Buddhism

1.  All the guidelines are important.  The Eightfold Path is in essence a performance assessment tool whereby we can measure the rightness or wrongness of any intention. If one could select only one, however,  it would have to be "right action."  The intended result of anything to which we aspire should be measured and weighed first with the qualities of right view, thought, speech, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, concentration before any action (or decision not to act) is taken.  If the intention passes all the other "rights," then it is a "right action."

2.  The unifying concepts of all these guidelines are harmlessness and compassion (relief from suffering for ourselves and all sentient beings.)

3.  Buddha would probably have a lot to say today about "right livelihood," for there are so many types of livelihood that are harmful.  He would see the suffering caused by craving and greed by those who never have enough an the suffering of those who are victims of craving and greed.  Wall street, predatory financial institutions and industry that destroys in order to produce have historically caused suffering of all human beings as well as Mother Earth herself.  We do not need to eat meat, therefore one should avoid employment in slaughter houses, butcher shops and meat markets.  All employment that causes harm to another living being, including Mother Earth, should be avoided.  Any time we harm another we harm ourselves.

Nancy Anderson

aka "Lotus"

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"Imagination is everything.
It is the preview of life's coming attractions."
-- Albert Einstein
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