Chapter III, Buddhism, The Eight-Fold Path, Summary and Analysis

The Eight-Fold Path of the Buddha is his recipe for progressing beyond the pushing and pulling of life into a way of intentional living. The first of the steps in the path is Right Views. The Four Noble Truths prepare the mind for right thinking and use human reasoning to good advantage. The second step is Right Intent, which advises making up the mind to follow the better way. The third step is Right Speech, ridding oneself of lying, uncharitable words, and poor motives. It directs the mind toward charity. The fourth step is Right Conduct. The guidelines for right conduct in Buddhism read a lot like the Ten Commandments. The proscriptions for the Buddhist include not killing, not stealing, not lying, keeping oneself chaste, and avoiding intoxicants. The fifth step...