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Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path

henepola gunaratana

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From the best-selling author of Mindfulness in Plain English !

In his classic and engaging style, Bhante Gunaratana delves deeply into the noble eightfold path, the Buddha’s most profound teaching on bringing an end to suffering.

With easy-to-understand and specific advice, Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness offers skillful ways to handle anger, find right livelihood, cultivate loving-friendliness, and overcome the mental hindrances that prevent happiness.

Whether you are an experienced meditator or someone who’s only just beginning, this gentle and down-to-earth guide will help you bring the heart of the Buddha’s teachings into every aspect of your life.

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 25,2001

This edition

Format
288 pages, Paperback
Published
June 15, 2001 by Wisdom Publications
ISBN
9780861711765
ASIN
0861711769
Language
English

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About the author

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henepola gunaratana

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Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is the founding abbot of the Bhavana Society. Born in rural Sri Lanka, he has been a monk since age 12 and took full ordination at age 20 in 1947. He came to the United States in 1968. “Bhante G” (as he is fondly called by his students) has written a number of books, including the now-classic meditation manual Mindfulness In Plain English and its companion Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness. Bhante G regularly leads retreats on vipassana, mindfulness, metta (Loving-friendliness), concentration, and other topics both at the Bhavana Society and elsewhere.

Bhante Gunaratana is an internationally recognized author and meditation teacher. Prior to coming to the United States, he spent five years doing in missionary work with the Harijanas (Untouchables) of India and ten years in Malaysia. He has taught in a number of settings, including American University of Washington DC where he served as Buddhist chaplain and the Buddhist Vihara of Washington DC, where he served as president. Bhante G has a strong scholarly background and livelong commitment to dhamma.

In 1985 Bhante G co-founded the Bhavana Society and became its abbot. He wanted to teach meditation in an environment allowing for longer retreats and intense practice free from the trappings of a city vihara. He continues to teach in the direct, compassionate style that characterizes his books and articles. Bhante G conveys a well-rounded approach to Buddhist Dhamma, touching on all aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path. He emphasizes metta bhavana (the cultivation of loving-friendliness) as a basis for samma-samadhi, or right concentration. As a teacher, he is known for his emphasis both on samadhi and on metta as part of spiritual training.

In 1996, Bhante G received the title of Chief Sangha Nayaka Thera for North America. This acknowledged his status as highest-ranking monk of his sect in the United States and Canada. In 2003, his autobiography, Journey to Mindfulness, was published. In 2005, the Sri Henepola Gunaratana Scholarship Trust was founded under his guidance. This trust provides educations for poverty stricken children in rural Sri Lanka.

Bhante G continues to write articles, lead retreats, and teach at the Bhavana Society and all over the world.

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Rating(4 / 5.0, 86 votes)
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86 reviews All reviews
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roppuri
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Live right. Feel right.


This simple yet profound statement holds the key to a fulfilling life. When we live right, we make choices that are in line with our values and principles. We take care of our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We eat healthy, exercise regularly, and get enough rest. We also strive to build positive relationships with others and contribute to our communities.


When we live right, we feel right. We experience a sense of inner peace and contentment. We are confident in ourselves and our abilities. We are able to face challenges and difficulties with courage and resilience. We know that we are living a life that is meaningful and purposeful.


So, let us all strive to live right and feel right. Let us make choices that will bring us happiness and fulfillment. Let us be the best versions of ourselves and make a positive impact on the world around us.
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stasek
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Such a delicate and elegant way to make the Noble Eighthfold Path easy to understand and apply. It is truly remarkable. The person behind this outstanding work is no doubt an outstanding human being. Their efforts in presenting the Noble Eighthfold Path in such a clear and accessible manner deserve the highest praise. This not only helps those who are seeking spiritual growth and enlightenment but also makes the profound teachings more relevant and applicable in our daily lives. It is a great service to humanity and a testament to the power of knowledge and wisdom. We should all be grateful for such outstanding individuals who are dedicated to spreading positive and meaningful ideas. Outstanding work indeed!

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Akioxt
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A truly delightful book indeed.

I was pleasantly surprised to find it eminently practical and highly understandable. As I delved into the pages of this book, I had the great fortune of working with a mentor. Even on my own, I could clearly grasp the concepts presented within. However, my mentor's guidance further enhanced my experience.

