Buddha’s intense meditation resulted in his enlightenment, and he expressed his insight in his teachings. His main concern was relief from suffering and he understood that desire causes suffering. According to him in order to get rid of desire first we have to burn the effects of our past karmas. This would generate perfect understanding and hence enlightenment which results in the end of cycle of birth and death. He came up with a guideline known as eight fold path. These are based on denial of all extremes.

Right Understanding

Right Motive

Right Speech

Right Action

Right Livelihood

Right Effort

Right Mindfulness

Right Meditation

          Right understanding means clarity of mind. To understand life the way it is, without any illusion. The Buddha said that if our mind is defiled  and uncertain, then suffering will follow. Just as a chariot follows the horse. The correct understanding is the knowledge of self that there is no permanent self. That all material aspirations which are also known as desire will ultimately bring sorrow. Therefore proper understanding of four noble truths is essential.

           Right motive is understanding of inner thoughts behind each action. When actions are motivated because of greed malice or sensual desire then its motive becomes unethical. Therefore, achieving the goal cannot bring happiness to a person. When thoughts and intentions are properly understood then life becomes pure, honest and open.

           Right speech- that it should be pleasant, ethical and honest. Our thoughts are reflected in whatever we say, therefore purity in our thoughts is also necessary. Useless talk, backbiting, slander and harsh words are going to cause suffering.

           Right action is directly related to a person's thoughts. Right thoughts are reflected in the person's speech, similarly they are also reflected in their actions. This path also indicates that a person should not steal, kill or get involved in sexual misconduct. Further, the person should not lie and or get involved with intoxication . If a person abstains from these five things his actions will be good and ethical.

           Right livelihood is mainly for laypersons. Their way of earning should be such that it may not cause harm to anyone else. This path did not apply to monks because in Buddha’s time monks completely depended on alms. The work which can directly or indirectly cause pain to another person should be abandoned. If any work is done merely for sake of money or luxuries, that cannot be included in right livelihood. The right kind of work will enhance compassion towards everyone.

            Right effort signifies a persons orientation and is reflected in their speech and action. The reason why they are involved in certain kind of act should be wholesome. Unwholesome ideas should not be entertained. Person should put an effort to prevent and abandon the unwholesome thoughts and should cultivate wholesome state if mind.

            Right mind fullness indicates a person should try to stay in present. The person should be aware of his or her immediate surroundings, and be in tune with their thoughts. By understanding our own thoughts one can understand from where each and every aspiration or desire is  coming from. Why we are involved in wrong kind of acts and how we can change them.

           Right concentration means the right direction of the mind. This kind of concentration would pacify erroneous thinking and create insight in mind for perfect understanding. The objective here is to clear the mind of misleading and erroneous thoughts. When mind is calm and clear an insight will arise which will help a person to understand from where suffering is arising and how to eliminate it. These steps if followed together can lead to enlightenment which will end the cycle of birth and death. 

You must have noticed by now that these teachings do not talk about a personal God. It is within the personal domain of everyone to realize enlightenment, and every human being is quite capable of doing so.