The Eightfold Path and the Middle Way

Overview

Eight factors of the path, threefold Trainings and say which path factors belong to each and relationship between the Eightfold Path and the Middle Way.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   List the eight factors of the path.

   Model answer

   They are right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration.

2. 2

   Why is samma better rendered as complete or skilful than as right?

   Model answer

   It indicates a factor developed fully and rightly aligned with the goal, rather than obedience to a rule imposed from outside.

3. 3

   Name the Threefold Trainings and say which path factors belong to each.

   Model answer

   Morality covers speech, action and livelihood; meditation covers effort, mindfulness and concentration; wisdom covers view and intention.

4. 4

   Why is the path usually pictured as a wheel with eight spokes rather than a ladder?

   Model answer

   The factors support one another and are developed together, so a practitioner does not complete one before beginning the next.

5. 5

   Wisdom stands first in the list but morality is practised first. How is that explained?

   Model answer

   An initial rough understanding is needed to begin, morality and meditation then deepen it, and mature wisdom emerges at the end of the process.

6. 6

   What two extremes does the Middle Way avoid?

   Model answer

   It avoids indulgence in sense pleasures and the self-torment of extreme asceticism.

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