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CONTENTS Abbreviations 1. 2. 3. Introduction The Noble Eightfold Path: A universal code of conduct Conclusion 2 3 4 7 8

Bibliography

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ABBREVATIONS DN MN SN Dh CST Dgha-nikya Majjhima-nikya Sayutta-nikya Dhammapada Chaha Sagyana Tipitaka CD

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1.

Introduction

A normal ego-centric worldly being perceives everything with the feeling of nicca (permanent), sukha (happiness), atta (soul) and develops attitudes accordingly; and lead by accordingly. So for such a worldly being it is almost impossible to perceive the things as they really are until transform his attitude and views in relation to absolute truth of human existence and experience. To transform ones own nature one must understand the conditioned nature of being. The Buddha is not pessimistic that is why even though he discovered through his experience that human existence is conditioned by the dukkha, he also discovered the path to attain immortal absolute happiness. Now we are in the era of scientific advancement and globalization lead by the global neo-capitalists. Neo-capitalistic strategies diplomatically work in the motive of transforming the preferences and attitudes of people in relation to their sales and profits. The strategies of profit oriented capitalism and consumerisms have no concerns in relation with moral values and spiritual advancement of mankind so we are the victims; in the sense our code of conduct is being decided by them as we are made to be enslaved by material pleasures which they sell. In this context it will be great benefit for us to study the Noble Eightfold Path as a universal code of conduct for any human being who wishes to make their life peaceful and blissful.

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2.

The Noble Eightfold Path: A universal code of conduct

In the Mahparinibbna Sutta,1 the Buddha declares that the Noble Eightfold Path is available only in Buddhas doctrine. As long as the path is followed, the Buddha announces that the world will not be empty of the Arahants. The Noble Eightfold Path is unique because: 1. It has no relation with any type of extremes such as everything exists (sabba-atthi) and everything does not exist (sabba-natthi).2 2. It is middle path (majjhim-paipad) in moderation in relation of kmesu-

kmasukhalliknuyogo (self-indulgence) and attakilamathnuyogo

mortification).3

(self-

3. As a path of purity the middle path subsumes three aggregates of sla (morality), samdhi (concentration), paa (wisdom).4 4. Its final goal is complete extinction of human suffering, so it is primarily connected to the final goal of Nibbna so it is best of all5. 5. The path is appropriate to attain Nibbna6 as factors carry the precise nature of Nibbna from beginning to end. 6. It is not mere theory but a practical approach7 to attain absolute immortality 7. It can be universally applicable to any human being in the planet as it deals with the common universal problem of human beings. We can also understand the significance of the Noble Eightfold Path in relation to the Four Nobles Truths as the Buddha uttered in the Pli cannon:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

CST, DN: 16 (Mahparinibbnasutta) Kalupahana, 1979:2 ibid:3; CST SN: Dhammacakkappavattanasutta CST, MN: Cavedallasutta; Bodhi B. N., 1995:396-404 CST, Dh: 293 (Maggnahagiko seho) CST, MN: Bhmijasutta; Bodhi B. N., 1995:997-1001 Gombrich, 2006:63

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1. The Buddha mentions in his first discourse that he attained enlightenment with the understanding of the four noble truths. 2. The Buddha says that the reason for all beings to roam in the cycle of

sasra is due to the ignorance of the four noble truths8.

3. The Buddha reckons the Four Noble Truths and the middle path as foremost among all truths and spiritual paths9 4. The Buddha says that the ultimate goal of renouncing the worldly life to understand the four noble truths10. 5. The Buddha suggests; if there is anyone who would listen to us, our primary duty is to reveal them the teaching of the Four Noble Truths. 6. The Four Noble Truths are basically understood once a person becomes a stream-enterer (sotpanna). i. In him arises the Dhamma-eye (dhammacakkhu). What happens to him at the later stages is that he develops the Dhamma-eye further to realize the absolute truth of reality. ii. iii. iv. The Buddha says that the amount of suffering which is got rid of by becoming a sotpanna is equal to the dust of the entire earth. The suffering which has remained is equal to the dust that is taken on an air, so less. That means, as soon as one becomes a sotpanna, one gets rid of the whole mass of suffering, living astutely. In this way the importance and uniqueness of the Noble Eightfold Path is explained by the Buddha in many sutts of Pli cannon. The Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta was the first discourse of the Buddha given to group of five mendicants contains the essence of the Four Noble Truths but it is important to note that after listening to the discourse they did not attained Nibbna or Arahanthood. In the Magga-vibhanga Sutta11 also the Buddha analyses the path
8 9

CST, DN: 16 (Mahparinibbnasutta) CST, MN: Mahhatthipadopamasutta; Bodhi B. N., 1995:278-285 CST DN: 2 (Smaaphalasutta); CST, SN: Magga-vibhagasutta; Bodhi B. , 2008: 1528-1529

10 11

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without mentioning the realization of Nibbna and same occurs in Saccavibhaga

sutta.12 It does not mean that the path does not lead to the Nibbna but later the
Buddha has given Anattalakkhaa Sutta13 to the same group of five mendicants then they attained Nibbna. It shows that what is important is the realization of three characteristics of reality namely anicca (impermanence), dukkha (unsatisfactoriness) , anttta (no-soul) to attain Nibbna. And also we can say that the path is a guide line and preparatory tool to transforming oneself to reach a stage of conviction to understand the reality as it is by getting insight into the reality of the nature of human existence. Once the complete transformation and conviction take place then one can realize the Nibna through various doors but to realize the Nibna one must earnestly follow the path that is unique applicability of the path. Again it is important to note that even though the Noble Truth of Suffering mentioned as first Noble truth in the order; but dhukkha, origin and extinction of dukkha can be realized by the fourth Noble Truth which is Noble Eightfold Path.

12 13

Bodhi B. N., 1995: 1097-11-1 CST, SN: Anattalakkhaasutta; Mendis, 2009

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3.

Conclusion

From the above exposition proves that all skillful qualities are gathered under the four noble truths and the Noble Eightfold Path is a means to attain skillful qualities by a skillful way of living starting with right understanding and ends with right concentration. Wrong understanding leads always to unskillful way of living by which on can only attain unskillful qualities which intensifies ignorance. The world continues in the flames of lust, hate and delusion as which are fueling by the desire constantly but there should be balance in it otherwise it leads to selfdestruction. If we question ourselves what is our position in the present society, in general, the man is a victim by getting tangled in the nets of neo-capitalist marketing strategies. In that way the man is being made to move continuously from darkness to darkness for the fulfillment of their business targets. In the contemporary context, the Noble Eightfold Path as a skillful way of living sheds lights on to point out present generation to move towards the highest wisdom to attain highest happiness with independently. And also, on the way to final goal it cures all abnormalities in the both levels of physical and metal. Skillful moral way of living can be led only when one has conviction about the Four Noble Truths and he can practice the Noble Eightfold Path for not only to attain Nibbana but also to experiece happy death for best life in the next becoming. And also the path makes the present life more joyful and happy with constitutes of good friendship

(kalyamitrat), good companionship (kalyasaht) and good intrapersonal

relations (kalynasamparka) which bring more peace and harmony in the society.

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