Five Reflections/Remembrances
1. I am of the nature to grow old, I cannot escape old age.
2. I am of the nature to get sick, I cannot escape sickness.
3. I am of the nature to die, I cannot escape death.
4. 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.
5. I inherit the results of my actions of body, speech, and mind. My actions are my continuation.
This practice is based on Buddha’s teachings related to impermenance and change. It invites us to get closer to truths we tend to avoid. It can be uncomfortable and disturbing to shine a light on these reminders.
Why would we choose to attend to something that is viewed as depressing or “a bummer”? Isn’t it preferable to ignore or minimize these reminders? Why dwell on things which we can’t control?
Good questions! And there are good answers:
Doing so reminds us to wake up, to recognize the preciousness of our human birth and life. We are here for a finite amount of time, and the quality of each moment is influenced by our beliefs, our habits of thought, word and deed.
The quality of our lives is intimately connected to the choices we make. The reminders of the Five Reflections can guide us to make conscious, heartfelt choices and decisions.
For example, when I feel impatient and judgmental, I can reflect on the reminder that “I inherit the results of my actions”. This can help me handle the situation with care, rather than impulsive or thoughtless words. Or when I’m feeling bored or disinterested in what is happening in the moment, I can reflect on how quickly things change, and on what I am grateful for, and the opportunity to be as present as possible. “This is how it is right now” helps me remember that my response to this moment conditions future moments.
When we are committed to a spiritual path which includes teachings about impermanence, suffering and no inherent self, we decrease our attachment to “conditioned things” (which include everything on the material plane, concepts etc…). We strengthen the focus and attention we bring to the “unconditioned”, namely: qualities of the heart and awareness itself.
What is the benefit of reflecting on these 5 truths?
It can help us live each day more fully.
It can reduce our fear and anticipation about change, loss and being responsible for our karma.
We can become more familiar and comfortable with the fleeting nature of things.
It can lead to a freedom that comes from letting go, even slightly, of our preferences and patterns.
We can gain flexibility of mind and of habits. Ideally, we have increased access to the qualities of Lovingkindness, Compassion, Joy, Equanimity, Generosity and Gratitude.
I encourage you to spend a day or a week on each reflection. Repeat it frequently. Remind yourself why you are doing this practice. Notice how it affects your self talk and how you treat others. Bring a playful, curious quality to this exploration. Have fun!