Right

In the Buddhist 8 Fold Path, this is the first Limb. In translating the Pali language, oftentimes the meaning can get lost in translation. The use of the word right does not indicate a world of duality like this is right and that is wrong. The use of the word right is saying this is effective and works. Right view is proper orientation within the present moment. 

The Four Noble Truths make up the spiritual compass required to guide you on your life path. The first truth is the realization of suffering. Two is the identification of the root or causes of suffering. Three is the cessation of suffering. Four is the cultivation of a life that minimizes suffering and maximizes happiness. Realization, identification, cessation and cultivation—these are the four truths often referred to as The Lion’s Roar. I personally love that—it is intense and very strong.

If you stopped 100 people on the street and asked them if they were suffering the majority are going to say no. If you change the wording to “stressed out”, the majority are going to change their answer. I believe that human beings have an incredible ability to ignore our stress. That is why we need to become sensitive to where we are getting hung up or stuck in life. In our world today there are so many different kinds of stress. All stress originates in the mind and is created by the mind and manifested by the mind. 

For instance, if you don’t eat right or exercise you are placing undo stress on your mind and body which is going to eventually lead to deeper levels of suffering as you get older. Poor self image, premature aging, type 2 diabetes (potentially), heart disease, and the list goes on and on. In this case, a poor orientation to the present moment has you inflicting stress on yourself. Moments build onto moments and the stress and suffering will compound with aging, leading to greater pain. 

How often I get caught up in misconstrued views and react to life with a lack of understanding! Being empowered is constant application and inspection of your filters and views. It is becoming aware of the thoughts that inhabit your mind with a non-judgmental awareness. It is about coming to the realization that you are more than the thoughts that populate your head. You are the awareness that can see thoughts developing and fading. Being Empowered is developing unwavering attention and cultivating the ability to discern right view from views that are going to lead to stress and undo suffering.