The Eight Trainings in the Sublime Way

1. Mastering Insight Samma-ditthi (Samyag Drsti)[<Sanskrit: drsti: to see; to gaze at;]

Novice Training: Comprehending the laws of kamma and this/that conditionality; the three existential characteristics: non-permanence (anicca), non-self-suffiency (anatta), and inherent unsatisfactoriness (dukkha); the law of dependent arising; the Four Sublime Truths. Master Training: Developing Insight (vipassana) to self-realize nibbana.

2. Mastering Aspiration Samma-sankappo (Samya Samkalpa)[<Sanskrit: sam: with; together; + klrip: to bring about; to be desirous;]

Novice Training: Aspiring to cultivate non-avarice, goodwill, and non-violence. Master Training: Perfecting reunciation and attaining the four brahmaviharas. cf: http://www.bpf.org/tsangha/watts4-1.html

3. Mastering Speech Samma-vaca (Samyag Vac)[<Sanskrit: vac: sound; voice;]

Novice Training: Abstaining from lies, slander, harsh speech, and idle talk. Master Training: Developing mental states free of tendencies to hurtful speech.

4. Mastering Action Samma-kammanto (Samyak Karmanta)[<Sanskrit: kri: to do; to make;]

Novice Training: Abstaining from violence, stealing, and sexual misconduct. Master Training: Developing mental states free of tendencies to violence, stealing, and sexual misconduct.

5. Mastering Livelihood Samma-ajivo (Samyag Ajiva)[<Sanskrit: jiv: life; energy made form;]

Novice Training: Abstaining from acquiring the necessities of life or the means of acquiring them (e.g., earning money) or managing the possession of them in any way that violates the Five Precepts. Master Training: Developing mental states free of tendencies to make one's way in the world by violating the precepts.

6. Mastering Effort Samma-vayamo (Samyag Vyayama)[<Sanskrit: vyayama: exercise; application;]

Novice Training: The Four Right Endeavors. Master Training: Perfected path and fruits.

7. Mastering Mindfulness Samma-sati (Samyak Smrti)[<Sanskrit: smrti: to remember;]

Novice Training:The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. Master Training: Perfected attention.

8. Mastering Concentration Samma-samadhi (Samyak Samadhi)[<Sanskrit: sam: with; together + a: towards + dha: to place; to bring;]

Novice Training: The Four Jhanas. Master Training: Mental unification.