translates as one should not speak carelessly - always speak with a purpose and if you have nothing useful to say then practice "noble silence".

Right Action
This practice is about promoting and pursuing honorable, moral, and peaceful conduct. One should not steal, avoid dishonest dealings, illegitimate sexual actions, and hurting life. This action also encourages that one should help other people to lead the same type of life.

Right Livelihood
This practice states that one should earn a living by honest means and not deal in weapons, intoxicants, hurting people or animals, exploiting people or animals, and anything else that could be considered illegal or that causes harm to anyone or anything.
 

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