The Eight-Fold Path lies at the core of Buddhist teachings.  The eight practices are designed to help us to align our lives more closely to Dharma – our divine potential.  Each of the practices : right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration and right understanding helps to channelize our energy towards spiritual realization. The word “samyak” is translated as “right” – but it could also be translated as “good”, “accurate” or “well-done”.  In this case, these things are “right” when they take us closer to our spiritual self.  Spiritual practice is not something limited to the moments we spend with our eyes closed on a meditation cushion.  It is a way of life. Every moment presents us with the opportunity to live from a deep place of harmony with our soul, and these eight points help us to reflect on the different ways we can train ourselves to remain aligned.  I was recently asked to give a presentation at a spiritual conference on “Samyak Karmanta” – or “Right Action” so this article will limit itself to just reflecting on that point. Read more