In this week’s podcast Ethan leads a discussion on how the Buddha’s teachings of the 8 Traps of Hope and Fear (Tradionally called The 8 Wordly Concerns) relate to our daily battles with success and failure. How do we try to manipulate our lives to avoid Disrepute and attain Noteworthiness? Are we adding unnecessary suffering to our lives by trying to be the next Susan Boyle?
In the Buddhist tradition, the mind states of Hope and Fear are talked about as two sides of the same coin. While we often hear a more positive spin put on “Hope” in our society (I’m looking at you Barack) the Buddhist teachings emphasize that both Hope and Fear are states of aversion.
The Eight traps of Hope and Fear are broken up into four sets of two, with a fear and hope aspect to each set:
Hope of Fame……..Fear of Disrepute
Hope of Praise………..Fear of Blame
Hope of Pleasure……….Fear of Pain
This week’s podcast was made possible by financial support from OM yoga center. Located in NYC’s Union Square, OM provides a blend of Vinyasa yoga that is supported by the relaxed wakefulness of Buddhist mindfulness meditation. For information on classes and retreats visit www.omyoga.com
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