Showing posts with label buddha. Show all posts

The Five Virtues and the Noble Eightfold Path

 The Five Virtues and the Noble Eightfold Path

The five virtues of compassion, courage, wisdom, temperance, and justice are all essential qualities for living a good life. They are also closely connected to the Noble Eightfold Path, a Buddhist teaching that guides living a life of virtue and enlightenment.

Compassion is the ability to feel empathy for others and to want to help them. It is the foundation of all the other virtues and essential for building strong relationships and creating a peaceful world.

Courage is the ability to face our fears and challenges. It is necessary to stand up for what we believe in, even when it is difficult. Courage is also essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving our goals.

Wisdom is the ability to see things clearly and to make wise decisions. It is essential for understanding the world around us and living our lives in a way that aligns with our values.

Temperance is the ability to control our desires and live a moderation life. It is essential for maintaining physical and mental health and avoiding destructive behaviors.

Justice is the ability to treat others fairly and to uphold the principles of right and wrong. It is essential for creating a just and equitable society.


The Noble Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines for living a life of virtue and enlightenment. It is divided into three sections: wisdom, morality, and concentration.

The wisdom section of the Noble Eightfold Path includes right understanding and right thought. Right understanding is the ability to see the world clearly and understand reality's nature. Right thought is the ability to think positively and constructively.

The morality section of the Noble Eightfold Path includes right speech, right action, and right livelihood. Right speech is the ability to speak the truth in a kind and compassionate way. Right action is the ability to act in a way that benefits ourselves and others. Right livelihood is the ability to earn a living in a way that is ethical and sustainable.

The concentration section of the Noble Eightfold Path includes right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Right effort is the ability to apply our willpower to overcome our negative thoughts and behaviors. Right mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Right concentration is the ability to focus on a single object or thought.

The five virtues and the Noble Eightfold Path are closely connected. The five virtues are essential qualities for living a life of virtue and enlightenment, and they are all included in the Noble Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path provides a guide for how to develop these virtues in our own lives.

To live a good life, we need to cultivate the five virtues of compassion, courage, wisdom, temperance, and justice. We can do this by following the Noble Eightfold Path and practicing the virtues daily. By developing these virtues, we can create a better world for ourselves and for others.

Exploring the Connection: Following Hecate and Being Buddhist


The spiritual journey is a vast and diverse landscape, offering countless paths for seekers to explore and connect with the divine. Buddhism and the worship of Hecate, the powerful Greek goddess, may seem disparate at first glance. However, upon closer examination, intriguing parallels, and connections can be found between these two traditions. This article delves into the relationship between following Hecate and being Buddhist, shedding light on the shared values, practices, and perspectives that can enhance one's spiritual path.

In both Buddhism and Hecate worship, there is a recognition and reverence for the divine feminine. While Buddhism is often associated with the teachings of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, numerous female figures hold significant roles. For instance, the Bodhisattva Tara represents compassion and wisdom, embodying feminine qualities of nurturing and guidance.

Similarly, Hecate is a prominent goddess associated with the mysteries of the feminine divine. As the goddess of the crossroads, magic, and witchcraft, she embodies powerful aspects of femininity, including intuition, transformation, and independence. Following Hecate allows individuals to honor and connect with the divine feminine energy within themselves and in the world around them, complementing the Buddhist emphasis on balance and interconnectedness.

Buddhism teaches that life is marked by impermanence, and embracing this truth leads to liberation from suffering. The concept of impermanence aligns with Hecate's transformative nature. She is a goddess who guides individuals through transitions, symbolizing the constant change inherent in life's cycles. Worshiping Hecate encourages practitioners to embrace transformation and find solace in the ever-changing nature of existence.

Both Buddhism and Hecate worship emphasize the significance of mindfulness and ritual practices. Buddhist meditation cultivates mindfulness, fostering awareness and deepening one's connection to the present moment. Similarly, Hecate worship often involves ritual practices aimed at heightening consciousness, such as chanting, creating altars, and performing ceremonies during specific lunar phases.

By integrating mindfulness and ritual practices, followers of Hecate and Buddhists alike can develop a greater sense of spiritual awareness, cultivate inner peace, and forge a deeper connection with the divine.

Buddhism places great emphasis on ethical living and compassion toward all beings. The practice of following the Noble Eightfold Path, which includes principles such as Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood, guides individuals to lead virtuous lives and cultivate loving-kindness.

In a similar vein, Hecate worship encourages practitioners to embrace compassion and kindness. As a goddess associated with witchcraft and magic, Hecate's devotees often seek to manifest positive change and promote harmony in their lives and the world around them.

While Buddhism and Hecate worship emerge from different cultural and historical contexts, intriguing connections can be found when exploring their spiritual principles and practices. Both traditions offer pathways to personal transformation, the cultivation of mindfulness, and ethical living. By blending elements from Buddhism and Hecate worship, individuals can enrich their spiritual journey, drawing from the wisdom of these diverse traditions to deepen their understanding of the self, foster compassion, and nurture their connection with the divine.


