Right Conduct in the Noble 8-fold Path of Buddha means, in Hinayana: no killing, stealing, or sexual misconduct. In Mahayana, it means not forgoing help for suffering beings and engaging in the 6 paramitas. In Vajrayana, it means the yogic discipline of non-action, the 4 karmas and clear light.
8-fold Path of Buddha
| PILLAR | SANSKRIT | MEANING |
|---|---|---|
| Noble Eightfold Path | ariya aṭṭhaṅgika magga | |
| HINAYANA | ||
| Right View | samyak-saṃkalpa | Stance of not-self, karmic cause and effect |
| Right Motivation, Resolve, Aspiration | samyak-saṃkalpa | Desire to liberate oneself from suffering, not engage in the kleshas |
| Right Speech | samyag-vāc | No lying, gossiping, slander, or harsh words |
| Right Conduct | samyak-karmānta | Not killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, or avarice |
| Right Livelihood | samyag-ājīva | Not selling arms, intoxicants, people, or sexual acts |
| Right Effort | samyag-vyāyāma | Limiting desires for pleasure. Simplicity of life, maintaining wholesome outlook of mind. |
| Right Mindfulness | Satipatthana | Unflagging focus on cutting karmic actions and seeing not-self |
| Right Meditation | samyak-samādhi | Shamatha, or stable concentration leading to vipassana, insight into not-self |
| MAHAYANA | ||
| Right View | samyak-saṃkalpa | View of emptiness |
| Right Motivation | samyak-saṃkalpa | Liberation of all beings from suffering, compassion |
| Right Speech | samyag-vāc | Helpful speech, guiding beings to the dharma |
| Right Conduct | samyak-karmānta | Exchanging oneself for others |
| Right Livelihood | samyag-ājīva | Actively helping, never harming. Seeing the illusory nature of life. |
| Right Effort | samyag-vyāyāma | Unceasing effort for the benefit of beings |
| Right Mindfulness | Satipatthana | Bare attention on emptiness |
| Right Meditation | samyak-samādhi | Equipoise seeing emptiness directly |
| VAJRAYANA | ||
| Right View | samyak-saṃkalpa | All beings are enlightened, Buddha fields are all-pervasive |
| Right Motivation | samyak-saṃkalpa | Seeing all beings as Buddha |
| Right Speech | samyag-vāc | All sound is mantra |
| Right Conduct | samyak-karmānta | Luminous light emanating and gathering |
| Right Livelihood | samyag-ājīva | 4 karmas of Buddha activity |
| Right Effort | samyag-vyāyāma | Maintaining samaya, non-effort |
| Right Mindfulness | Satipatthana | All phenomena are pure by nature |
| Right Meditation | samyak-samādhi | Deity, sugatagharba, mahamudra, trekcho, thogal |
Table of Contents
Right Conduct in the Eightfold Path: A Pathway to Ethical Living
The Noble Eightfold Path, a central framework in Buddhism, provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking the cessation of suffering and the realization of enlightenment. Among its essential components, Right Conduct holds a pivotal place, guiding practitioners towards ethical living and harmonious relationships.
This essay explores the multifaceted dimensions of Right Conduct, encompassing Right Action, ethical principles, and the nuanced variations within different Buddhist traditions.
Right Action in the Eightfold Path
Right Conduct, often referred to as Right Action or Samma Kammanta in Pali, is the second factor in the Eightfold Path. It emphasizes the ethical dimension of behavior, encouraging individuals to cultivate actions that contribute to the well-being of oneself and others while avoiding actions that cause harm or suffering.
No Killing or Injuring
The foundational principle of Right Action involves refraining from causing harm to living beings. This encompasses the commitment to not kill or injure sentient beings intentionally. The value placed on the sanctity of life aligns with the Buddhist understanding of interconnectedness, emphasizing the ripple effect of actions on the web of existence.
The prohibition against killing extends not only to humans but to all sentient beings, including animals. This principle underscores the importance of cultivating compassion and respect for all forms of life. By abstaining from harming others, individuals contribute to the creation of a more compassionate and harmonious world.
