Pali Vocabulary

正見

Right View

compound: sammā (right/correct) + diṭṭhi (view, feminine noun)

The first factor of the Noble Eightfold Path. Right View encompasses understanding the Four Noble Truths, the Three Characteristics, Dependent Origination, and the law of kamma. It means seeing things as they truly are rather than through the distortions of craving, aversion, and delusion. Sammā Diṭṭhi is the 'eye' of the path — it orients all other factors in the right direction.

正思惟

Right Intention / Right Thought

compound: sammā + saṅkappa (intention, resolve — masculine noun)

The second path factor. Right Intention has three aspects: (1) intention of renunciation (nekkhamma-saṅkappa) — giving up sensual attachment; (2) intention of non-ill-will (abyāpāda-saṅkappa) — cultivating loving-kindness; (3) intention of non-cruelty (avihiṃsā-saṅkappa) — cultivating compassion. These three counteract their opposites: sensual desire, ill-will, and cruelty.

正語

Right Speech

compound: sammā + vācā (speech, feminine noun — ā-stem)

The third path factor. Refraining from: (1) false speech (musāvādā); (2) divisive speech (pisuṇā vācā); (3) harsh speech (pharusā vācā); (4) idle chatter (samphappalāpā). Right Speech means speaking truthfully, kindly, helpfully, and at the right time. It is the first of the three 'sīla' (ethical conduct) factors of the Eightfold Path.

正定

Right Concentration

compound: sammā + samādhi (concentration, masculine noun — i-stem)

The eighth path factor — the culmination of the sīla and samādhi divisions of the path. Right Concentration is specifically the four jhānas (meditative absorptions): first jhāna (with applied and sustained thought, pīti and sukha born of seclusion), second jhāna (internal stillness, pīti and sukha born of concentration), third jhāna (equanimity and sukha), fourth jhāna (pure equanimity and one-pointedness). These are the 'noble abidings' that provide the mental clarity for liberating insight (vipassanā).