Self-development through

the Eightfold Path

Introduction

Since the Buddha passed away, his teachings have spread worldwide. Over a long period, his ideology has penetrated the thought of people from all walks of life. His philosophy, depending on everyone’s karma and the teachings of various Buddhist schools, has been studied, analyzed, and applied to man’s life.

​Motivated by the strange twists of fate in my own life, I would like to present a study of Self-development through the Eightfold Path. When Self-development through the Eightfold Path is spoken, people would think that this refers to the Sangha’s Self-development. However, it is not an only question of this point. Self-development through the Eightfold Path, which both Sangha and lay-followers can easily realize, is described in this work. This is not only found in the Sangha’s precepts, but is also expressed through one’s behavior. This is a spiritual practice in the Eightfold Path that the Buddha taught in thousand years ago. However, this research focuses on individuals’ cultivation of virtue, and it does not address the Sangha’s transcendent ideology.

​Actually, the Eightfold Path comprises parts of the way to Enlightenment; however, it is quite difficult for us to attain Enlightenment as we are common persons living in luxurious surroundings and modern industrial society. Let us assume for the sake of argument that the Eightfold Path is a saintly way of life that we are able to practice perfecting our own personality.

​Advancing our personality to perfection means that we are improving our life to reach true happiness in our present life. The Buddha once said, “The Eightfold Path that I have showed will lead you to a secure and peaceful life”…[1]

​What is the Eightfold Path? (Atthangikamagga)

Reverend Thich Thien Hoa said in the book titled Comprehensive Study of Buddhism that the Eightfold Path means the eight paths or the eight effective methods that guide people to a perfect life.[2] In the Dhammapada, the Buddha said, “The Eightfold Path is the holiest way.”

​The Eightfold Path is divided into three groups: [3]

– Precepts (Sìla: P.) (Dhàtu:  S.)

– Concentration (Samàdhi: P.)

– Wisdom (Pannà: P.) (Praijna: S.)

​Precepts (Sìla) are the rules those guide people in conducting themselves with dignity, and in cultivating their virtue. Buddhists who can strictly observe the Five Precepts (Pancasila) can perfect their own character. The precepts are the beginning of emancipation, or the beginning of concentration and the arising of wisdom.[4] The precepts include Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood.

​Concentration (Samàdhi) is a way that helps people practice to get mental balance and to control themselves. When people’s feelings and minds are stable, they can determine exactly what good to do and how right to act. People’s correct actions can reveal their good characters. The concentration includes Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

​Wisdom (Pannà) is to help man realize their bad habits, prejudices, or wrong views, in order that people could end them all. Wisdom is the good guide leading people towards a life of virtue. In the Upasaka sutra, the Buddha said, “Wisdom distinguishes humans from animals.” Wisdom enables people to judge their actions and to have responsibility for their behavior. Wisdom includes Right View and Right Thought.

From a brief of above-analysis, we can be sure that if people try to practice the Eightfold Path, their personality will be perfect.

​What is personality?

​Personality is understood in the Eightfold Path as a person who has a good character and good behavior. When people’s characters and behavior are correctly trained, their own personalities are created. Additionally, to show the Sangha a way to Enlightenment, the Buddha once explained how a person could perfect a character and behavior conforming to the standards of Buddhist philosophy.

When a child is born, he or she possesses in the natural wisdom and disposition. As he or she grows up, he or she gradually becomes good or bad, better or worse, depending on their education and environment. Therefore, education and environment have a critical effect on the development of children’s character. Parents must realize how important it is to find a good method and an effective approach for their children’s education. ​The best way is that parents should thoroughly grasp the Buddha’s teachings, which are useful for them to train their children to have a good character, and to educate them to be good persons for their family and society. To be clear, the Eightfold Path is what people should practice improving their personality so that they can guide their children toward the good way. ​

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