8 Fold Path (Post 42)

There are four noble truths of Buddhism. this is the heart and soul of Buddhism. From McCullough's lecture.

1) To be is to be unhappy (suffering)

2) The cause of suffering is craving/wanting/desire

3) The craving which is caused by the suffering ceases with the conquest of desire and non- attachments to things of this world.

4) The 8 fold path -formula to attain nirvana

A) Right Views- Be careful what praise or insults do to you

B) Right Hope- Be sure the things you hope for are the right things

C) Right Speech- If what you are saying is not better than silence, son't say it.

D) Right Conduct (dharma) -Do not kill, steal, lie, drink, etc,

E) Right Work- it is better to be a nurse than a hit man

F) Right Effort. Avoid spending time that is unproductive, drugs, bad people, etc

G) Right mindfulness- If you take care of your mind, everything will take care or itself.

H) Right Concentration- Focus through meditation.

The 8 fold path is like an 8 lane highway. No priority. Can do more than one at a time but usually only do one at a time.

Three Marks of Existence

1) Suffering (Dukkha)

2) Absence of Soul (Anatta)

3) Impermanence (Anicca)