Right thought, the second step of the path, refers to correct thought, decisions, and attitudes in specific instances, in contrast to right views, the correct fundamental interpretation of the world. Primitive scriptures divide right thought into three attitudes. The first frees the individual from desire and the temptations of physical pleasure, the second from anger and irritation, and the third from harming others (or foolishness, since doing wrong to others is always a result of foolishness). In other words, right thought frees one from the three poisons of greed, anger, and foolishness. As long as thought is right, speech, action, and livelihood will also be right.
Basic Buddhist Concepts