The Threefold Way
The Threefold Way is another way of describing the Buddhist path. Its stages are:
Many people in the West come to Buddhism first through meditation classes. Traditionally, however, ethical behaviour is regarded as the start of the Buddhist journey towards the perfect wisdom of Enlightenment. Anyone can learn meditation, but without the clear conscience which comes with knowing that they have acted 'skilfully' (kusala), they will not progress all that far.
Ethical action in Buddhism is described by the Precepts, and motivated by kindness and awareness of karma - that our actions will have consequences.
The Threefold Way is circular rather than linear: as we act more and more ethically, including making the effort to meditate regularly, we will increase in our understanding of the Dharma, the Way Things Are. This makes it easier to act ethically and meditate, and thus our wisdom grows yet further.
Can you arrange the stages of the Noble Eightfold Path under the headings of the Threefold Way?