Citations:

"Tara (Buddhism)." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Accessed June 21, 2023. [Link]

Davis, T. (2019). "The Polyvalence of Tara in Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhism." Religions, 10(8), 485. [Link]

Zohara, M. (2018). "Hekate and the Androgynous Soul." The Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Figure of the Witch, 1(1), 92-113.

Batchelor, S. (2004). Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening. Penguin.

Batchelor, S. (2012). After Buddhism: Rethinking the Dharma for a Secular Age. Yale University Press.

Walking the Middle Path - Virture vs Eightfold Path

 Over the last few months we've been looking at how the middle path of the Buddha crosses over the middle path of Hecate. How each one of the steps on that Buddhist path intersects with the Five Virtues of Hecate. Of course just like everyone else blogging today, this is UPG (unverified personal gnosis). What I do provide is my take on the documentation that I have found to date as well as my personal opinions related to those teachings. This is a wrap up of what we've have discussed to date as well as looking into the person who follows both.




Hecate and Buddha have very different philosophical belief structures. An example would be these two quotes below based on war.

"Of Buddha on war:

"In killing I would be betraying and abandoning the very teachings I would be seeking to preserve. So it would be better to let him kill me and remain true to the spirit of the Dharma."

Of Hecate on war:

And when men arm themselves for the battle that destroys men, then the goddess is at hand to give victory and grant glory readily to whom she will. Good is she also when men contend at the games, for there too the goddess is with them and profits them : and he who by might and strength gets the victory wins the rich prize easily with joy, and brings glory to his parents." - Theio



While I see myself as someone who does not wish to harm others, I also life by the believe that a witch who cannot harm cannot heal. You must have within you the ability to do both, if you intend to do either.

Both are found ancient texts with Buddha being mentioned in the 1st Century BCE and Hecate in the 8th Century BC.  However, their messages are as modern as laptops and TikTok. As I move through my path I have found that both of these keep me in a balanced state. While I sit and walk the path of the Buddha, I can see and feel the spirit of Hecate with. I work on things for her that guide my walk and help keep me in a spot that allows me to protect myself and others.  

One may say, well then, you're not a Buddhist if you choose to fight to survive. The Buddha clearly states harming others is not something we should do, even to save ourselves.  In that sense of the word, I agree, I am not there. 

For me walking the middle path is a way of not only gaining inspiration and guidance from the Buddhist side but also allows me to nurture the connection I have with Hecate in all of her forms. I relate more to her Brimo form.  The angry one, the fiery one and the terrible one. I believe this relates directly to my the abuse I have had in my life and probably my inability to "turn the other cheek". 

I like to say, I don't hold grudges. I merely hold you responsible for your actions. As we all should. I believe that this is something that will not be changing or me anytime soon. I am open to change but I just don't see a way to make peace with the negativity and walk the the path of the Buddha without my occasional cross over to my work with Hecate.

I feel as though these two paths keep me in balance. Just as the waters of the Earth ebb and flow so do our feelings and energies. Each one lifting up as the other drops to help us become who and what we are.

What do you think? How do these two paths work together? It is a successful union? What other energies to you bring into your walk with Hecate? 

Feel free to leave your comments here or continue to send messages over the direct chat tool at the bottom of this page.

Wishing you an amazing Sunday,

Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson

Keybearer to the Covenant of Hekate

Founder of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo

Right Action

 What is Right Action?

Right action is a step on the Noble Eightfold path. In Buddhism, the eightfold path is meant as a guideline, to be considered, to be contemplated, and to be taken on when, and only when each step is fully accepted as part of the life you seek. Buddhism never asks for blind faith, it seeks to promote learning and a process of self-discovery.


So then what is Right Action? Right Action can be broken down into really three aspects.

1st Aspect of Right action is not take a life of another living animal. Generally it means not killing other people, other types of animals or insects.  The buddha did not approve of pulling up plants for no reason but eating plants was not considered a wrong action.

2nd Aspect of right action is to abstain from stealing. Both of these are generally found in most ethical structures around most societies. It includes aspects of being honest and being ethical, so not just stealing money from someone. Some forms of livelihood will include this type of action. So we wound want to be sure that this right action would link directly to right livelihood. Stealing is taking that which is not ours.

3nd Aspect of right action is to obtain for sexual misconduct. Monastics would abstain completely but layperson would not have sex in ways that are harmful or dangerous to other people. There is no other restrictions against sexual contact such as homosexual sex.  We should limit our sexual action to those who are able to consent.  There is no context related to marriage either. So our goal in this action is that if we chose to have sex, we are all consenting and working within a space right intention.


So how does Right Action fit in with the Five Virtues of Hekate?

While I do not see that Right Action fits into a single virtue, I do see that it actually encompasses all of them.  When we look at them:

  • Compassion
  • Courage
  • Temperance 
  • Justice
  • Wisdom 
We can see that each of them contain action.  We cannot practice Compassion without right action. We cannot have courage or temperance without following the right actions that get us there. So while the first two we covered directly mapped to a single spoke on the Nobel Eightfold Path, this part, Right Action - relates to ALL five of the virtues. 


What do you think about this connection? Do you see it or do you have another view? Feel free to share in the comments or reach out to me directly via the chat module installed on this page.

