What exactly is the Buddhist practice?

Many people have asked me whether I practice Buddhism. They know me as a writer, teacher and lecturer. Some would even call me a “scholar.” But they don’t see me as a practitioner. Typically, people think of “practice” as just sitting meditation. But that is not what Buddha taught.

Buddhist practice is about the Eightfold Path. It has 8 elements:

1. Right Understanding

2. Right Intention

3. Right Speech

4. Right Action

5. Right Livelihood

6. Right Effort

7. Right Mindfulness

8. Right Concentration

It is not uncommon to see a Buddhist who claims to be a diligent meditator and yet his speech is full of animosity and hatred. I have encountered many such people in Buddhist groups online. All it takes is a little disagreement, and such a person will spew abusive speech. Such a person is not mindful of his actions. He is not aware of the discrepancy between theory and practice. Clearly, this person does not practice Right Speech.

It is also not uncommon to find a Buddhist who is actively participating in various rituals, but has completely wrong understanding of what Buddha taught. Note that Right Understanding is at the top of the…