The Eight Realizations of Great Beings

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Tashi Nyima

• Impermanence: This world is impermanent. Nations are fragile and dangerous. The four elements that comprise the body are sources of suffering and emptiness. The five aggregates are not-self. Birth and death, coming and going, are like phantoms, dreams, or bubbles, like dew or lightning. Nothing is permanent.
• Contentment: Having many desires brings suffering. Life and death are tiring when we are never satisfied. Those who are content, even when lying on the ground, are peaceful and happy.
• Peaceful Dwelling: Awakened people are always content. They break contact with the world and are not caught up in many affairs. They practice meditation to realize wisdom beyond the ordinary mind.
• Diligence: Being diligent and practicing good actions, we overcome mental afflictions and free ourselves from the realms of ignorance.

• Mindfulness: Being foolish and unaware increases ignorance and wrongdoing. Bodhisattvas have sharp minds and extensive learning. They are not afraid of profound meanings and practice great compassion.
• Meditation: Being poor and angry creates conditions for more wrongdoing. Lay bodhisattvas, even if they govern, practice giving and maintain a mind of equanimity toward friend and foe alike.
• Wisdom: The five desires lead us into difficulty. Although we may be laypeople, we should not be caught up in pleasures. We should reflect on having few desires, learning the Dharma, and practicing meditation.
• Sobriety: Life and death are grave matters. All things are impermanent and changing. Awakened people are always mindful. They never stop learning. They practice diligently toward enlightenment and avoid meaningless talk.