old-path-white-clouds-thich-nhat-hanh

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