The Dhammapada is a collection of verses that illustrate the Buddhist way of life. Outlining the problems of the impermeable world of samsara. The verses guide one on the path to Nirvana, the ultimate goal for all Buddhists. The Four Noble Truths, The Noble Eightfold Path and the Three Marks of Existence, each of which is outlined in the Dhammapada also guide one on their path to Nirvana. The Four Noble Truths being that life is full of sorrow, the origin of sorrow is selfishness, lust, greed, and ignorance, the cause of sorrow can be destroyed and the way to destroy the cause of sorrow is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path. The Noble Eightfold Path is organized in three groups the first is discernment which consists of right view and right intention, the second group is the virtues and contains right speech, right conduct, and right livelihood, the third and last group is concentration which holds right effort, right mindfulness and right meditation. The Three Jewels of Buddhism or the Three Marks of Existence are a proclamation of allegiance to Buddhism. At almost every service a Buddhist proclaims that they take refuge in the Buddha, they take refuge in the Dharma (the Buddha's teachings) and that they take refuge in the Sangha (the congregation of other Buddhist's or the Buddhist community). The following outlines the problems, methods and goals of three parts of The Noble Eightfold Path, extracted from The Dhammapada. These three parts of the Noble Eightfold Path consist of aspirations and resolve, actions and concentration. It is thought that one must first have the right aspirations and ambitions, and then they should act appropriately upon these ambitions and throughout the actions the must keep concentrated on what is important for them to reach the ultimate goal of Nirvana.
Our aspirations and ambitions, actions and concentration are focused in the wrong direction.