A particular component that I found interesting was Right Livelihood. This component of the high fold path emphasizes one must live in peace and be all about peace. In today’s society our livelihood depends our income and status. In my experiences, to live comfortably one doesn’t need a lot of money to live comfortably. I would also argue that one doesn’t need a lot of money to live happily, but that’s a personal opinion, and it is back up by Buddhist views and many other religous views. Now, for one to live by Right Livelihood their profession/work shall not cause harm onto others, or provide a living by wrongful means. For example one cannot sell firearms, alcohol, and drugs. These are considered unjust means of livelihood. The article says, “These three factors (right speech, right action, and right livelihood) of the eightfold path constitute ethical conduct.” What is Ethical conduct? Merriam-Webster Defines this as a theory or a system of moral values. After reading the portion of livelihood I believe this value can be transparent in my life and work. My number one goal is to help individuals , and more specifically my community, friends, and family. I have a lot to thank for through my life, and I could t loo at myself the same if I didn’t pursue a career that somehow gave back someday. Buddhist beliefs are clearly anti-war/harm. But In my opinion one can sell guns and alcohol and not cause harm to individuals. First in foremost these are inanimate object, and without corruption and someone without an agenda behind it, these things can’t cause harm. One can wield a pen, an object for many consider a tool, but in the wrong hands is used to stab someone in prison. Now giving this argument still, I would not want a job, where my work can’t be perverted and be used to cause suffering. Now my connection between cessation and end suffering. Magga which is the end of suffering can be either liberation of suffering through mind/spirit, or a physical one, meaning ones fight is over. Through history there are many virtues that cultures and groups consider things to live by. For example In Christianity commandments are put in place before times of Christ, until after his sacrifice individuals were then able to live by grace, through the Bibles “virtues.” Some virtues for example fidelity, love, compassion, purpose, competence, etc., are all words to live by. The connection between virtues and end of suffering is that these are like a handbook of how one should walk about life. I believe both are means to an end, why? Well we’re all this Earth to live and enjoy what life has to offer. We have ups and downs, good choices and bad choices, but the most implant thing in my option is the human connection. I think that the connection between virtues and end of suffering. The opportunity to be better everyday and make our neighbors and loves ones feel our conection to them, regardless close or not.
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