Question

Could you please explain the difference between Right View and Right Thought and how they work together?

Answer

Right view is an understanding of The Four Noble Truths, the true cause of Dukkha, that everything follows according to cause and effect, there are results to good and bad Kamma, etc.

Right Thought is more the intention and the thoughts by which you may come to Right View. Right Thought is described in the scriptures as thoughts directed towards harmlessness, free from ill will and cruelty. Thoughts directed to renunciation.

How do they work together? We take the Buddha's wisdom on the intellectual level and use mindfulness, effort and Right Thought to understand the truth within ourselves which strengthens our Right View. So although Right View begins on the intellectual level, when we practice with Right Mindfulness, Right Effort and the rest of The Noble Eightfold Path working together, we come to understand these things on a deeper level, understanding more and more refined levels of Right View.

Our apologies if there are any errors in the above text. If anything seems to be wrong or confusing in any way, please feel free to contact the teachers for further clarification.