The Eightfold Path is one of the principal teachings of the Buddha, who described it as the way leading to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the achievement of self-awakening It is used in Buddhist practice as a technique to develop insight into the nature of things and to eradicate greed, hatred, and delusion. All eight elements of the Path begin with the word “right”, which translates the word samyañc (in Sanskrit) or samm. These denote completion, togetherness, and coherence, and can also suggest the senses of “perfect” or “ideal.