Right Views - the first step on the Noble 8 Fold path

The Noble 8 Fold Path is the last of the 4 noble truths propounded by Buddhism religion. The first aspect of the Noble 8 Fold Path is right views.

We must first recognize that attachment to the wrong views causes suffering. These are many examples that can be given. Consider the religious wars of history and conflicts between religious sects - Christian or otherwise. These were caused by attachment to the views of a certain religion. Also the holders of these views were fanatics in that they were not willing to engage in reasoned debate but were willing to kill, wage war and die for their beliefs. In the 20th century we have seen conflicts between the ideologies of communism, fascism and capitalism. And all through history nations have held views regarding their superiority to other nations and races and were prepared to fight to prove their point.

Uniqueness of Buddhism religion or philosophy

This is one of the qualities that attracts me most to Buddhism religion or philosophy.

Further explanation about this point can be found in Sceptical Essays written by Bertrand Russell. Russell makes the point that when 2 men of science hold opposing views about a subject they make an appeal to evidence to win their argument. Also the scientists recognize that they are fallible and can make mistakes. When fresh evidence suggests that they are mistaken the scientist is prepared to change his views. Russell praises this reasonableness and intellectual honesty and says that if this habit became common to humanity it would lead to lessening of fanaticism and an end to almost all the preventable wars and misery that we have seen throughout history.

A scientist generally has good reasons for his view; he appeals to evidence and is prepared to change his mind. The fanatic on the other hand – someone like Hitler - generally has no good reasons for his views, he appeals to force and is not prepared to change his mind.

The goal of Buddhism - Nirvana

Regarding wrong views - the element of the Noble 8 Fold path - in our individual lives they are caused generally by traumas or wrong upbringing suffered in childhood. We may suffer from an inferiority complex which is nothing but a point of view and a wrong view at that. We are subject to the opinions of our parents when we are young – regarding religion, sex and many other subjects. This forms our beliefs in adult life. In my own community in India I have observed the habit in many members of my community of blaming the Muslims of India for most of our social ills. A child subjected to this sort of brainwashing will never be able to form a good relationship with a Muslim person even when he matures. In this way, attachment to wrong views causes pain and suffering both in our lives and others.

From the point of Buddhism religion or philosophy we may say that all views are wrong views. We are obviously dealing with the nature of God or Ultimate reality about which no opinions can be held or expressed - you can only have the experience but you will find it impossible to communicate your experience.

As stated earlier this experience is the goal of Buddhism - Nirvana.

Buddhism may be described not as a collection of views but as a path or method of dropping wrong views and gaining insight. But how do we change deeply held beliefs and views which do not serve us? It is through meditation, mindfulness, awareness and insight. Once we have an insight about the nature of ourselves or of the world it will be possible for us to drop our wrong views about the subject.

Insight about the nature of the Universe and our relationship to it is the goal of Buddhism. Eightfold path can lead us to that happy state.

I am afraid there is no substitute for meditation as a tool to enable us to gain insight about ourselves and drop wrong views and achieve lasting transformation and spiritual growth. You will necessarily have to meditate daily for months and even years before you see changes. I recommend Vipassana as taught by S.N Goenka. It is a powerful and effective meditation for transformation although it is quite demanding.

From the point of view of the Noble 8 Fold Path right views are one of the 8 elements which make up the path leading to the end of suffering. For more on the Noble 8 Fold Path please refer The Heart of Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh which explain this and other aspects of Buddhism clearly.

For more on Buddhism and facts - about it being a dialogue, a skillful means, about a powerful meditation that leads to peace please visit this page on Buddhism religion facts You will find that Buddhism and facts are in close agreement.

For more on the Noble eightfold path please this page on Right Thinking as per the Eightfold path of Buddhism

For a complete list of all the articles visit this page on Buddhism

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