What is the ultimate goal of following the Eightfold Path in Buddhism?

The ultimate goal of following the Eightfold Path in Buddhism is to attain enlightenment and liberation from samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The Eightfold Path provides a practical guideline to ethical and mental development with the goal of freeing individuals from attachments and desires that lead to suffering. By practicing right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration, practitioners cultivate wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.

This holistic approach ultimately leads to the realization of Nirvana, where one is liberated from the cycles of suffering and rebirth. In contrast, the other options focus on worldly achievements or goals that do not align with the spiritual aims of Buddhism. Social status, eternal life, and wealth are considered transient and do not contribute to the ultimate liberation sought through the Eightfold Path.