Chapter 7, The Buddhist Path, The Way of Calm and Thought Summary and Analysis

Chapter seven focuses on the practice of Buddhism; while theory is important for monks and committed laity, Buddhist practice is more expansive than theory. Again, Buddhist practice is encapsulated in the eight-fold path, but more is involved. Faith has an important role, though it is not a "cognitive" faith but is rather "affective" or a positive emotional response to Buddhist teaching. Faith is manifested by going to the three "jewels" of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha for refuge. It is not clear how early BuddhistS worship, but worship probably focused on stupas. The Buddha of early texts seems critical of brahmanical ritual and denies that faith and rituals end suffering, but he is not necessarily against the activities altogether.

Generosity and good conduct...