Foundations of Spiritual Living: Step Four on the Eightfold Path
October 5, 2026 | 2 CommentsAudio only version is here.
Meditation practice begins at 15:34
Hello wonderful Open Heart Project,
Last week, we talked about Right Speech and the ways our communication can either create suffering or be of benefit.
This week, we move to the fourth step on the Noble Eightfold Path: Right Action.
Some aspects of “wrong action” will likely sound familiar to you: Don’t kill. Don’t steal. Don’t lie. Don’t engage in harmful sexual behavior. Don’t abuse substances or other things that keep us stuck.
But Right Action is also the deeper practice of paying attention to what we are doing and noticing the habitual ways we respond.
Sometimes the most important action is to pause and admit, “I don’t know what to do.” That pause gives us room to see more clearly, learn, and choose differently.
Let me know what you think. I love hearing from you.
With love,
Susan
PS: There’s a full, in-depth talk on Right Speech, on my podcast, Buddhism Beyond Belief, Episode 45, that you can listen to here (if you want to).
categorized in: dharma, open heart project
2 Comments
Sometimes I feel like the cat that shows up with their children-who have challenging habits. I have a cynical take on good intentions based on experience. I would say that if my intentions are good, but twisted with fear, the outcome is worse.
My gratitude and connection is magnified by your kind teaching and welcoming meditations. May I be filled with right action today and share your kindness with others.