No Taking What Is Not Given
Right Action further entails the ethical principle of not taking what is not given, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ property and possessions. This includes refraining from theft, fraud, or any form of dishonest acquisition. The practice of ethical conduct extends to one’s relationship with material possessions, promoting a sense of contentment and non-attachment.
No Sexual Misconduct
Sexual misconduct is another aspect of Right Action, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ethical conduct in intimate relationships. While interpretations may vary, the general principle discourages actions that cause harm or lead to the violation of trust within relationships. Right Action encourages individuals to approach relationships with respect, mindfulness, and consideration for the well-being of all parties involved.
No Material Desires
Beyond specific actions, Right Action also addresses the underlying motivations and desires that guide one’s conduct. The cultivation of Right Action involves recognizing and letting go of material desires that can lead to unwholesome actions. This principle encourages individuals to examine their intentions, fostering a mindset that values ethical considerations over the pursuit of personal gain.
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Right Action in Hinayana
In the context of Hinayana, often referred to as the Theravada tradition, Right Action aligns closely with the principles outlined in the Pali Canon. The emphasis is on the individual’s ethical conduct, with a focus on personal liberation through the cultivation of virtuous actions and the avoidance of unwholesome ones.
Hinayana practitioners, following the Theravada path, diligently adhere to the principles of Right Action as part of their commitment to the Four Noble Truths and the pursuit of Nirvana. The emphasis on individual awakening and the meticulous observance of ethical guidelines serves as a foundational element in the Theravada tradition.
Right Action in Mahayana
In the Mahayana tradition, Right Action expands beyond individual liberation to encompass the welfare of all sentient beings. Mahayana practitioners, inspired by the Bodhisattva ideal, seek not only their own enlightenment but also aspire to alleviate the suffering of others. Right Action, in the Mahayana context, involves compassionate engagement with the world and a commitment to altruistic conduct.
Mahayana practitioners extend the principles of Right Action to include not only personal ethics but also a dedication to benefiting others. The cultivation of Bodhicitta, the mind of awakening, propels individuals to engage in actions that contribute to the well-being and enlightenment of all beings. The Mahayana path emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life and the responsibility to act with compassion and wisdom in the service of others.
Right Action in Vajrayana
Vajrayana, known for its esoteric practices and transformative methods, integrates the principles of Right Action into its unique approach to spiritual development. In Vajrayana, the emphasis is on skillful means and the recognition of the inherent purity of one’s actions.
Vajrayana practitioners engage in specific rituals and practices designed to transform ordinary activities into opportunities for spiritual growth. The transformative power of mantra, visualization, and ritual actions is harnessed to purify the mind and align one’s conduct with the enlightened qualities of the Buddha. Right Action in Vajrayana involves the skillful integration of these transformative methods into daily life, transcending the conventional understanding of ethical conduct.
The tantric yogin also employs the clear light activity of emanating and gathering purity and equality in the visualized forms of light, mantras and other objects of mind. Finally, he increases relative siddhi or powers through the skillful means of the 4 karmas.
Conclusion
Right Conduct, encapsulated in Right Action, is a cornerstone of the Eightfold Path, providing a compass for ethical living and spiritual development. The principles of refraining from harm, respecting others’ possessions, avoiding sexual misconduct, and letting go of material desires guide practitioners towards a life characterized by compassion, mindfulness, and wisdom.
The variations in the interpretation of Right Action within different Buddhist traditions highlight the adaptability of the Eightfold Path to diverse cultural and spiritual contexts. Whether in the Hinayana emphasis on personal liberation, the Mahayana commitment to the welfare of all beings, or the Vajrayana integration of skillful means, Right Action remains a vital component in the journey towards enlightenment.
Ultimately, Right Conduct invites individuals to navigate the complexities of life with an ethical compass, recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the profound impact of actions on the path towards liberation. As practitioners align their actions with the principles of the Eightfold Path, they contribute not only to their own well-being but also to the collective awakening of humanity.
May all beings be happy
May all beings be peaceful
May all beings be safe
May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature
May all beings be free
