The Eightfold Path

I tell you, being a religious individual is hard work, even more so for a non-Christian! I find that the Ten Commandments aren't too difficult -- of course, some are easier than others, like Thou shalt not kill. I'm not a murderer by nature anyways. But The Eightfold Path isn't just about a moral code that you should uphold; it is about being in a good state of consciousness. It doesn't mean not hurting others or violating rules; it talks about how you can be good in a spiritual way. Here's what The Eightfold Path consists of:

What is the Noble Eightfold Path? This is the path to Nibbana as outlined by the Buddha. It offers a framework for the development of wisdom, morality and concentration, all of which are essential for spiritual progress: 1. Right Understanding This entails an understanding of the Four Noble Truths and the other teachings of the Buddha. 2. Right Thought To have right thought is to be free of sense desire, ill-will or cruelty and to possess thoughts of detachment, loving-kindness and compassion. 3. Right Speech Right Speech comprises abstaining from lying, gossiping, and using harsh language. 4. Right Action Right Action is abstaining from killing, stealing and from unlawful sexual intercourse. 5. Right Livelihood Occupations that necessitate the breaking the five precepts are prohibited. For example, occupations that involve killing (whether animals or humans), sexual misconduct, deceit, taking intoxicating drinks or drugs. For example, trading in arms or prostitution. 6. Right Effort There are four aspects to this: the effort to avoid the arising of evil, the effort to overcome evil, the effort to develop wholesome states and the effort to maintain wholesome states. 7. Right Mindfulness This encompasses The Four Foundations of Mindfulness. This involves being mindful of 1. the body and bodily processes 2. feelings 3. states of mind 4. thoughts, ideas, Buddhist teachings such as the Four Noble Truths 8. Right Concentration The final factor focuses on developing meditative concentration leading to the eradication of the five hindrances and the experience of the four jhanas. Right Understanding and Right Thought aim to cultivate wisdom, Right Speech, Right Action and Right Livelihood relate to morality, and Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, Right Concentration are conducive to Concentration.

I'm trying out Buddhism (It feels so wrong to try a religion out, like a 15-day worry free guarantee from a cellular phone carrier -- I mean, who do I contact for buyer's remorse?) and trying to see what it is like to follow this Eightfold Path. I have no problem not killing others, not having adulterous affairs, or stealing, but something like "Right Speech" is very difficult. It is so hard to refrain from not gossiping, or from having ill-wish against another human being. Just now, an older gentleman entered the store and was being extremely vague about the serve he needed (again with that "what's the best phone?" thing. There's no universally best phone or best plan!). I wanted to smack him silly! Thankfully, I have will-power that prevents me.