Anti Evil. . .
Yesterday I touched on the concept of “evil” and suggested that the evil in the world” could be seen as us and if that is so then we too are also the answer to evil (is that age old duality showing its head again?). Does our suffering lead us to evil and/or evil ways? is our suffering our evil? These are valid questions about concepts that have dominated cultures and people since the dawn of consciousness.
The Buddha did have a strong grasp of suffering and the worlds of evil and despair that arise in and from suffering. It was this understanding that allowed him to see and formulate the path to end suffering. The Buddha taught that the way to get rid of the desire and pains that cause suffering is to free yourself from being attached to it. In other words: To see it and understand it. The Eightfold Path is the set of guidelines The Buddha discovered and then shared that we can each live by to lead us to the end of suffering.
Each step of the Eightfold Path is carried out at the same time, as opposed to step by step. The eight steps are:
- Right Understanding
- Right Intention
- Right Speech
- Right Action
- Right Livelihood
- Right Effort
- Right Mindfulness
- Right Concentration
Buddhists believe that following the Eightfold Path will help them to reach enlightenment. This will end the cycle of suffering. Buddhists also believe in karma or ‘intentional action’. Buddhists try to perform good actions, eg based in generosity and compassion. They avoid performing bad actions, eg based on greed and hatred. It is important to Buddhists that they try to relieve the suffering of not only themselves but others during their lifetime so that the world and generations to come are ahead and prepared to end their lifetimes suffering. This is the vehicle of suffering and with the right mindset and perspective it is the motivation of all for all.
Peace and Love, Jim
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