The Noble Eightfold Path- November 12, 2008

Macbeth and The Throne of Blood follow the ideals of “The Noble Eightfold Path.” Washizu and Macbeth both fail to follow the first basic step of seeing things as they are and not as they appear to be. The second step of “The Noble Eightfold Path” is denying something very dear, such as money, power, or title. Washizu does not deny his right to the throne and in doing so; Washizu cannot have peace according to the Buddhist tradition. When we consider Shakespeare, students admire the play on words and discover that the spirits really were speaking the truth. The Throne of Blood also uses the riddle of the trees to show truth as it needs to be perceived. Both main characters desire power and in the Buddhist Tradition, one must be aware of oneself without craving or desire. These are only three out of the eight that both Macbeth and Washizu have violated and in the end show the reality of life, suffering, and peace.