The noble eightfold path has also been restated as the threefold training, consisting of morality, concentration, and wisdom. Morality pertains to the ethical demands of right speech, right action and right livelihood. Specifically, the practice of morality can refer to the five precepts taken by laypeople, the ten virtuous precepts (i.e. the ten good acts), the ten precepts for novices, or even the full monastic precepts taken by monks and nuns. Concentration refers to the cultivation of the mind covered by right effort, right mindfulness and right concentration. Wisdom refers to the acquisition of right view and right intention. The Buddha taught that when morality, concentration, and wisdom are cultivated together, one is able to shake loose the bonds of craving and ignorance and attain the liberation of nirvāṇa.

More specifically, the practice of the eightfold path or the threefold training leads to four fruitions of the holy life. These four fruitions are referred to as “paths” when one first enters such a state and “fruits” when one realizes the benefits from the path attained. Specifically, the benefits of the four fruitions refers to our progressive liberation from ten fetters which keep us trapped in the ordinary life of birth and death and all the suffering, fear and anxiety which makes up that life.