Eight factors, one path

From the text

The Buddha says he will teach and analyze the noble eightfold path, and names its eight factors: right view, right purpose, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right immersion.

In everyday life

This journey walks through the eight factors one at a time, but the passage begins by naming them together. The text does not say the factors are steps to climb in order; it simply lists them as one path. One way to take this is that they are eight strands of a single rope: how you see things, what you intend, what you say and do, how you get by, how you apply effort, where you place attention, and how the mind settles all support one another. Over the next three weeks you will look at each closely. Today, simply take in the whole. The word 'right' can sound like a verdict; one way to take it is 'in line with less suffering'. Your sit today is short and simple: arriving, and noticing that you are here. One way to see that is as a small first step toward right mindfulness, and it is enough for day one.

Arriving and Settling

Sit upright on a chair or cushion, hands resting in your lap. Read each cue as it appears; between cues you may close your eyes or lower your gaze.

Start the timer hereAbout this session

Read the eight factors once, aloud or silently, then pick the one that feels most alive in your life today and hold it in mind for a minute.

Which of the eight factors do you already practise, perhaps without calling it that?

Answer on paper, or in the app’s journal, which stays on your iPhone.