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The Eightfold Path is comprised of eight primary teachings which Buddhists follow and use in their everyday lives.

Another way to think of "right" in this case is in the sense of equilibrium, like a boat riding the waves and remaining "right."

It also describes something that is complete and coherent.

The word "right" should not be taken as a commandment, as in "do this, or you are wrong."

The word translated as "right" is samyanc (Sanskrit) or samma (Pali), which means "wise," "wholesome," "skillful," and "ideal.

The Eightfold Path is the fourth Truth of the Four Noble Truths. Very basically, the truths explain the nature of our dissatisfaction with life.

The Buddha taught that we must thoroughly understand the causes of our unhappiness in order to resolve it.

What is required is a radical shift in how we understand and relate to ourselves and the world. Practice of the Path is the way to achieve that.

Practice of the Path reaches into all aspects of life and every moment. It's not just something you work on when you have time. It's also important to understand that these eight areas of practice are not separate steps to master one at a time; the practice of each part of the Path supports the other parts.

The Path is divided into three main sections: wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.

Right View and Right Intention comprise the wisdom path.

Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood are the ethical conduct path.

Through Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration