The Seven-Fold Path
A Gentle Poke at on the Eight-Fold Path
I say this a little tongue in cheek, and with humility—and apologies—to the Buddha.
The first Teaching of the Buddha was the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths, simply put, are:
1. In life, there is displeasure (dukkha).
2. That displeasure is caused by wanting what we don’t have, resisting what we do have, and misunderstanding the nature of things.
3. There is a way to reduce displeasure.
4. That way is by following the Eightfold Path.
That Eightfold Path is a beautiful and profound map for spiritual living—but sometimes, we also need a simpler version. A pocket guide. Something we can remember on a hard day, or turn to when we need to recenter.
So today, I’d like to offer a reflection on a modern take: the 7 Gentle Rules of Life. These aren’t Buddhist teachings per se, but they echo the heart of the Path—wisdom, compassion, mindfulness, and ease.
Let’s walk through each one together, gently.
1. Make peace with your past so it won’t disturb your present.
Let go the weight that drags you low,
The past is gone, just let it go.
Today is fresh, the sky is wide,
Be here, be now, with arms open wide.
2. What other people think of you is none of your business.
Their thoughts are clouds, they come and pass,
Reflections in a shifting glass.
Your truth is deeper than they see,
So walk your path, and just be free.
3. Time heals almost everything. Give it time.
The heart may ache, the tears may fall,
But time will gently soften all.
Don’t rush the sun to rise too fast,
Just breathe—and know, this too shall pass.
4. No one is in charge of your happiness, except you.
The joy you seek won’t come from more,
It lives behind your inner door.
Take back the key, be still, be true—
The one who makes you smile is you.
5. Don’t compare your life to others and don’t judge them. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
The joy you seek won’t come from more,
It lives behind your inner door.
Take back the key, be still, be true—
The one who makes you smile is you.
6. Stop thinking too much. It’s alright not to know the answers.
The mind may spin, the questions grow,
But peace is found in letting go.
Not every path is clear from start—
Some truths arise from quiet heart.
7. Smile. You don’t own all the problems in the world.
The mind may spin, the questions grow,
But peace is found in letting go.
Not every path is clear from start—
Some truths arise from quiet heart.
