Understanding the Eight Worldly Conditions : หน้า 33/207

Our grandparents advised that, for the mind to be as stable and solid as the earth, we must first realize that, in this world, we are subject to both gratification and disappointment; it is a matter of which will come first. The Lord Buddha taught the eight factors that cause a human’s gratification or disappointment. They are called the Eight Worldly Conditions (Loka Dhamma), which can be divided into two categories: Causes of an Infatuated Mind and causes of a Frightened Mind. The infatuated mind wishes to receive what we love and what we like, which includes: 1) Fortune is the material rewards, such as a house, car, spouse, property and jewelry. 2) Prestige is rank, status, authority, and power 3) Recognition is a compliment, praise, or the admiration of the others. 4) Happiness is the comforts of life, both physically and mentally, joy, cheer, and pleasure. These are what most people like. If they do not have them they will search for them. When they attain them they will hold onto them. The more they try to hold them, the more anxious they become. The more anxious they become, the more jealous they become. The mind that has these feelings is considered to be an infatuated mind. The Frightened Mind is fear and anxiety of loss or discontentment, which are: 1) Loss of Fortune is losing what one already possesses, such as loss of money, a house, a car or a spouse. 2) Loss of Prestige is loss of authority, rank, or the power to control. 3) Gossiping is direct or indirect criticism. 4) Suffering is both mental and physical suffering. We do not search for these and do not wish to encounter them. Even when they have not arrived, we are afraid that they will soon arrive. When they arrive, we pray for them to leave. After they leave us, we are still afraid that they will return. Since we encounter the causes of infatuation or fright, our grandparents tried to teach us to be aware of these life truths through meditation practice to still our minds and prevent them from being vulnerable to the Eight Worldly Conditions. The purpose of meditation practice is to familiarize ourselves with the experience of a calm and peaceful state of mind. When we face loss of fortune, loss of prestige, criticism, or difficulties, our minds will remain calm, alert, and strong.