Until now, I had been completely unaware of some of the critical holes in my practice. But having painstakingly worked through the book, I have managed to cultivate more skill. I have achieved a greater sense of calm and stillness within myself. Moreover, I have become a more ethical and peaceful person.

I am truly grateful to the author for penning such a wonderful and life-changing book. It has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to improve themselves and their practice.
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Satandaddi
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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I truly had a great liking for the discussion regarding the diverse precepts. It was fascinating to explore the different rules and guidelines that exist.

Moreover, the concept of wholesomeness also caught my attention. The idea of living a life that is pure, good, and free from negative influences is indeed very appealing.

However, as a Catholic who firmly believes in the existence of an immortal soul, I understand that I may never be able to completely rid myself of all the fetters. The teachings and beliefs of my religion have a profound impact on my life and actions.

Nonetheless, I hold the hope that perhaps I can gradually ditch the other fetters that hold me back. Maybe I can work towards freeing myself from the unnecessary constraints and limitations that I have imposed upon myself.

It is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and I am determined to make progress along the way.
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DanRo
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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A truly marvellous exposition of the four noble truths and the noble eightfold path awaits you. It is presented in simple language, making it easily understandable to a lay person. Gone is the self-importance and high-handedness often found in spiritual literature.

The Buddha's path is not something imposed on us but rather a path for us to discover on our own. By following it, we can strive for a happier life and perhaps even reach eventual enlightenment. You may or may not agree with its tenets, but one thing is certain - the path offers a framework of ethical living and self-development that is on par with the Stoics, the Epicureans, and other renowned philosophical schools of thought.

Definitely recommended for everyone who is seriously interested in practising Buddhism. It provides valuable insights and guidance that can help us navigate the challenges of life and find inner peace and fulfillment.

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babiettangkoma
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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One of my favourite books on the Eight Fold Path is truly a remarkable piece of literature.

It not only provides in-depth insights into the profound teachings of the Eight Fold Path but also offers practical guidance on how to adopt it in our daily lives.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting complex concepts in a simple and understandable manner.

By reading this book, I have gained a better understanding of how to cultivate mindfulness, ethical conduct, and mental discipline in my day-to-day activities.

The book is filled with real-life examples and stories that make it easy to relate to and apply the teachings.

It has truly been a wonderful read that has had a significant impact on my life.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in exploring the Eight Fold Path and seeking to bring more peace, happiness, and fulfilment into their lives.

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Ashleeny
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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My introduction to the 8 fold path of Buddhism and how it is practiced in real life.

Buddhism's 8 fold path is a profound and comprehensive guide. It consists of right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

In real life, the practice of the 8 fold path begins with cultivating a right view, which involves understanding the nature of reality and the causes of suffering. Right intention drives us to act with kindness, compassion, and non-violence. Right speech encourages us to speak truthfully, gently, and usefully. Right action means engaging in behaviors that are ethical and beneficial to ourselves and others. Right livelihood ensures that we earn a living in a way that is in line with Buddhist principles. Right effort helps us to overcome negative thoughts and emotions and develop positive qualities. Right mindfulness allows us to be fully present in the moment and aware of our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Finally, right concentration helps us to focus our minds and achieve a state of inner peace and clarity.

I think this is a great start for learning about Buddhist beliefs before diving into real primary material. It provides a practical framework for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
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FlowersOverBoys
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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**Good Informative Introduction to Buddhism**

Buddhism is one of the major religions in the world, with a rich and profound history and philosophy.

It was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as the Buddha, over 2,500 years ago in ancient India.

The teachings of Buddhism focus on the nature of human suffering and the path to liberation from it.

Buddhism emphasizes the importance of mindfulness, meditation, and ethical conduct as means to achieve inner peace and enlightenment.

There are many different traditions and schools within Buddhism, each with its own unique practices and interpretations of the Buddha's teachings.

Some of the most well-known Buddhist traditions include Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana.

Buddhism has had a significant impact on art, culture, and society in many parts of the world, and continues to attract millions of followers today.

Whether you are interested in exploring the teachings of Buddhism for spiritual growth or simply want to learn more about this fascinating religion, this introduction provides a good starting point.

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