--- In Pali@yahoogroups.com, "Ong Yong Peng" <pali.smith@...> wrote:

> what I understand is that the N8P (Noble Eightfold Path) transcends
> right and wrong.

Hello friends

1. the path must begin with a tandem development of mundane right
view
which include good Kamma, I guess as merit making and right
intention including Metta = friendship.

it all seems to me to suggest goodness, even reading Metta as
nothing different than 'love your friend as yourself'.
if it doesnt ring well,
there's 'the lesson on the similie of the saw' KakucupamaSutta'
which may also serve as a definition of how by 'taking care of
others,
one takes care of himself',
if it all sound as the religeon you have tried to avoid as
hypocratic,
please remember that 'any religeon
that include the eight fold path is a good religeon'

2. there's an article by J.R. Carter: 'beyond 'beyond good and evil''
in Buddhist Studies -SaddhaTissa memorial 84,
where he analyses this expression.
a notable feature in the article is the distinction, based on a
quote of Prof. Pemasiri, between Kussala and Punna,
mainly that an Arahat will neither
generate merit= punna even by good deeds,
nor can path attainment be conceived directly
as an intended result = vipaka.
but the wholesome =kussala certainly serves as a definition.
the article conclude that , indeed, it is more of a difficulty of
english language and western tradition then a theravada one.
it is dangerous to separate the Blessed one and the Dhamma from a
notion of goodness.

Metta
Jothiko Bhikkhu