What is "Samma" in Noble Eightfold Path?

[SarathW]

What is "Samma" in Noble Eightfold Path?

Each limb of Noble Eightfold Path is start with " Samma" which is translated as Right. eg. Right view etc.
To me Samma means perfect or highest.
It also implies that Noble Eightfold Path should be practiced as a whole and not in isolation.
This matter is very clear in some insight meditation practices.
They pay attention only to Samma Sati. (Right mindfulness) not the rest of the limbs.

Any thoughts?

[daverupa]

What is "Samma" in Noble Eight Fold Path?

Integrous; well-knit; fully cohesive & consistent; "right" from the point of view of samma-ditthi.

It also implies that Noble Eight Fold Path should be practiced as a whole and not in isolation.
This matter is very clear in some insight meditation practices.
They pay attention only to Samma Sati. (Right mindfulness) not the rest of the limbs.

You can't pay attention to sammasati if you ignore the other Path aspects because sati, as a component of Samadhi, ought to run & circle around sammaditthi (and in fact any given Path aspect ought to be yoked to the Dhamma's point of view in this way); otherwise it's just sati, a mixed bag of mindfulness tricks or else miccha-sati altogether.

[SarathW]

"Satipatthana becomes "Samma Sati" only when and if it is undertaken interdependently with the other seven path factors"


P244
The Direct Path to realization - Ven Analyo


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Considering above statement is it appropriate to take "Mitya" (translate as wrong) as the opposite of "Samma" (translate as right)

[Diego Hemken]

I heard it meant like "in tune" right.

But what about in samma sambuddho? Perfectly self-awakened?

Right. Hm.

Interesting question.

[santa100]

Its definition and various usages from PTS's Pali-English Dictionary here

[SarathW]

In the following video (Sinhalese language) Ven Abhaya says that Samma means Abhisankahara Nirodha. (which means free from wholesome or unwholesome )
He based this analysis based on Mahanidesa Pali - Attadanda Sutta Nidesa.

https://youtu.be/0FfuPEjQ5nc?list=PLCwA ... omw&t=1391

[Kim OHara]

I heard it meant like "in tune" right.

But what about in samma sambuddho? Perfectly self-awakened?

Right. Hm.

Interesting question.

I spent a bit of time a few years ago looking for the best translation of 'samma' and came up with 'meaning whole or complete and connoting also perfect, ideal, appropriate and harmonious.' I still think that covers the range of meanings fairly well.


Kim

[Assaji]

What is "Samma" in Noble Eightfold Path?

If you are interested in traditional meaning of this word, you can find glosses from Commentary at:

https://dhammawheel.com/viewtopic.php?f ... 999#p94013

[form]

I am reading a book that says 8 fold path is a later development.

[SarathW]

I am reading a book that says 8 fold path is a later development.

Noble eightfold path is an integral part of four noble truths. ie: Marga Satya.

[form]

I am reading a book that says 8 fold path is a later development.

Noble eightfold path is an integral part of four noble truths. ie: Marga Satya.

Some academics believe the four noble truth is a later development with some reasoning. But personally I have seen in a sutta where there is only the first three noble truth without the fourth being mentioned.

[SarathW]

I am reading a book that says 8 fold path is a later development.

Noble eightfold path is an integral part of four noble truths. ie: Marga Satya.

Some academics believe the four noble truth is a later development with some reasoning. But personally I have seen in a sutta where there is only the first three noble truth without the fourth being mentioned.

I think we come to a circular argument if we try to find out what is early or what is later.
What is important is, can you reach liberation by any means of early or latter. (By hook or by crook)

[justindesilva]

What is "Samma" in Noble Eightfold Path?

If you are interested in traditional meaning of this word,

Unable to conceive the meaning of samma I contemplated on the meaning of "MICCA" which gave me a better understanding of samma. As an example if the meaning is clear without any faults it can be called samma. A simple example being samma vacha. If one uses words of communication without lobha dosa moha then it is samma vacha and likeness in other in eight fold path follows.

[SarathW]

The way I understand it, Samma means that taught by the Samma Sambudhha.
I got this idea after listening to Ven Gampha Pematilaka.

[SarathW]

As per venerable Pemasiri, Samma means taught by or the way of Samma Sambuddha. (not Pacceka Buddha)