The Buddha’s first turning of the Dharma wheel was the Four Noble Truths. The fourth Noble Truth was that of a path out of suffering. This path, is the 8 fold path, which contains every aspect of life. This included thought, livelihood, speech, and, action; everything is covered.
Each of these 8 areas, when using the 8 Fold Path as a basis, are said to be “Right”, such as Right Speech, Right Action. A better translation and a closer truth to the Buddha’s teaching is the 8 Fold Path is about Complete; Complete Speech, Complete Action. The 8 Fold Path is about completely living life. To be completely in what is transpiring, as it transpire, is the intention of the 8 fold path. Alan Watts describes Complete as “In walking, just walk, in sitting, just sit. Above all, don’t wobble”. The 8 fold path is often described with confusing ideas or concepts.
I had previously thought of the 8 fold path as a way of trying to live, a way of trying to be something. I now understand otherwise. The 8 Fold Path does not set out to do anything. It isn’t about transforming, comparing, or trying to do. I now see the path as a way of entering into life, about complete, direct experience and the resulting development of wisdom. It’s not a theory or a philosophy about areas or sections in life. It’s a map of life, with eight gates to enter into. (photo)
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isn’t that picture of the budhism dharma wheel?
Hi Fi,
Great pickup, you are correct this is a Dharma Wheel.
The Dharma Wheel is a symbol for the 8-fold-path;
“The eight spokes represent the Noble Eightfold Path of Buddhism. They are said to have sharp edges to cut through ignorance.
Other symbolism in the eight-spoked Dharmacakra in Buddhism:
* Its overall shape is that of a circle (cakra), representing the perfection of the dharma teaching
* The hub stands for discipline, which is the essential core of meditation practice
* The rim, which holds the spokes, refers to mindfulness or samadhi which holds everything together
“
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharmacakra
May all beings be happy.
Gassho,
Wade