The four Nobel truths explain why human suffer while the eightfold path offers a way to overcome that suffering.
The Buddha's path is called the Noble Eightfold Path for the sake of reaching enlightenment which is the complete ending of all suffering. The Noble Eightfold Path has the following components :- Right Understanding, Right Thought,Right Speech,Right Action,Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration.
Buddhism
Since I know that the Eightfold Path, the Three Jewels and the Four Noble Truths are all a basic part of Buddhist teachings, I would have to say that the Five Step approach is not.
Right or perfect action is one of the eight sections of the noble eightfold path. It means that all your actions should be thoughtful and not harm other beings and you should try to help other beings.
All Buddhists follow the Four Noble truths. If you are looking for more specific rules, look at the Eightfold Path.
The Four Noble Truths are: * All life is suffering * All suffering is caused by Desire * All suffering (and desire) can be ended * This end is acheived by following the Eightfold Path
These are all teachings of the Buddha (from India) and so are basic aspects of the Buddhist religion.
Buddhism is based on the Four Noble Truths. The Eightfold Path is given as an example of a method to attain the cessation of pain which is present in almost all lives.
Sidhartha knew that all humans suffer and that an answer, as yet unknown, must be available.Once enlighten as the Buddha he knew that the answer was contained in the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path,
To be completely honest, no. That's like asking "do I have to be Jewish to follow the 10 Commandments?" Just because you don't kill people doesn't mean you have to be Jewish. You should only follow the 8 Fold Path if you agree with the 4 Noble Truths. I think it is very interesting to be a different religion and still incorporate other religions into your own life.
A person does not complete the Eightfold Path, he follows it for all the cycles of life and death. After a person becomes enlightened (integrates the Eightfold Path into their being) they may reach Nirvana. This is not however "peace". Nirvana is a state of selfless existence.