In the Majjhima Nikàya, the Buddha and venerable Sāriputta discuss “Sammā-diṭṭhi”, which can be summarized as seeing clearly what is good and what is bad, understanding the roots of good and bad, and understanding the nature of reality. This term in Buddhist terminology is called “Right View,” which is one of the eight factors of the Noble Eightfold Path.
Right View is the correct understanding and perspective on life, ethics, and practice aimed at achieving enlightenment.
People without right view constantly experience suffering, sadness, and feel stuck in life. They lack proper direction, fail to recognize the impermanence of life, and often engage in extreme thinking. As a result, their lives are unhappy, filled with too much sorrow, and they do not know how to escape this suffering. In contrast, individuals with right view see suffering as impermanent and not self.
In this article, LotusBuddhas will explain what Right View is, its role in the Noble Eightfold Path, and how to practice it in daily life to benefit from it.
What is Right View?
Right view (Sammā-diṭṭhi in Pali), also known as Right Understanding, is the first factor of the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism, which is considered to be the foundation of the Buddhist path. Right view refers to a deep and clear understanding of the nature of reality, including the Four Noble Truths, the Law of Karma, and the Three Universal Truths of impermanence, suffering and non-self.
Right View is about seeing accurately, correctly, and truthfully without distortion or misinterpretation. The Buddha explained:
“And what, monks, is right view? Monks, it is the understanding of suffering, the understanding of the origin of suffering, the understanding of the cessation of suffering, and the understanding of the path leading to the cessation of suffering. This, monks, is called right understanding” (Samyutta Nikaya).
Fearing that people might not fully comprehend, the Buddha also provided a specific analogy during his first sermon to the five ascetics, Kondanna and his friends: “You must see that life is like a prison, and humans are prisoners in that dark place. This prison is indeed dark, so dark that the prisoners can hardly see anything. The prisoners do not even realize that they are in captivity… But understand, monks, that the situation of these prisoners is not entirely hopeless. Because within each person there is something called will. When an appropriate motivating force arises, will can be awakened and mobilized.
Just enough light is needed to discern a direction for the will’s activity, and then a person can lead themselves to freedom… And this is what Right View can achieve. The ascetics asked: What is the result of Right View? The Buddha replied: It is the elimination of ignorance. It counters wrong view. And ignorance means not understanding the noble truths, not understanding the existence of Suffering and the way to its cessation. Right View accomplishes this.” (Buddha and His Dhamma by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar).
Buddhism identifies two levels or aspects of Right View: mundane and supramundane.
- The mundane Right View includes understanding and accepting the principles of karma and rebirth, acknowledging the efficacy of virtuous actions and the potential consequences of unwholesome ones. It also encompasses the recognition of the existence of other realms of existence beyond the human realm.
- The supramundane Right View, on the other hand, is a more profound understanding that emerges from direct experiential insight. It refers to the full comprehension of the Four Noble Truths: the truth of suffering, the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path leading to the cessation of suffering.
Understanding the Four Noble Truths involves perceiving the pervasive unsatisfactoriness of existence (dukkha), recognizing the cause of this dissatisfaction in the form of craving (tanha), realizing the possibility of cessation (nirodha), and following the path (magga) that leads to the end of suffering. This understanding allows one to see through the illusions of permanence, satisfaction, and selfhood that pervade conventional perceptions of reality, thereby facilitating the development of wisdom (prajna), which is key to liberation (nirvana) in Buddhism.
Developing right view is a gradual process that requires study, reflection, and direct experience. It involves examining our beliefs and assumptions about reality, questioning our perceptions and biases, and developing a clear and accurate understanding of the way things are. Through developing right view, we can cultivate wisdom, insight, and clarity of mind, which can help us navigate life’s challenges and ultimately attain freedom from suffering.
The Role of Right View in the Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path, delineated by the Buddha as the path leading to the cessation of suffering, comprises eight interconnected elements: Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. These elements, divided into three categories – Wisdom (prajna), Ethical Conduct (sila), and Mental Discipline (samadhi) – create a comprehensive framework for personal and spiritual development.
The Wisdom category, which houses Right View and Right Intention, is the underpinning for the entire Eightfold Path. Right View, as the first element, lays the groundwork for the progression through the path by providing a correct understanding of the nature of existence, particularly as articulated through the Four Noble Truths. It is from this understanding that the remaining aspects of the path emerge.
Once Right View is established, it shapes Right Intention, the second element of the path. Right Intention involves the cultivation of benevolence, compassion, and renunciation, which are informed by an understanding of the impermanent, unsatisfactory and selfless nature of existence.
