The five remembrances
Thich Nhat Hanh. Image: twitter.com.
Each night, I read a couple of pages from the incredible The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh (‘Thay’). A warm, uplifting, human explanation of the Buddhist philosophy. I’m not a card-carrying Buddhist, but this book speaks to me like no other I’ve read.
The Five Remembrances are five prompts to live more mindfully and to appreciate what we have while we have it. Reciting them resets my perspective.
I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.
I am of the nature to have ill-health. There is no way to escape having ill-health.
I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.
All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them.
My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which I stand.
You will never be this young again. You will get sick, and you will die. So will everyone you know. If we make friends with these facts and accept them, then we will not feel so much pain. We will also be moved to appreciate our youth, our health, those around us, and the miracle of life.
All this is temporary. Enjoy it to the full.