The way of Mahayana's deliverance through self-discipline corresponds with the "Eightfold Path" of the Hinayana. The eighfold way is effective for liberation by its use of the law of Karman (Wheel of Rebirth). But the Mahayana goes further as to see liberation as the removal of all ignorance and by the realization of the absolute in which the Eightfold Path helps to attain. To reach deliverance is not possible by mere ethical actions of which the karmic effects is confined. The Hinayana way sees that if one rise high and above in the Karmic circle to be reborn in a higher status and realm, it is easier to attain enlightenment there.

So what is the Eightfold Path? It is clearly as listed that if one possess all of the characteristics below, he is on the eightfold path:

• Right Viewis gaining insight into the Dharmakaya of the Enlightened One;
• Right Resolve is the pacification of all imaginations;
• Right Speech is the realization that language confronted with the Dharmas falls silent; to speak the truth that does not consist lies, gossip,abuse and idle talk.
• Right Conduct is abstinence from any actions aiming at Karmic merit;
• Right Livelihood consists of the insight that all Dharmas are without origination and destruction, harmless breadwinning which would not cause suffering to anyone.
• Right Effort means relinquishing Energy and Method to obtain deliverance in the knowledge that Dharmas(the state of deliverance) rise out of action.
• Right Awareness means to stop brooding over being and non-being. Being mindfullness of the body, sensations, mind and mental objects. A person overwhelmed with rage would more easily rid of it once he is aware of his own rage and its destructiveness to himself and others.
• Right Meditation is freedom of opinion by non-grasping Dharmas. To be able to seek the ways and understand fully the methods of meditations as prescribed by the Buddha. One must choose one of many ways of meditation to go on the way of enlightenment. No one has ever attained Nirvana without meditation!

To the Mahayanan, the Eightfold Path serve as a vehicle to help one seek the Absolute. It is not the only way, but the fundamental way as the Buddha has taught.

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Foundation of Mahayana Buddhism

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