The Eight Realizations of Great Beings: Essential Buddhist Wisdom for Waking Up to Who You Are

by Brother Phap Hai, Rebecca Li (Foreword)

A pithy guide to the Buddha's instructions to unlock the powerful insights that make us "great"—by wise, warm, and humorous Brother Phap Hai, the most senior Australian Dharma teacher ordained by Thich Nhat Hanh  In this essential sutra for sincere practitioners, the Buddha says, "If you would like to be enlightened, take on these eight subjects for meditation and apply their corresponding insights to your daily life." Brother Phap Hai's lively, down-to-earth explanation of spirituality's original self-help manual makes this book a must-read for all seeking inspiration on the path of self-realization and compassion. Beginning with a brief historical overview of the sutra's origins, Brother Phap Hai explores each of the eight realizations and shares a story in each chapter from his own journey to become a monk himself.Ordaining as a Buddhist monk in 1997 while still in his twenties, Brother Phap Hai has been practicing mindfulness on a daily basis for much of his adult life. Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh authorized him to teach in 2003, and since then, he has guided and mentored thousands of students in meditation. Brother Phap Hai calls the Buddha's Discourse on the Eight Realizations of Great Beings his "'Desert Island Sutra' because it distills the essence of the Buddhist path." In his words, it is everything you need in a practical meditation manual, "a very structured exposition of realizing the entirety of the Buddhist path for yourself." 

Genres: Buddhism

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2021

Reviews

[Shima Niavarani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brother Phap Hai embodies ultimate peace. Simply sitting next to him feels like receiving a Dharma talk in his silence. Just observing the way he walks offers a profound lesson. He is a complete teacher, and I was personally blessed to meet him at Mountain Spring Monastery. I spent my saddest days there, but I left with a big smile on my face, thanks to his teachings. I’m deeply grateful for such a wonderful teacher.

[Ralph Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be very insightful and great as a "next step" to exploring Buddhism. Concepts are written about in such a way that they are easily understood and applicable. I would recommend reading through this book by reading one chapter and taking some time to reflect on what you've read and how it can apply to you, rather than reading straight through.

[Rosa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderful, as recommended I took a long time to read it, gives a lot of insight into how to live a more aligned life. Not sure how else to describe it.

[Pro Mukherjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterpiece of applied Buddhist wisdom - simplifying often difficult concepts into reasonably straightforward actions in our daily lives.

[Dominique Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would take this book with me to a desert island! A deep and entertaining read Brother Phap Hai helps the modern reader to access and practice with ancient wisdom.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb teachings and guidance on the path of wisdom! Will reread this often