Discuss the Importance of the 8 Fold Path as a Means to Enlightenment

To begin we will first explore what Enlightenment actually is. It is the ultimate goal in the life of a Buddhist; it is the end of suffering and the cycle of samsara. When you have attained enlightenment you still live but with an awareness of the cause of suffering (Dukkha) so that you do not experience it, an example is that an enlightened Buddhist can still enjoy good food and drink, but without the craving that causes it to become a cause if suffering to another un-enlightened individual. There is no time limit on becoming enlightened you can have as long (or as short) as you need. Everybody needs help and guidance to follow the path to enlightenment and this is where the 8-fold path comes in. The eight-fold path is rather like a set of friendly directions. It isn't a set of orders or directions but rather a suggestion to make the path easier to follow.…