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The Eightfold path shows the way to enlightenment by overcoming desire.
* Right views-Define the problem.
* Right intent- Are you sure you want enlightenment?
* Right Speech-Take care in what you say.
* Right Conduct-(5 precepts)
* Do not kill,
* Do not steal,
* Do not lie,
* Do not be unchaste,
* Do not drink intoxicants
* Right Livelihood-Engage in occupations that promote life and spiritual progress.
* Right Effort- Will yourself to continue and you will reach you goal.
* Right Mindfulness- Become aware of why and how you do everyday things.
* Right concentration- Your mind should be fine tuned to not stray from what you are thinking.
Karma
When people are happy and contented, they tend to take life for granted. It is when they suffer, when they find life difficulty, that they begin to search for a reason and a way out of their difficulty. They may ask why some are born in poverty and suffering, while others are born in fortunate circumstances. Some people believe that it is due to fate, chance, or an invisible power beyond their control. They feel that they are unable to live the life they desire so as to experience happiness always. Consequently , they become confused and desperate. However, the Buddha was able to explain why people differ in their circumstances and why some are more fortunate in life than others. The Buddha taught that one's present condition, whether of happiness or suffering, is the result of the accumulated force of all past actions or karma.
--Definition of Karma
Karma is intentional action, that is, a deed done deliberately through body, speech or mind. Karma means good and bad volition (kusala Akusala Centana). Every volitional action (except that of a Buddha or of an Arahant) is called Karma. The Buddhas and Arahants do not accumulate fresh Karma as they have destroy all their passions.
In other words, Karma is the law of moral causation. It is action and reaction in the ethical realm. It is natural law that every action produces a certain effect.
The Buddha said,
"According to the seed that is sown,
So is the fruit you reap
The door of good of will gather good result
The door of evil reaps evil result.
If you plant a good seed well,
Then you will enjoyed the good fruits."
Karma is a law itself. But it does not follow that there should be a law-giver. The law of Karma, too, demands no law giver. It operates in its own field without the intervention of an external, independent agency.
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