Significance of Eight Worldly Conditions
The Eight Worldly Conditions in Theravada Buddhism represent the transient aspects of worldly life that lead to human sorrow and ignorance. These conditions encompass dualities such as gain and loss, praise and blame, honor and disgrace, and pleasure and pain. They highlight the fluctuating nature of life and its effects on human emotions and behaviors. However, for an Arahant, these worldly fluctuations do not disturb their state of equanimity or enlightenment.
Synonyms: Eight worldly concerns
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Eight Worldly Conditions'
The Eight Worldly Conditions in Buddhism symbolize the transient dualities of life鈥攇ain/loss, fame/infamy, praise/blame, and happiness/pain鈥攊llustrating how these fluctuations can disturb human emotions while an Arahant remains unaffected.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The dualities and fluctuations of life including gain/loss, praise/blame, honor/disgrace, and pleasure/pain, which influence human behavior and emotions.[1] (2) Concepts that depict the transient nature of worldly life, illustrating the reasons behind human sorrow and ignorance.[2]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The fluctuating circumstances of gain and loss, fame and infamy, blame and praise, happiness and pain that do not disturb an Arahant.[3]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) These refer to the four favorable (wealth, praise, happiness, and having followers) and four unfavorable conditions (loss, blame, suffering, and lack of followers) that individuals experience throughout life.[4]
From: Guide to Tipitaka
(1) The vicissitudes of life that influence existence, which include gain and loss, fame and disrepute, praise and blame, happiness and suffering.[5]