The 8 Noble Paths from Thich Nhat Hanh
I love reading books by Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh as they show us how to put our spiritual teachings into practice.
One teaching, the Noble Eightfold Path, really stuck with me this week.
The Buddha taught these eight practices as a path to reducing suffering and living with greater wisdom, awareness and compassion, much like Mikao Usui's 5 Reiki Precepts.
What I love about them is how relevant they are for all of us, not just those practicing Buddhism.
1. Right View - See clearly
Our perception of a situation isn't necessarily the whole truth.
We see life through the lens of our experiences, beliefs, fears and expectations.
Our Practice: Before judging someone or reacting to a situation, pause and ask: Is there another way I can see this? What might I not know?
2. Right Thinking - Be conscious of our thoughts and intentions
Our thoughts influence our words, actions and ultimately the way we experience life. We're asked to cultivate thoughts rooted in understanding, compassion and non-harm to ourselves and others.
Our Practice: Notice when our mind is repeatedly creating criticism, resentment or fear. We don't have to believe every thought.
3. Right Speech - Speak with awareness
Words carry energy. They can heal, encourage and create connection or they can wound.
Right Speech encourages truthfulness and kindness.
Our Practice: Before speaking, particularly when emotional, ask: Is it true? Is it necessary? Can I say it with kindness?
4. Right Action - Let our actions reflect our values
Spirituality isn't only about what we believe. It's also about how we behave.
Our actions should contribute to the well-being of ourselves and others.
Our Practice: Notice whether our choices are aligned with the person we say we want to be, particularly when no one is watching.
5. Right Livelihood - Consider how we earn our living
Right Livelihood asks us to consider whether the way we earn money contributes to harm or well-being.
Our Practice: This doesn't necessarily mean changing careers. We can ask: How can I bring more integrity, kindness and service into the work I already do?
6. Right Effort - Be intentional about what we cultivate
Not everything deserves our energy.
We can consciously nurture thoughts and behaviours that create peace and wellbeing, while becoming aware of habits that repeatedly create suffering.
Our Practice: Our mind is like a garden. We should pay attention to what we are watering. Is it gratitude, compassion and possibility, or resentment, anger, comparison and fear?
7. Right Mindfulness - Be present
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of what is happening within us and around us without immediately becoming lost in our reactions.
Our Practice: When drinking our morning tea, notice that we are drinking tea. When walking, notice that we are walking. When a loved one is speaking, we should actively listen.
8. Right Concentration - Train the mind to become still
Our attention is constantly being pulled in different directions.
Through meditation and other contemplative practices, we can begin to steady our attention rather than allowing every thought to distract us.
Our Practice: Have periods where we do one thing at a time - meditate, pray, practice Reiki, sit quietly. Give our minds somewhere to rest.
The Noble Eightfold Path gives us something to aspire to and compassionately reflect on if we would like to reduce suffering.
Their practical guidance also allows us to bring the 5 Reiki Principles to life.
With love and light
Gwen x
