(or Eight Worldly Dharmas) A phrase from Buddhism referring to the desires we have in relation to (1) praise or (2) criticism, (3) hearing good or (4) bad news, having (5) gains or (6) losses, and having things (7) going well or (8) going poorly. Or:
Feeling happy when acquiring mundane worldly reward
Feeling unhappy when losing the desired reward
Feeling happy when praised
Feeling unhappy when criticized
Feeling happy when having mental and physical well-being
Feeling unhappy when not having mental or physical well-being
Feeling happy when hearing pleasant things
Feeling unhappy when hearing unpleasant things
Milarepa said, "I left my home and sought the solitude of the mountains but even there the eight
worldly winds followed me. When I came to choose a cave I looked for one which was warm,
dry and sheltered. The eight worldly winds were still blowing in my mind."