In turn, Right View and Right Intention influence the development of Ethical Conduct, which includes Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood. The moral imperatives arising from Right View inspire individuals to speak truthfully, act non-harmfully and engage in ethical occupations.
The role of Right View continues into the final category of Mental Discipline, encompassing Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration. These elements are intimately related to meditation practices aimed at fostering a clear and mindful state of consciousness. Right View provides the necessary framework for these practices, guiding the meditator’s effort and focus towards understanding the true nature of phenomena.
Right view also involves understanding the law of karma, which states that our thoughts, speech, and actions have consequences, and that these consequences can affect us in this life and in future lives. Understanding the nature of reality in this way provides a foundation for ethical behavior, as it helps us to see the interdependence of all things and to act with wisdom and compassion.
In addition to providing a correct understanding of reality, right view also serves as a motivator for the other factors on the path. By developing right view, individuals can cultivate faith in the path, which can help to sustain their practice through the inevitable difficulties and challenges that arise on the path. Overall, right view is a critical component of the Noble Eightfold Path and serves as a foundation for all other aspects of Buddhist practice.
Benefits of Practicing Right View
Practicing Right View in Buddhism has profound benefits that permeate every aspect of one’s life. These benefits can be broadly categorized into ethical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, though these categories are interconnected and mutually reinforcing.
Ethical benefits: Right View provides a framework for ethical decision-making and behavior. With the understanding of karma, practitioners recognize that their actions have consequences, which encourages them to uphold moral precepts and cultivate wholesome actions. This results in harmonious relationships, societal responsibility, and a general sense of integrity and moral well-being.
Psychological benefits: Right View fosters mental resilience and well-being. Understanding the nature of dukkha (suffering) and anicca (impermanence) helps individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater equanimity. It promotes acceptance of change and loss, reduces anxiety about the future and decreases clinging to transient pleasures. Furthermore, by recognizing the non-self nature of phenomena (anatta), practitioners can alleviate the suffering tied to egoistic concerns, thereby enhancing their mental health.
Cognitive benefits: The practice of Right View sharpens cognitive faculties. The emphasis on mindfulness and contemplation fosters greater clarity, focus and discernment. Moreover, the understanding that all phenomena are conditioned and interdependent can enhance one’s capacity for complex, systemic thinking.
Emotional benefits: Right View can lead to the cultivation of positive emotional states. For instance, the understanding of interdependence fosters empathy and compassion, while the recognition of the futility of clinging can diminish greed and craving. The acceptance of life’s impermanence can also engender a deeper appreciation for transient moments of joy, thereby cultivating a sense of gratitude.
How to Have Right View?
To cultivate Right View, you must practice to align your perception with the fundamental truths of existence as posited in Buddhist philosophy. Here is a structured approach to cultivating Right View in your life:
Begin with education: Familiarize yourself with the core tenets of Buddhism through diligent study. Dive into the seminal texts and teachings, paying special attention to the Four Noble Truths and the principles of impermanence, suffering, and non-self. For instance, when you read about the impermanence of all things, reflect on personal experiences of change and loss to internalize this reality.
Practice meditation: Develop a regular meditation practice to enhance mindfulness and insight. In particular, engage in Vipassana or insight meditation, focusing on the transient nature of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Observing the arising and passing of these experiences fosters a direct understanding of impermanence and the nature of suffering.
Apply teachings in daily life: Integrating Buddhist principles into your everyday actions reinforces Right View. When faced with a difficult situation, remind yourself of the impermanence of your circumstances and emotions, allowing you to respond with greater equanimity and compassion.
Engage in dialogue: Participate in discussions with peers or mentors who can offer diverse perspectives and challenge your understanding. This exchange can clarify doubts, refine your views, and strengthen your grasp of Buddhist concepts. For example, discussing the concept of non-self with a study group can help elucidate this abstract principle through shared insights and experiences.
Reflect on ethical conduct: Ethical living is both an expression of and a pathway to Right View. By adhering to the Five Precepts and practicing kindness and generosity, you cultivate a mindset conducive to wisdom. Consider how each ethical decision influences your understanding and attitude toward life’s challenges.
Continuously question and reflect: Adopt an inquisitive attitude toward your experiences and beliefs. When encountering life’s impermanence and suffering, observe your reactions and contemplate their alignment with Buddhist teachings. This ongoing introspection transforms theoretical knowledge into profound, lived understanding.
