（Different Types of Afflictions）
Sloth, one of the afflictions, invariably gives rise to the eight sufferings, yet people are unaware of this.
For instance, due to sloth, one may fall into decline. They neglect their duties, fail to make preparations, procrastinate, miss opportunities, and ultimately achieve nothing. A wise and awakened person, on the other hand, is diligent and courageous in making the best preparations, thus creating the conditions for success.
Recklessness, another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people remain oblivious.
For instance, due to recklessness, one may become arrogant and indulge in self-gratification, becoming ensnared in comfort and ease. Like an old elephant mired in mud, they sink deeper and deeper, ultimately meeting their demise. A wise and awakened person, on the other hand, is ever vigilant and cautious, walking as if on thin ice.
Deceit, a third affliction, inevitably brings about the eight sufferings, but people are often unaware of this.
For example, due to deceit, one may become arrogant and act without considering the consequences. Little do they know that those who rise to high positions merely through fortuitous circumstances are prone to a precipitous fall if they are not cautious. A wise and awakened person remains humble and discreet at all times.
Flattery, another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people are often unaware of this.
For instance, due to flattery, one may become dishonest, inadvertently blocking the path for wise teachers to help them. A wise and awakened person, on the other hand, opens their heart to receive the blessings, both positive and negative, from wise teachers.
Stinginess, yet another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people remain oblivious.
For instance, due to stinginess, one may become reluctant to give, always haggling and seeking petty gains, only to suffer great losses in the end. A wise and awakened person understands the principle of giving and receiving, realizing that the more one gives, the more one gains.
Stinginess, yet another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people remain oblivious.
For instance, due to stinginess, one may become reluctant to give, always haggling and seeking petty gains, only to suffer great losses in the end. A wise and awakened person understands the principle of giving and receiving, realizing that the more one gives, the more one gains.
Spoiling, another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people are often unaware of this.
For instance, due to being spoiled, one may become arrogant and demanding, taking others’ kindness for granted. This can lead to disrespect towards those close and resentment from those distant, ultimately resulting in lawless behavior that can lead to one’s downfall. A wise and awakened person knows how to please others in appropriate ways, which is more effective than spoiling.
Distractedness, yet another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people remain oblivious.
For instance, due to distraction, one may find it difficult to concentrate, constantly dwelling on past experiences and forming new associations. This mental agitation can lead to inner turmoil and restlessness. A wise and awakened person avoids chasing after external objects and directs their mind towards a single point, thus accomplishing any task.
Dullness, a final affliction, invariably brings about the eight sufferings, but people are often unaware of this.
For example, due to dullness, one may feel empty and lethargic, wasting their life and accumulating negative karma. A wise and awakened person knows how to maintain a balanced state of mind and actively engages in work and study.
Shamelessness and guiltlessness, another affliction, invariably leads to the eight sufferings, yet people are often unaware of this.
For instance, due to a lack of shame or guilt, one may debase oneself, acting in a vile and shameless manner without remorse. Such actions, like committing the ten evil deeds, destroy all good roots and can even prevent salvation by the Buddhas of the ten directions. A wise and awakened person would feel endless shame and remorse.
If one were free from ignorance and greed, would these afflictions still arise? Is the suffering caused by each affliction inevitable?
