When life is crazy and nothing seems to make sense it is so nice to refer to “The Five Remembrances”.
I like this version of the Buddha's Five Remembrances, offered by Thich Nhat Hanh in The Plum Village Chanting Book (Parallax Press, 1991).
1. I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.
2. I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.
3. I am of the nature to die. There is no way to 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. My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
If we can keep these "Five Remembrances" in mind when the chatter in our heads is speaking from ego then we can look toward spirit to calm our thoughts. Spirit allows us to live in our truth not ego,
It takes practice to live in this way but it can be done. Living in our truth will set us free and bring us internal peace.
Peace and Love,
Karen |
