3 Perspectives On Right View

Buddhism as understood by a layperson, monastic, and deeper

“Mundane” Right View

The Buddha delivered his teachings to many people from all kinds of backgrounds. To laypeople, who aren’t familiar with Buddhism, he began his teaching with the “mundane” view.

Mundane right view is the simplified essence of Buddhism, stated in a way that is universally understandable. That there is a right path to life and a wrong path; the right path leads to happiness, and the wrong path leads to suffering.

The mundane right path consists of disciplining oneself and one’s actions away from the thoughts and actions that lead to negative karma and suffering, and towards those thoughts and actions that are skillful, harmonious.

To discover insight on what is skillful and harmonious, we meditate to enter a calm, focused state of mind. This state of mind naturally reveals the path to freedom from suffering.

“Superior” Right View

To those who sought a more deep and intellectual understanding, especially those who dedicated themselves to life as a monk in constant study and practice, the Buddha taught “superior” right view.