The eight worldly concerns, or dharmas, consist of four pairs of opposing conditions that often provoke our emotional responses: pleasure and pain, gain and loss, praise and blame, as well as fame and infamy or anonymity. We suffer when we cling to and hope for pleasure, gain, praise, and fame, expecting them to satisfy us, or when we reject and fear pain, loss, blame, and shame, attempting to avoid situations that lead to these conditions. These eight concerns represent common hopes and fears that keep us trapped in samsara (conditioned existence).

Generally, our sense of self or ego draws us toward the seemingly nice worldly concerns and away from the seemingly bad ones, based on the flawed logic that this will enhance our overall well-being. The Buddhist view that the self is not as solid as it seems (anatta) and that we are complex, dependent, interconnected beings, serves as an antidote to the trap of worldly concerns. A less rigid, more dynamic, and evolving sense of “me” creates less of a foundation for these concerns to cling to.

The eight worldly concerns may seem to promise happiness, but it is only by developing a calm and balanced mind, which remains unaffected by the endless fluctuations of external circumstances, that we can find ease and well-being.

Contemplate what it might mean to imagine a world free from suffering. Consider how awareness of our actions, along with remembering the qualities of the Buddha—in this case, Amitabha—could inspire daily choices. Explore whether visualizing a pure realm can strengthen your aspiration to help others and progress on the path.

• Which of your own hopes and fears can you categorize into the eight worldly concerns?

Analyze the eight worldly concerns by categorizing specific life experiences into the four opposing pairs, evaluate how attachment to these conditions creates cycles of hope and fear that perpetuate samsara, and synthesize understanding by developing equanimity practices that demonstrate freedom from dependence on external circumstances for well-being.