From Bhikkhu Bodhi's notes on the Chariot simile. Spk: The
eightfold path is called the straight way ) because it is devoid
of crookedness of bodily conduct, etc. The destination, Nibbana,
is said to be fearless ) because there is nothing to fear in
that and because there is no fear for one who has attained it.
Unlike an actual chariot, which rattles or whines when its axle
is not lubricated or when it is mounted by too many people, the
eightfold path does not rattle or whine. (na kujati na viravati
) even when mounted simultaneously by 84,000 beings. The chariot
itself is also the eightfold path, and its wheels of wholesome
states ) are bodily and mental energy. the D'hamma" that is
called the charioteer is the supramundane path, with the right
view of insight (vipassana-sammaditthi ) running out in front ).
For just as the king's servants first clear the path before the
king comes out, so the right view of insight clears the way by
contemplating the aggregates, etc, as impermanent, etcd, and the
right view