This is a continuation of the Tenets of Buddhism hub. Just in case you have not had the time to get the specifics on Buddhism, I have put them together for you here. I have included some of my own interpretation at the end. I have said several times in previous hubs, that I believe that the perspectives of others can be helpful; a spring-board effect, if you will. I hope you find it so.

Gautama Speaks

After his enlightenment, Gautama gave his first teaching to five ascetics at Deer Park near Benares, India. In this "sermon" he said that there are two extremes to avoid in life. The first to avoid is, a life given to pleasures, devoted to pleasures and lusts, because this is degrading, sensual, vulgar, ignoble and profitless. The second to avoid is, a life given to mortifications because this is painful, ignoble and profitless. He explained that by avoiding the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification, one gains knowledge of the "Middle Path" which leads to insight, wisdom, calmness, knowledge, enlightenment and Nirvana.

He went on to outline the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.

The First Noble Truth is that life is 'dukkha', suffering. The Second Noble Truth is that the cause of this suffering is tanha, 'desire' or 'thirst'. The Third Noble Truth is that there is freedom or cessation from suffering, Nirvana (also known as tanhakkhaya 'extinction of thirst'). The Fourth Noble Truth is that the way to freedom from suffering is through the Eightfold Path, which is the "Middle Path".

The Middle Path is the Noble Eightfold Path of: Right Understanding (knowledge); Right Thought (aspiration); Right Speech; Right Action (behavior); Right Livelihood; Right Effort; Right Mindfulness; and Right Concentration (absorption).

I will be as brief as possible and give a bit of my interpretation of the Eightfold Path points:

Right Understanding is the discovering and examining of one's life, and learning to recognize when one is out of "sync" with the natural order of the Universe. Having done that naturally leads to making new and different choices that involve beliefs and the determination to follow, and to forge, a path back to integration with the natural order of the Universe/Cosmos. This determination is the power of the Buddhic Way.

Because I am always looking for the unity in diversity, the various religions that believe in God could call this natural order, God's Will. The intent and the power behind the intent are the same.

Right Thought is the "intelligence" which Buddha defines as the "intent of the heart". One needs to transcend (rise above) the sense of separateness and identify with the needs of all life, with an intent and consistency. One who has the pure motives in the heart has the intelligence (wisdom) of the Buddha Mind (the Christ Mind).

Right Speech is always guarding the flow of one's energies so as to be the "Compassionate One", to speak from the heart, and modulating the voice for comfort and avoiding of harshness to any part of life.

Right Action comes from pure motives and intent, selflessness and charity. In right behavior Gautama says to not kill, not steal, not lie, not be unchaste and not drink intoxicants.

Right Livelihood means to have an occupation that is in keeping with the path, to not engage in any business that involves deceit, exploitation, injustice or harm to others. I was told Buddha actually listed a few occupations that are not in keeping with the path: poison peddler, slave dealer, prostitute, butcher, hunter, brewer, armament maker and fortune-teller.

Right Effort is proving in actions the previous five steps of the Eightfold Path, in constancy and dedication to serve others through a strong will and a steady plodding on the path.

Right Mindfulness is self-awareness and knowing that all that we are is the result of what we have thought. It requires that we have our mind on what we are doing in the moment and blocking anything that trys to divert us from that union of mind, action and word.

Right Concentration involves meditation and proper breathing techniques to "absorb" or integrate all the levels of one's awareness with the Universal natural order.

So, my Wholistic Lifestyle Plan that involves all levels of being; spiritual, mental, emotional and physical and my connection with the natural world and all life around me, incorporates; my job, my beliefs, my energy centers, my psychology, my exercise, my diet, my prayer and home, and family, as well as many other specifics of life that help me to heal and stay balanced and whole each day.