Eightfold Path
The Pāli names for the Eightfold Path in the traditional order and according to the three categories are:
Paññā
wisdom, clear thought
Sammā Diṭṭhi – Right Understanding (also called Right View)
Sammā Saṅkappa – Right Thought
Sīla virtue, ethical conduct, morality
Sammā Vācā – Right Speech
Sammā Kammanta – Right Actions (related to kamma [Sanskrit: karma])
Sammā Ājīva– Right Livelihood
Samādhi concentration, absorption, centering
Sammā Vāyāma – Right Effort
Sammā Sati – Right Mindfulness
Sammā Samādhi – Right Concentration
Since the Eightfold Path needs to be cultivated as a whole unit there is no proper or improper method of walking the Path. In the image below the different branches of the path have been put inside a circle representing Sammā Diṭṭhi, Right Understanding and the rest have been placed inside the circle removing any sense of linear process.
Click here to view the Eightfold Path PDF
We can look at the image and see how each branch of the Path is equally important and also see how each branch supports the others with the pure heart and calm mind being the core.
The practical aspect that this image portrays being simply that with pure heart and calm mind we reflect on the branches inside the circle of Right Understanding, which will culminate in wisdom and guide us to the goal of happiness and peace in this life.
