It's been a long time since I've done a solo episode of this podcast and I've been getting requests for a bit more of those to include along with the guest episodes. And this episode is one of those.

In this episode I reflect on the Fifth Realization from the sutra, The Eight Realizations of Great Beings. The Fifth Realization, as translated by Thich Nhat Hanh says:

Ignorance is the cause of the endless rounds of birth and death. Bodhisattvas always listen to and learn from others so their understanding and skillful means can develop and so they can teach living beings and bring them great joy.

My reflection includes a call for us not to try to "know" things but to listen. Plus, to try to help and serve others—and, ultimately, bring joy—by listening.

If we don't feel or witness a lot of joy under the weight of the times, it's because there are so many of us talking and "knowing" what's right ... and not many of us listening.

I end with a call to for us to help or offer positivity to at least one person every day ... to bring joy!

Link (Amazon affiliate) to the book, The Eight Realizations of Great Beings by Brother Phap Hai:

The Eight Realizations of Great Beings

Links to the two-part episode about the Sutra on the Plum Village podcast, The Way Out is In:

Part 1: https://plumvillage.org/podcast/the-eight-realizations-of-great-beings-part-one-episode-82

Part 2:

https://plumvillage.org/podcast/the-eight-realizations-of-great-beings-part-two-episode-83

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Everyday Buddhism 119 - Spreading Joy