RAS question
The Eightfold Path (Ashtangika Marga) in Buddhism includes Right Livelihood. Under which category does it fall?
Correct answer: (A) Ethical Conduct (Sila).
In Buddhism's Eightfold Path, Right Livelihood falls under Sila, or Ethical Conduct.
Explanation
The Eightfold Path is grouped into three training categories: Prajna, Sila and Samadhi. Prajna covers Right View and Right Intention because these relate to consciousness and knowledge. Sila covers Right Speech, Right Action or Conduct, and Right Livelihood because these deal with the correct and morally right way of living. The cited eGyanKosh unit also explains Right Livelihood as avoiding occupations involving cruelty or injury to living beings. Samadhi covers Right Effort, Right Mindfulness or Awareness, and Right Concentration because these relate to meditation and contemplation. Therefore, Right Livelihood belongs to Ethical Conduct, not Wisdom or Mental Discipline.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) Wisdom, or Prajna, includes Right View and Right Intention, so it does not include Right Livelihood.
- (C) Mental Discipline, or Samadhi, covers Right Effort, Right Mindfulness or Awareness, and Right Concentration, which are the meditative components rather than livelihood conduct.
- (D) Compassion, or Karuna, is an important Buddhist value, but the Eightfold Path is grouped here into Prajna, Sila and Samadhi, not Karuna.
Concept
This tests the doctrinal classification of the Buddhist Eightfold Path, a recurring ancient-history theme in RAS because it links religious ideas with ethical and social conduct. The key is to remember the threefold grouping rather than memorising the eight items in isolation.