The Buddha describes in brief the eight worldly conditions that revolve around the world and the world revolves around them - gain and loss, disgrace and fame, blame and praise, pleasure, and pain.

Paṭhama lokadhamma sutta - Worldly Conditions (First)

“Bhikkhus, there are these eight worldly conditions that revolve around the world, and the world revolves around these eight worldly conditions. What eight? |Gain::acquisition, money, profit, possessions [lābha]| and |loss::not getting, not obtaining, not finding [alābha]|, |fame::glory, prestige [yasa]| and |disgrace::loss of reputation, infamy [ayasa]|, |blame::criticism, disapproval [nindā]| and |praise::commendation, approval [pasaṃsā]|, and |pleasure::ease, comfort, happiness, contentment [sukha]| and |pain::unease, discomfort, unpleasantness, discontentment [dukkha]|. These, bhikkhus, are the eight worldly conditions that revolve around the world, and the world revolves around these eight worldly conditions.

Gain and loss, fame and disgrace,
blame and praise, and pleasure and pain;
These conditions among humans are |impermanent::not lasting, transient, unreliable [anicca]|,
|unstable::perishable [asassata]| and subject to change.

A |mindful::who has recollection, is aware, present [satimant]| and |discerning::wise [sumedha]| person, having understood these conditions,
sees them as being subject to change;
|Favorable::pleasing, likeable, cherished [iṭṭha]| conditions do not |stir::agitate, disturb, or excite [matheti]| their mind,
and unfavorable conditions cause no |repulsion::resistance [paṭighātameti]|.

They have dispelled |alignment::favor [anurodha]| and |opposition::aversion, resistance, hostility [virodha]|,
these are gone and no longer present;
Having understood the |unblemished::pure, stainless [viraja]|, sorrowless state,
they comprehend rightly, having crossed beyond |becoming::state of existence, rebirth [bhava]|.”

Last updated on March 27, 2025

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