I look forward to your comments.

Namaste
Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
Keybearer to the Covenant of Hekate
Founder of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo


Resources:






---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Full content of the five virtues from the COH Website:

Compassion
– Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Compassion within their daily life and practice would desire to aid in the alleviation of any undesirable situation or at the very least not be a contributing factor towards it.

Real Life Example – You could try to help the homeless or less fortunate be they of the two or four legged variety. Volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives are great ways to learn and show compassion.

Courage
– Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Courage within their daily life and practice may chose to stand firm against those who would chose to undermine their beliefs or convictions or to speak out against those who hurt and undermine others.

Real Life Example – Try standing up for someone you or your friendship group may deem unpopular. Also when someone shows remorse for a wrongdoing some people will continue to be angry and unforgiving. Instead state your position calmly (in itself an act of courage) and then allow the situation to pass.

Temperance
– Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Temperance within their daily life and practice may chose to restrict some part of their life be that thought or action in an attempt to find a balance rather than choosing to allow extremes.

Real Life Example – Try abstaining from certain types of food or drink or showing restraint in discussions online. An example would be to learn to hold one’s tongue and listen a bit more before jumping into an argument.

Justice
– Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Justice within their daily life would strive to act fairly, truthfully and with personal integrity when dealing with others and themselves.

Real Life Example – Try to treat others fairly, in action and tone be it online or in person. Try to not pass judgement on another based upon your own feelings for a person, your understanding of the situation or hearsay. There are often two (or more) sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere between. If the truth cannot be ascertained then try being impartial.

Wisdom
– To have the common sense, foresight and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Wisdom within their daily life would strive to apply their knowledge and experiences in a prudent and practical way.

Real Life Example – Try volunteering to share on a topic that you are knowledgeable on with a local group or center. Offer to do a guest blog post or write an article for an eZine on a particular subject.

Right Intention

 

What is the Right Intention?

Continuing our look at the Noble Eightfold Path, today we're talking about Right Intention. Right intention is being willing to look at your current path and see what you're doing that will help guide you to the end of suffering.  Remember, we're not looking at this as a way to get to enlightenment. If we did, it would change our path. We would then see that we are putting a greater value on the destination instead of the journey.  The goal is not to reach enlightenment. The goal is to end suffering.

What are your thoughts on right intention? Is there where you are now? What do you do to ensure right intention?


                             




How does this connect to the Five Virtues of Hekate?


Right intention may closely relate to Wisdom.  For me, wisdom is the litmus test that we use to make sure that we are going in the right direction. Our wisdom will help us make decisions and guides us down the path of where we need to be.

As I approach this virtue, I try to learn from where I have been, open my eye to where I'm going and use the tools I have at my disposal to make the right choices at the right time. Therefore following the right path with the right intention. <3

Where are you at in your journey with Hecate? Do you follow the five virtues?  How does Wisdom fit into your path?

Namaste,
Sosanna



Resources:









---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Full content of the five virtues from the COH Website:

Compassion
– Sympathy and/or concern for others who are suffering or find themselves in an undesirable position. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Compassion within their daily life and practice would desire to aid in the alleviation of any undesirable situation or at the very least not be a contributing factor towards it.

Real Life Example – You could try to help the homeless or less fortunate be they of the two or four legged variety. Volunteering at local shelters or organizing food drives are great ways to learn and show compassion.

Courage
– Strength or character or fortitude to stand firm in your convictions and face adversity or distress without fear. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Courage within their daily life and practice may chose to stand firm against those who would chose to undermine their beliefs or convictions or to speak out against those who hurt and undermine others.

Real Life Example – Try standing up for someone you or your friendship group may deem unpopular. Also when someone shows remorse for a wrongdoing some people will continue to be angry and unforgiving. Instead state your position calmly (in itself an act of courage) and then allow the situation to pass.

Temperance
– Moderation and self-control are both acts of Temperance. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Temperance within their daily life and practice may chose to restrict some part of their life be that thought or action in an attempt to find a balance rather than choosing to allow extremes.

Real Life Example – Try abstaining from certain types of food or drink or showing restraint in discussions online. An example would be to learn to hold one’s tongue and listen a bit more before jumping into an argument.

Justice
– Moral and physical rightness are both aspects of Justice, as is the sometimes contradictory act of behaving fairly towards other people. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Justice within their daily life would strive to act fairly, truthfully and with personal integrity when dealing with others and themselves.

Real Life Example – Try to treat others fairly, in action and tone be it online or in person. Try to not pass judgement on another based upon your own feelings for a person, your understanding of the situation or hearsay. There are often two (or more) sides to a story and the truth lies somewhere between. If the truth cannot be ascertained then try being impartial.

Wisdom
– To have the common sense, foresight and understanding to think or act in a manner most objectively and beneficially to any given situation. A person attempting to develop the virtue of Wisdom within their daily life would strive to apply their knowledge and experiences in a prudent and practical way.

Real Life Example – Try volunteering to share on a topic that you are knowledgeable on with a local group or center. Offer to do a guest blog post or write an article for an eZine on a particular subject.