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Chapter Sixty-Four<br />
The Round of Birth and Death<br />
One day while sitting in Bhesakala Park in Sumsumaragiri, the Buddha spoke to the bhikkhus, “Bhikkhus, I want to tell you about the Eight<br />
Realizations of Great Beings. Venerable Anuruddha has spoken about these eight realizations before. They are the realizations taught by<br />
Great Beings to help others overcome forgetfulness and attain enlightenment.<br />
“The first realization is the awareness that all dharmas are impermanent and without a separate self. By contemplating on the<br />
impermanent and non-self nature of all dharmas, you can escape suffering and attain enlightenment, peace, and joy.<br />
“The second realization is the awareness that more desire brings more suffering. All hardships in life arise from greed and desire.”<br />
“The third realization is the awareness that living simply, having few desires, leads to peace, joy, and serenity. Living simply allows for<br />
more time and concentration to practice the Way and to help others.<br />
“The fourth realization is the awareness that only diligent effort leads to enlightenment. Laziness and indulging in sensual desires are<br />
obstacles to the practice.<br />
“The fifth realization is the awareness that ignorance is the cause of the endless round of birth and death. You must always remember to<br />
listen and learn in order to develop your understanding and eloquence.<br />
“The sixth realization is the awareness that poverty creates hatred and anger, which in turn create a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and<br />
actions. Followers of the Way, when practicing generosity, should consider everyone, friends and enemies alike, as equal, not condemning<br />
anyone’s past wrongdoings or hating those who are presently causing harm.<br />
“The seventh realization is the awareness that although we dwell in the world to teach and assist others, we should not become caught up<br />
in worldly matters. One who leaves home to follow the Way possesses only three robes and a bowl. He always lives simply and looks at all<br />
beings with the eyes of compassion.<br />
“The eighth realization is the awareness that we do not practice for our individual enlightenment alone, but devote our whole being to<br />
guiding all others to the gates of enlightenment.<br />
“Bhikkhus, these are the Eight Realizations of the Great Beings. All Great Beings, thanks to these eight realizations, have attained<br />
enlightenment. Wherever they go in life, they use these eight realizations to open minds and educate others, so that everyone may discover<br />
the <strong>path</strong> that leads to enlightenment and emancipation.”<br />
When he returned to Bamboo Forest in Rajagaha, the Buddha was informed that Bhikkhu Vakkali was gravely ill and hoped to see the<br />
Buddha before he died. Vakkali’s attendant came to see the Buddha. After bowing three times, he said, “Lord, my teacher is very ill. He is<br />
staying in the home of a lay disciple who is a potter. He asked me to come bow before you in his place.”<br />
The Buddha turned to Ananda and said, “We will go at once to visit Venerable Vakkali.”<br />
When he saw the Buddha enter the room, Bhikkhu Vakkali made a great effort to sit up.<br />
“Please, Vakkali,” said the Buddha, “don’t try to sit up. Ananda and I will sit close by the bed on these chairs.”<br />
After he and Ananda were seated, the Buddha said, “Vakkali, I hope your strength is improving and that the pains in your body are<br />
easing.”<br />
“Lord, my strength is rapidly declining. I am most uncomfortable. The pains are growing more severe.”<br />
“I hope then that you do not suffer from any worries or regrets.”<br />
“Lord, I do suffer from worries and regrets.”<br />
“I hope your regrets are not about violating your precepts.”<br />
“No, Lord, I have observed my precepts fully and feel no shame.”<br />
“What then do you worry about and regret?”<br />
“I regret that, due to my illness, it has been a long time since I have been able to visit you.”<br />
The Buddha gently sc<strong>old</strong>ed, “Vakkali, do not worry about such things. You have lived a blameless life. That is what keeps teacher and<br />
student close. Do you think you need to see my face in order to see the Buddha? This body is not important. Only the teaching is important.