The Fourth Noble Truth 

 Magga : The Path

The Fourth Noble Truth is the path that leads to the end of suffering(dukkha). It is called the Noble Eightfold Path. It is a path of action. That is, you have to practice it, or follow it everyday to reap the rewards.

The Eightfold Path was devised by the Buddha. It is the means to the end of suffering (dukkha). It is often called the Middle Way. Meaning that it is a path of moderation.

The reason for this was that the Buddha experienced both extremes, that of luxury and that of deprivation. Neither led to nibbana or awakening.

The Eight Fold Path is arranged in three groups : Sila (Virtue or moral training), Samadhi(meditation or the development of mental training) and Panna (wisdom) i.e., Virtue, Concentration and Wisdom. These three Virtue, Concentration and wisdom, are the cardinal teachings which when carefully and fully cultivated raise man from lower to higher levels of mental life; lead him from darkness to light, from passion to dispassion, from turmoil to tranquility.

The eight factors of the Path are:

Sila :Virtue :-    

1. Right Speech

2. Right Actio

3. Right Livelihood

Samadhi: Concentration :-        

 4. Right Effort

 5. Right Mindfulness

 6. Right Concentration

Panna : Wisdom                        

 7. Right Understanding

 8. Right Thought

The Path  of  Virtue, Concentration and wisdom, is a threefold training and none of them is an end to itself; each is means to an end. One cannot function independently of the others.  Virtue or regulated behavior strengths meditation and meditation in turn promotes Wisdom. Wisdom helps one to get rid of the clouded view of things- to see life as it really is – that is to see life and all things pertaining to life as arising and passing away.

to be contd.....