Step three is "Right Speech". This involves both clarity of what is said and speaking kindly and without malice. It avoids harsh language and foolish talk. It is the speech which is true, kind, efficacious and to the point. Notice your speech and know what it says about your character. Notice how often each day we find it necessary to stray from the truth, we will surely find that we do so to protect something unattractive in ourselves. Our attention would be better directed in resolving the unnattractive things. Avoid engaging in gossip, slander, and idle-chatter. Step four is "Right Behavior". This involves reflecting on one's behavior and the reasons for it. It also involves five basic laws of actions for Buddhists: not to kill. This is extended to all animals, meaning that strict buddhists are vegetarians, and harm no living things. Don't steal, lie, or be unchaste. This means sexial purity, don't use others for pleasure. Do not drink intoxicants; drugs cloud the mind, and is inconsistant with a desire for selflessness and enlightenment. Step five is "Right Livelihood". This involves choosing an occupation that keeps an individual on the Path; that is, a path that promotes life and well being, rather than the accumulation of a lot of money. Our work does take up most of our waking hours, and Buddha considered spiritual progress impossible if most of one's day was spent pulling against it. The serious spiritual seeker should join the monastic order, and the layperson should engage in an occupation that promotes life rather than destroys it. It would exclude the professions of soldier, fisherman, hunter, or any profession that kills, harms or promotes the hurting of any living being. Step six is "Right Effort". This is the effort to avoid wrong conditioning factors. It means training the will and curbing selfish passions and wants. It also means placing oneself along the Path toward Enlightenment. Buddha laid tre...
