Right Concentration

 Our final part to this series on the Noble Eightfold Path ends with a look at Right Concentration.  What is Right Concentration and how does it connect to the Five Virtues of Hekate?

Right Concentration is the ability to focus on one object only. Focusing on one thought only to be calm and peaceful. With concentrated meditation helps to calm and stabilize the mind, making it possible to achieve clearer insight and focus on more important things.

To achieve Right Concentration, a scheduled meditation is key. Some focus on sitting mediation, were you sit in the lotus position each day which can cause suffering. It is believed that this type of suffering burns off the bad or negative karma. If we are able to achieve the four Jhanas, next will be enlightenment.

The four Jhanas are outlined in the chart below:

Another part of Right Concertation is to follow the Five Precepts:

• Abstain from Killing
• Do not steal
• Avoid Sensual Misconduct
• Abstain from False Speech
• Abstain from Intoxicants

So how does this connect to the Five Virtues of Hecate? Temperance is very similar to Right Concentration. Temperance is about limits. It is about self control and moderation. Concentration is limiting the distraction and having the self control and moderation to focus only into one thing. The equanimity of dwelling in our single space. A state of pure happiness.

Learning to live in Right Concentration, in Temperance can be a struggle for some. We should take some time to think about how these two impact us. Over all, I believe that the Noble Eightfold Path walks parallel to the Five Virtues of Hecate. 

What do you think? How do you see Right Concentration? What about Temperance? Does it align with your walk with the Buddha or with Hecate?  Feel free to  post your comments here on the blog, on the Facebook page or continue to share your thoughts with me privately with the chat button at the bottom of the screen.

Wishing you and amazing day.

Namaste,

Rev. Renee Sosanna Olson
Keybearer to the Covenant of Hekate
Found of the Sanctuary of Hecate Brimo

Resources

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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.