by Venerable Narada Mahathera
This complex world is neither exclusively rosy nor entirely thorny. The rose, soft, beautiful, and fragrant, grows on a stem filled with thorns. What is rosy remains so, and what is thorny persists. One should not interfere with the thorns due to the presence of the rose, nor disparage the rose because of the thorns.
To an optimist, the world appears absolutely rosy; to a pessimist, it seems entirely thorny. However, a realist views the world neither as entirely rosy nor wholly thorny. From a realistic perspective, the world is a blend of beautiful roses and prickly thorns.
An understanding person appreciates the rose’s beauty without becoming infatuated, acknowledging the thorns’ nature and taking precautions not to be wounded.
Similar to a pendulum swinging between right and left, four inevitable conditions prevail in life — gain and loss, fame and defame, praise and blame, happiness and pain.
Gain and Loss: Businesspeople experience both gain and loss. While it’s natural to be pleased with profits, one must exhibit moral courage and maintain a balanced mind in the face of losses. Anticipating losses and being prepared helps reduce disappointment.
Fame and Defame: Fame and defame are inevitable in life. Seeking undue praise or avoiding criticism can lead to unfulfillment. True greatness is indifferent to external approbation.
Praise and Blame: Wise individuals remain unaffected by praise or blame, recognizing that opinions vary. The Buddha’s teachings emphasize responding to false accusations with patience and understanding.
Happiness and Pain: Genuine happiness is not solely derived from material possessions, power, or external circumstances. Inner happiness is found in non-attachment and leading a blameless life.
Facing pain, whether from old age, disease, separation, or death, requires equanimity. The Buddha himself endured physical suffering but maintained a balanced mind. Death, inevitable for all, should be faced with perfect equanimity.
Amidst these dualities, a balanced mind is crucial. The Buddha’s teachings encourage cultivating equanimity in the face of worldly conditions.
Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/02/08/the-eight-worldly-conditions/
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