Since the elements of our mental and spiritual being are even more intricately connected than those of our physical being, eliminating craving alone will not eliminate suffering. For true development, the entire mental and spiritual being must be improved. All delusions and impediments to attaining the ideal state of enlightenment must be eliminated, and the mind must be liberated to work in a free, healthy way. The program of religious practice set forth in the Eightfold Path stimulates just this kind of overall mental development and personal perfection.
Basic Buddhist Concepts