Joseph continues his series on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. This week: the different aspects of Worldly Right View.
Right View consists partly of the beliefs that will help one towards enlightenment, but also of a full understanding of those beliefs and realization of their full implications. It enables us to understand how the other limbs are helpful and to judge what correct practice is. Joseph discusses the aspect of Right View most important to us laypeople, that of Worldly Right View.
If you are just starting this series, be sure to start with PART ONE.
The Eightfold Path (Opening)
Joseph introduces the Eightfold Path via the Satipatthana Sutta, the Buddha’s discourse on the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. The Buddha calls these teachings, “The direct way for the purification of beings, for the overcoming of sorrow, for the disappearance of pain and grief, for reaching the noble path, for the realization of nirvana, namely the four foundations of mindfulness.”
“It is not just eight unrelated things. Each step on this Eightfold Path leads to the next, and the next.” – Joseph Goldstein
Worldly Right View (9:50)
In regards to the first limb of the Eightfold Path, the Buddha makes a distinction between what is called Worldly (Mundane) Right View and the Super-Worldly (Super-Mundane) Right View. Worldly Right View is especially relevant and pragmatic for us lay people. It acknowledges that for most of us, our wholesome actions still lie in the realm of desire. The teachings of Worldly Right View show us how we can live our lives in a way that brings happiness and ease, rather than stress and difficulties.
Areas of Investigation (20:00)
In his description of Worldly Right View, in the context of Karma, The Buddha details a few very particular areas of investigation and practice, such as our need for generosity. Joseph goes over these emphasized areas and how we can practice them in our daily lives.
Other Realms (27:30)
The principals of Right View require an appreciation for more than this current state of being. These concepts of rebirth and other realms of existence are difficult for most people to understand or accept. Especially for those in the West, where these concepts are not part of our culture as real possibilities. Joseph discusses the importance of this concept in relation to the Eightfold Path and Worldly Right View.
“It’s important to emphasize that awakening doesn’t depend on believing.” – Joseph Goldstein
There is Mother and Father (38:45)
In regards to Worldly Right View, the Buddha uses the phrase, “There is Mother and Father.” This doesn’t refer to the fact that we are all born of parents, but that there is a Karmic relationship to them which comes with responsibilities. Joseph discusses what the Buddha had to say about this responsibility and its role in Dharma.
Image via Analogvibestudio