Buddhism
Eightfold path

WJEC EDUQAS

Match the terms, meaning and explanation clues correctly. See who can do it the fastest in your group!


Category

  • Samma ditthi
  • Samma sankappa
  • Samma vaca
  • Samma kammanta
  • Samma ajiva
  • Samma vayama
  • Samma sati
  • Samma samadhi

Meaning

  • Right view
  • Right thought
  • Right speech
  • Right action
  • Right livelihood
  • Right effort
  • Right mindfulness
  • Right concentration

Explanation clues

  • This is when a person is aware of the reality of life i.e. the understanding of the 4 Noble Truths but also a deeper appreciation of other Buddhist teachings such as the three characteristics of being, conditioned arising and the five khandhas.
  • This is sometimes referred to as attitude or aspiration and is when a person aims to achieve the arising of only pure, wholesome and positive thoughts. This wisdom can only be achieved through meditation.
  • This involves truth and polite speech. It discourages lying or exaggerating and also cruelty to others through language. It is very broad, including the idea that at times it is right to be silent. On the positive side, it promotes purposeful, meaningful speech, conducive to spiritual development.
  • This means that a person will not harm others in any way by violence or theft. This extends to a general awareness of others and encourages dana (giving) as a demonstration of selflessness. Sexual misconduct is to be avoided. In summary, right action promotes a good, moral life that initiates honourable, peaceful and beneficial conduct for others and oneself.
  • This means making a living that benefits others and that does not involve any harm. This also relates to a range of Buddhist teachings. In essence, five careers are identified as specifically inauspicious: trading in poisons, trading in human beings, intoxicating substances, weapons and flesh.
  • This means a person is determined to avoid unwholesome or evil things. It is linked to the second part of the path, in that this discipline is required to avoid the arising of unwholesome or unskilful states of mind. This enables both stimulation and cultivation of pure, wholesome states of mind during meditation.
  • This means to be fully aware of one’s motives and reasons for doing something. According to Saddhatissa, this refers to ‘gradually extending one’s awareness until every action, thought and word is performed in the full light of consciousness.’
  • This means focusing the mind in meditation. It is complete detachment from the unwholesome states and an immersion into the four jhanas or absorptions of meditation. It is the ideal standard set by the Buddha, the middle way between extremes. It is a higher state of awareness and understanding.