The Dystopian Kamma interpretation of the Noble Eightfold Path
The path to liberation, as taught by the Buddha, has eight points and is known as the Eightfold Path. To sum them: this Path is being moral (through what we say, do and our livelihoods), focussing the mind on being fully aware of our thoughts and actions, and developing wisdom by understanding the Four Noble Truths and by developing compassion for others.
The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Knowledge: Understand the Four Noble Truths
Simple enough, they are on another page.
Right Thinking: Decide to set a life on the correct path
Good and evil are conscious actions, so therefore, we can choose the best way.
Right Speech: Don't lie, don't criticize others unjustly, don't use harsh language, don't gossip
Straightforward: saying false or poor things about others only internalizes them, and then you reflect them in your actions, consious or otherwise. And people see this, and don't like it. They won't deal with you, or worse yet, you will attract the type of people to you that lie, criticize, use harsh language, and gossip... and they aren't nice people at all...
Right Conduct: Follow the Five Precepts
They're on another page, and they make a lot of sense.
Right Livelihood: Earn a living that does not harm living things
That means don't build nuclear bombs or guns, sell drugs, work as a hitman, or be a spin doctor for a politician or corporation. You can work, make mad scads of money, and still do good things. You don't have to rip people off to make money, and the bonus is that you feel good about it afterwards.
Right Effort: Conquer all evil thoughts; Strive to maintain good thoughts
Good and evil are conscious actions; your thoughts shape you, and therefore, by banishing evil thoughts, and keeping good thoughts, you can bring good as opposed to evil into the world.
Right Mindfulness: Become intensely aware of all the states in body, feeling, and mind
Ever just lay in bed and be able to feel everything about yourself? Aware of yourself at the moment? Strive to do that all day. Be aware of where your body is, where your thoughts drift to, and how your emotions affect both your health. You'll find that you bump into less things, you keep yourself focused, and you'll end up in a lot better mood than you were if you just let your emotions rule you.
Right Concentration: Deep meditation to lead to a higher state of consciousness (enlightenment)
Meditation is as simple as sitting in a quiet room, finding a comfortable position, and concentrating on the act of breathing. When you empty from your mind the random thoughts of work, school, and what you are going to do on Thursday night at the bars, and just focus on the act of inhaling and exhaling, you will find that you will relax, tensions will ease, and you will be more aware of yourself both when you are meditating and when you are not.
It also stops the room from spinning when you've had a bit too much to drink. This I know...
Back to Buddha Nature
Back to Dystopian Kamma