Introduction to the Eightfold Path

Many of us have heard of the Eightfold Path as perhaps the definitive description of Buddhist practice. What is it?

✅ Descriptions of the elements of the Eightfold Path can be found throughout the suttas, but a good quick rundown of the entire path can be found at Saṃyutta Nikāya 45.8.

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[Synistrael]

Doug, you're performing a wonderful service to others with these great videos. Thank you very much! 🙏

[oilkamrt]

Doug, you rock I have never had this broken down so understandably. Thank you!

[garrison]

This is like my 10th video of yours today. Been an atheist for many years and i haven't dug into anything like this in forever. Thank you for your work and time.

[Kai-quch]

You have such a wonderful and soothing voice, and watching your videos is extremely calming and making Buddhism extremely easy to understand.

[parinamkc]

1. Right View
2. Right Intention
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
Hope i got it all correct.

[dchampion]

Thank you, Doug. Ellen and I are enjoying your informative and no-nonsense videos. Looking forward to watching them all! Thanks for what you do.

[blozzom]

This explanation of concentration is very helpful. I hear rings of greater self sufficiency and harmlessness as I learn to source my contentment from within.
As per Stephen Batchelor's word choice, I resist any idea of 'right' this or that. I see Stephen use words like comprehensive and complete. Those words seem to allude to a thorough understanding from which I base my decisions around speech or view or effort, et cetera.
Regarding effort, I have found my way to a sense that, for me, it is a question of balance. Specifically, I need to balance self acceptance with aspiration. By being accepting of my successes and failures alike at making greater effort, I can remain humble and compassionate toward the struggles of others. This is balanced by staying focused on aspirations toward greater effort, virtue, and skill in any given task or relationship.

[JeanPineau]

Hi Doug, just wanted to say that you and M. Mingyur Rinpoche have changed my life. I'm still at the early stages of discovery of meditation, dyana states, the eightfold path... But I immediately found some very deep and resonating truth in it, and it has already kinda rocked my world by making all of my stress disappear. I felt overwhelmingly happy, overwhelmingly sad, now I understand both are ok and I can deal with them calmly. Thank you so much for these videos.

[duchesspodcast]

This is a great breakdown. A helpful balance of depth and brevity.

[ruzwlzh]

Doug, I really appreciate you putting together all these videos. I'm a total beginner and this has been such a helpful guide.

[laurenmanewil]

A big hug and energy of gratitude 🙏 you are helping me gain tranquility and the right path to spiritual enlightenment

[rattlesnakerob]

I love the way that you unpack this thank you so much for your time and dedication in helping others understand The fundamentals of Buddhism

[harshdhakad]

I was thinking about the answer for a question in my syllabus -> Ethics in personal relationship and could only find terms like integrity, gratitude etc. But then I realized if I can use 8 fold paths in it. Thanks for explaining this sir. I learned not just for exam but for my whole life.
Love from India

[diannmurphy]

Doug, my mother Diann and I love your videos! I felt your struggle with the glare on your glasses throughout the duration of this video, friend.

[aclearlake]

Thank you so much for helping many people by this video, Mr Doug. Very practical, very useful middle way.

[TheRonskins]

Thanks for this...I am a student of Buddhism and obtain significant meanings from the simplified introductory versions.

[starseed]

Thank you so much for this clear explanation of 8 fold. Much appreciated

[chericruz]

An excellent introduction of the 8 Fold Noble Path, clear and concise.Thanks Doug. Richard D CRUZ, Malaysia.

[clickbaitcabaret]

Thank you for this wonderful video. I downloaded Bhikkhu Bodhi's PDF & will start reading it today. May peace be upon you my brother.

[donploger]

Hi Doug, Your sincerity is very clear. a very helpful video. Thanks,
Don