On another thread, we started to talk about the Four Noble Truths of the Buddha ...specifically the Fourth Noble Truth (The Eightfold Path). It was suggested that some one start a separate thread on this topic.
I am approaching this from the perspective of Theravada Buddhism. Theravada Buddhism is older and the more conservative of the two main divisions of Buddhism and is often referred to as the 'traditions of the elders'. Many Theravada Buddhists follow the teachings of the Buddha exactly, and many of them are monks or nuns.
The Eightfold Path is:
Wisdom/Panna
1. Right Understanding
2. Right Thought
Morality/Sila
3. Right Speech
4. Right Action
5. Right Livelihood
6. Right Effort
Concentration/Samadhi
7. Right Mindfulness
8. Right Concentration
"Right Understanding is the full penetration of Truth and would have to be realized first before one could think of developing Right Thought, or of practicing Right Speech, etc." However, the Reality of the situation is that one starts with whatever understanding one considers to be right (in the moment) and acts in accordance with that ... until, through mindfulness and concentration, that understanding becomes more and more refined ... as one's understanding goes deeper and deeper in this developmental spiral ... and one becomes as aware as possible of the Reality/Truth.