Chapter 1: The Birth of a New Path

The anticipation surrounding the release of The Eightfold Path has been palpable. As I waited with bated breath, I found myself reflecting on the creative impulse that sparked this project a decade ago. The initial reviews are starting to come in, revealing a mix of enthusiastic praise and bewilderment, both of which are promising.

I want to share the unique collaboration I had with Charles Johnson, a remarkable individual whose wisdom has deeply influenced me. My lifelong quest for answers about navigating life led me to develop a personal “Life Ritual” connected to my experiences with ADHD. This ritual, shared with my son Jason, is intertwined with practices like meditation and our “Blessing Dance” with Tananarive.

In essence, this journey is a simplified version of a “Mastery” program, representing the same principles but with a more accessible entry point. If mastery encompasses techniques that enhance energy, perception, and focus, then we all exist somewhere on that continuum. While many of us may possess an “average” level of these attributes, some appear to be naturally more gifted, while others face challenges due to various factors including genetics and environment.

I liken certain struggles to having a “broken or missing limb,” where medical interventions are necessary. However, many issues stem from misunderstandings, emotional hurdles, and educational mismatches, which do not require medical solutions but rather coaching and support. These are areas where we can grow and strengthen ourselves.

My approach has always been to view my challenges as hurdles to overcome with the right resources. I sought wisdom beyond Western philosophy, asking not just what Europe thinks, but what humanity as a whole has to offer. This exploration led me to practices like yoga and martial arts, seeking the common threads of wisdom across cultures.

The Bodhi Tree bookstore in West Hollywood was a treasure trove of insights. I loved the physical practice of martial arts, delving into the philosophies that underpin them. Similarly, my love for yoga since childhood prompted me to explore its philosophical foundations and how to apply them in practice.

I also revisited the teachings of Christianity from my youth, focusing on the essence of Christ's messages, which often emphasized love, faith, and courage—principles that resonate across various spiritual traditions. This raised the question: Is wisdom universally shared among different cultures, albeit expressed in diverse ways?

Chapter 2: The Essence of Wisdom

Buddhism appeared to me as a direct path to enlightenment. I recall a humorous yet insightful remark from teacher Jed McKenna: "Buddhism gets you in the door with enlightenment but then steers you to the compassion aisle." This aligns with the idea that enlightenment can be disruptive to the ego, a construct many may not truly desire.

Religions, then, often teach us how to navigate this world, promoting kindness and compassion without being at odds with spiritual principles. Once we internalize these values deeply, we can break free from the illusions that bind us.

As I ponder the significance of the Eightfold Path—the Buddha's foundational teachings after his enlightenment—I recognize it as a guide for living harmoniously in this world while aspiring for deeper awakening. The path encompasses Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration, serving as a framework for navigating life's complexities.

For those seeking simplicity, life can feel overwhelmingly intricate yet also strikingly straightforward. The beauty of the Eightfold Path captivates me, and I believe that every conscious being should engage with some version of this teaching, which is echoed across global religions.

The question arises: Who am I to voice my insights on this topic? Yet, every participant at the banquet of life has the right to share their perspective. Just as chefs seek feedback from their guests, we too have a responsibility to express our gratitude to those who have taught us by sharing our own insights.

As a storyteller, I chose to convey my thoughts through narratives rather than traditional essays. Recognizing the limitations of my writing skills, I decided to create a graphic novel featuring eight stories that explore philosophical questions without providing definitive answers. This approach encourages readers to engage actively and reflectively.

There are no ultimate answers to be found in words; rather, there are questions that guide us toward understanding. Thus, I embarked on this journey, eager to share my insights and experiences.

More to come soon…

Namaste,

Steve

In this video, "Introduction to the Eightfold Path," viewers are introduced to the foundational aspects of this Buddhist teaching, highlighting its relevance in modern life.

"The Eightfold Path by Jack Kornfield" delves deeper into each aspect of the path, providing practical insights and guidance on living a life aligned with its principles.