Noble Eightfold Path

March 17, 2015 · updated February 15, 2022

The Four Noble Truths of Buddhism teach that a person can permanently escape suffering and the cycle of rebirth by following the Noble Eightfold Path.

The word "right" in these eight items designates "true" or "correct." Thus it is not enough to gain knowledge or take action; it must be right knowledge or action, based on the Buddha's teachings.

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of:

  • Right knowledge
  • Right intention
  • Right speech
  • Right action
  • Right livelihood
  • Right effort
  • Right mindfulness
  • Right concentration