Eight Realizations of the Great Beings
The first
realization is the awareness that the world is impermanent. All
political regimes are subject to fall; all things composed of the
four elements are empty and contain the seeds of suffering. Human
beings are composed of five skandhas, aggregates, and are without a
separate self. They are always in the process of change –
constantly being born and constantly dying. They are empty of self,
without sovereignty. The mind is the source of all confusion, and
the body is the forest of all impure actions. If we meditate on
these facts, we can gradually be released from samsara,
the round of birth and death.
The second
realization is the awareness that more desire brings more suffering.
All hardships in daily life arise from greed and desire. Those with
little desire and ambition are able to relax, their bodies and minds
free from entanglement.
The third
realization is that the human mind is always searching for
possessions and never feels fulfilled. This causes impure actions
to ever increase. Bodhisattvas however, always remember the
principle of having few desires. They live a simple life in peace in
order to practice the Way, and consider the realization of perfect
understanding as their only career.
The fourth
realization is the awareness of the extent to which laziness is an
obstacle to practice. For this reason, we must practice diligently
to destroy the unwholesome mental factors which bind us, and to
conquer the four kinds of Mara, in order to free ourselves from the
prisons of the five aggregates and the three worlds.
The fifth
realization is the awareness that ignorance is the cause of the
endless round of birth and death. Therefore, bodhisattvas always
remember to listen and learn in order to develop their understanding
and eloquence. This enables them to educate living beings and bring
them to the realm of great joy.
The
sixth realization is the awareness that poverty creates hatred and
anger, which creates a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and
activity. When practicing generosity, bodhisattvas consider
everyone, friends and enemies alike, as equal. They do not condemn
anyone's past wrongdoings, nor do they hate those who are presently
causing harm.
The seventh realization is that the five categories of desire lead
to difficulties. Although we are in the world, we should try not to
be caught up in worldly matters. A monk, for example, has in his
possession only three robes and one bowl. He lives simply in order
to practice the Way. His precepts keep him free of attachment to
worldly things, and he treats everyone equally and with compassion.
The eighth realization is the awareness that the fire of birth and death is raging, causing endless suffering everywhere. We should take the Great Vow to help everyone, to suffer with everyone, and to guide all beings to the realm of great joy.
These eight realizations are the discoveries of great beings, buddhas and bodhisattvas who have diligently practiced the way of compassion and understanding. They have sailed the Dharmakaya boat to the shore of nirvana, but then they return to the ordinary world, having abandoned the five desires, with their minds and hearts directed toward the noble way, using these eight realizations to help all beings recognize the suffering in this world. If the disciples of the Buddha recite these eight realizations and meditate on them, they will put an end to countless misunderstandings and difficulties and progress toward enlightenment, leaving behind the world of birth and death, dwelling forever in peace.