Lessons In Practical Buddhism - Sirimangalo.Org

The third set of dangers are most important for a meditator
to become familiar with so as to not be dissuaded from the
goal because of them. The Buddha taught these dangers
using the metaphor of crossing a body of water. Just as one
attempting to cross a large body of water, much danger
awaits for a meditator wishing to escape from samsara to the
farther shore where safety and freedom from suffering are
found. The four dangers the Buddha enumerated are
1) waves,
2) crocodiles,
3) whirlpools,
4) sharks.
These are four dangers for one wishing to reach the farther
shore. They are also metaphors for the dangers that may
stop us from reaching peace, happiness and freedom from
suffering.
The first danger, waves, is what the Buddha called the eight
worldly dhammas, eight vicissitudes of life that we easily get
caught up in, even though they are worldly things of no
inherent benefit. When we come to practice meditation, we
try to leave behind worldly things, doing away with our
attachment and aversion to the ways of the world. If we get
caught up in such things, they will toss us about like waves
on the ocean, and may even drown us with their force.
The eight worldly dhammas are fame and obscurity, praise
and blame, gain and loss, and happiness and suffering.
When we are famous, or have high status in society, it is
easy to get caught up and proud of it. Some people become
addicted to fame, constantly thinking of ways to become
better-known or rise up in social status. Such people
become devastated if they find themselves without status or
fame, and thus are tossed about chasing after the peak of
the next wave. Even meditators may succumb to such
danger, letting their minds wander into thoughts of
becoming famous or successful in the worldly sphere.
Likewise, when we receive praise, we can easily become
caught up in it, addicted to the esteem of others, and tossed
about whenever we receive dispraise. Some meditators
become angry and obstinate when criticized by their
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