Right Vision

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh

What is Right Vision?  

Right vision is the first step on the Noble Eightfold Path. It directly relates and ties into the next as the spokes on a ships wheel each support one another. Right view is where we begin. It is the place where we acknowledge the Four Noble Truths. 

1. The Truth of Suffering (The Truth of Suffering)
2. The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Truth of the Origin of Suffering)
3. The Truth of the End of Suffering (Truth of Cessation)
4. The Truth of the Path that Leads to the End of Suffering (Truth of the Path)

“Right View” is what the Buddha considered to be the correct way to look at existence. It is seeing things as they are. “Right View” is the wisdom to look at existence from the perspective of the Four Noble Truths. The wrong view will lead us towards courses of action that bares results in suffering while the right view will guide us towards right actions, and thereby towards the cessation of suffering.

Right view - leads to end suffering.

Wrong view - does not lead to end suffering.

Hecate's Wisdom vs. Buddhism's Right View.

Wisdom is the ability to take knowledge gained from experience and apply it to new situations to avoid harm, discomfort or injury. To me this is very similar to Right View. 

Wisdom guides us to down the path and helps us know when to employ the remaining virtues. It helps us know when to call on courage or temperance. It guides us to speaking truthful words in a peaceful way. It guides to work with our community and join together without strife or conflict. It helps us on our path to being at balance.  Right view is working from a set of guidelines (Hecate's Virtues) and use that to further our walk down the right path (Noble Eightfold Path).  Each step building on the last and helping guide us to the ultimate goal, the end of suffering.

What are you thoughts on this? Does the Noble Eightfold Path resonate with you? What do you think about right vision?  Here are a view videos on the Right View. 

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Prayer of the 5-Virtues of Hekate

Sacred Goddess Hekate
help me to manifest Justice in my actions
Temperance in my soul
Courage in my choices
Wisdom in my words
Compassion towards all beings.

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.