It's been far too long since I've re-visited the Core of The Buddha's teachings: the Noble Eight Fold Path (or N8P as I like to think of it!).
In Buddhism The NBP is the means whereby an individual can move from a state of ignorance and suffering to one of Enlightenment, but even if you're not intending to transcend the 8 aspects of the path are a useful set of principles which just help to improve your quality of life.
NB these aren't rules that you MUST follow, they are suggestions - The Buddha was very clear that you should test out all of his ideas in practice - listen to what he has to say, subject it to scrutiny in any way you see fit, and if the ideas don't work out for you, you are free to reject them.
But to my (limited human) mind the 8 tenets of the N8P make total sense.
It's just that I've got a bit slack following them of late, so this is a trip down memory lane to remind myself of what they are!
Right Thought
This is the intellectual starting point - it means understanding the basics of Buddhist philosophy such as the four noble truths and the three marks of existence - effectively that everything is impermanent, and ordinary human life involves suffering as even positive states must come to an end - and that the N8P is the path to end suffering.
Right Intention
This effectively means acting out of compassion for other living beings rather than out of hatred or selfish motives - 'speak or act with an impure mind and suffering will follow you, as your shadow, unshakeable. Speak or act with a pure mind and happiness will follow you as surely as the cart follows the ox.'
So no trolling!
Right Speech
This means being careful what you say - no lying for starters, and trying to be honest - and helpful and not spiteful, and knowing when to keep silent.
Be pleasant in your communications - I mean at the very least it means you are less likely to get people's backs up!
Right Action
This involves a few easy ones - not killing or stealing and then a few that are more difficult - no drugs and sexual misconduct.
well, you are free to NOT stick to bits of this!
Right Livelihood
One of my faves - earn a living through doing something which is not harmful to others, and ideally something which is useful.
Personally, doing the whole Permaculture thing and making the earth more productive through soil building and tree planting - just hits the nail on the head here!
Right Effort
This can come across as bit obtuse but it basically means making the effort to overcome tiredness and shake off negative states of mind - stay focused, concentrated and make the effort to get rid of negative habits - don't beat yourself up if anger, anxiety etc come in - just resolve and re-resolve to deal with them rather than give into them.
Right Mindfulness
Another one of my faves - focus on what it is you are doing - here this means the physical aspect mainly - cleaning and land work are IDEAL for this!
Right Meditation
Don't overplay it - but formal sitting daily are crucial!
Final Thoughts on the N8P....
This was a review from memory, and I'm glad I went back to this - it's a reminder that my basic daily timetable I have which involves plenty time for physical work is grounded in this already.,
BUT it's also a reminder that I COULD apply some of these aspects more to my time on Hive - especially the earlier ones such as Speech and Intention - in short just try and be a more reasonable human being around the ecosystem!