The Eightfold Path for the Householder. These meditation instructions are aimed at the householder. Each part of the Eightfold Path is explained in a separate chapter. The tone of the teaching is contemporary and non-technical. The universality and relevance of the Buddha’s teaching are illustrated by numerous quotations from more recent luminaries. From the book:
After the Buddha was enlightened he was walking down the road in a very happy state. He was supposed to have been quite a handsome prince before going off to be a monk. So here’s this handsome prince now recently enlightened, wearing golden robes and obviously quite happy, and very special from all accounts. And he met some people and they said, “You seem very special. What are you, are some kind of an angel or a deva?” He seemed inhuman in some way. “No.” “Well, are you some kind of a god then?” “No.” “Well, then are you some kind of a wizard or magician?” “No,” he replied. “Well, are you a man?” “No,” he said. “Then what are you?” And he answered, “I am awake.”
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The Eightfold Path for the Householder
The guide covers:
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Right Understanding: Comprehending the true nature of reality and the Four Noble Truths.
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Right Thought: Cultivating intentions free from ill will, guided by renunciation and goodwill.holybooks.com+1holybooks.com+1
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Right Speech: Engaging in truthful, harmonious, and meaningful communication.
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Right Action: Acting ethically and non-harmfully in daily life.
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Right Livelihood: Pursuing a profession that does not cause harm and aligns with ethical principles.
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Right Effort: Fostering wholesome states of mind and eliminating unwholesome ones.
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Right Mindfulness: Maintaining awareness of body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.
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Right Concentration: Developing deep states of meditative absorption.