In January 2022, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh transitioned out of his body, after a lifetime of serving as an embodiment of peace and enlightenment. Thich Nhat Hanh was a global spiritual leader, poet and peace activist, revered around the world for his powerful teachings on mindfulness and peace. He is the founder the Engaged Buddhist movement, which applies spiritual insight to situations of social, political environmental, and economic suffering. Today there are 6 monasteries and dozens of practice centers in America and Europe, where his teachings are shared.

I feel blessed to have found been introduced to the The Discourse on the Eight Realizations of the Great Beings, an ancient Buddhist text recited regularly Thich Nhat Hanh’s practice centers around the world.

Why do I integrate these teachings into my work? Because it is during my workday when I have the most number of interactions with others- clients, colleagues, staff, presenters, volunteers - often in an environment filled with responsibility and pressure. It is precisely these times when spiritual insight can guide my decisions and actions, to lessen pain and create more ease for myself and others.

The Eight Realizations of Great Beings centers around the concept of suffering. Being reminded of the source of my own suffering makes me aware and compassionate to myself and others, making me a kinder, more patient person. Also, I am reminded that I inadvertently, but most certainly, impose suffering on others throughout the day. This is a healthy and humbling realization.

Using these Eight Realizations, we can recognize the suffering in the world and put an end to countless misunderstandings and difficulties. I can practice replacing them with ease, compassion, and loving patience.

The Eight Realizations of Great Beings

1- The first realization is the awareness that the world is impermanent. Things composed of the four elements are empty containing within them the seeds of suffering. Human being are composed of the five aggregates and are without a separate self; they are always bring in the process of change, constantly being born and constantly dying. The mind is the source of all our confusion and the body the source of unwholesome actions. Meditation on this can help you be released from the round of birth and death.

2- The second realization is the awareness that more desire brings more suffering. All hardships in daily life arises from greed and desire. Those with little desire and ambition are able to relax their body and mind, free from entanglement.

3- The third realization is the awareness that the human heart is always searching outside itself and never feels fulfilled; this brings about unwholesome activity. There is value in having fewer human desires. Living simply and peacefully allows you to practice the way of perfect understanding, which is your only true career.

4- The fourth realization is the awareness that indolence is an obstacle to practice. You must practice diligently to transform unwholesome mental states that bind you.

5- The fifth realization is the awareness that ignorance is the cause of the endless round of birth and death. Listen and learn from others. So that your understanding and skillful means can develop and so you can teach other beings and bring them great joy.

6- The sixth realization is the awareness that poverty creates hatred and anger; which creates a vicious cycle of negative thoughts and actions. Practice generosity and consider everyone, friends and enemies alike, to be equal. Do not condemn anyone’s past wrong doings or hate others, even those causing harm.

7- The seventh realization is the awareness that five categories of sensual desires --money, sex, fame, overeating oversleeping-- lead to problems. Although you are in the world, try not to be caught in worldly matters. Live simply in order to practice the way. Stay free of attachment of worthy things. Treat everyone with compassion.

8 - The eighth realization is the awareness that the fire of birth and death is raging and causing endless suffering everywhere. Take the vow to help all beings, to suffer with all beings, and to guide all beings to great joy.

http://plumvillage.org/sutra/discourse-of-the-eight-realization-of-the-great-beings/

http://www.bluecliffmonastery.org/