Which tradition emphasizes meditation and the Eightfold Path as a path to ending suffering?

• A. Buddhism
• B. Hinduism
• C. Islam
• D. Judaism

Answer: (A)

Meditation and the Eightfold Path as the way to end suffering point to Buddhism. Meditation is a central practice in Buddhism, helping cultivate mindfulness, concentration, and insight into how things really are. The Eightfold Path offers a practical framework to develop ethical conduct, mental discipline, and wisdom through eight elements: right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. As a person grows in these areas, they weaken the habits that cause suffering and move toward the goal of ending suffering and achieving enlightenment (nirvana). Buddhism began in India with the Buddha and spread widely, with meditation often taught as a key method for training the mind. Hinduism includes various paths and practices, including meditation, but it does not center on the Eightfold Path as the route to ending suffering in the same way, while Islam and Judaism focus on different beliefs and practices.