The Eight Worldly Vicissitudes

The Buddha reminded us of eight worldly vicissitudes. They are all impermanent, transient, and perishable. This is something I forget from time to time, and I want to keep it here to remind myself.

1. Gain
2. Loss
3. Fame
4. Disgrace
5. Blame
6. Praise
7. Pleasure
8. Pain

When I was reading Dhamma texts and listening to talks, I realized that even someone like the Buddha—who had already cut the ten fetters and was free from defilements—was sometimes treated poorly by ordinary people (puthujjana) while he was alive. Even after his passing, many used his teachings for their own interests, twisting, diluting, or misrepresenting them. If even he experienced this, who am I to expect to be free from such things? It reminds me to let go of attachment to both praise and blame, and to approach life with patience and equanimity—qualities I am still learning to cultivate.

Source: English | Pāli | Burmese

Published: 31 October 2025 | Last updated: 11 November 2025
© Dr. Tune. All rights reserved.
The Buddha's words are in the public domain; any copyright here applies only to the presentation.