The Five Remembrances

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 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 upon which I stand.

My actions are my only true belongings.
I cannot escape the consequences of my actions.
My actions are the ground upon which I stand.

This short passage stuck with me.  How refreshing to hear this.  Buddhism is not a practice of withdrawal and isolation.  It is not a practice of asking forgiveness from a higher power.  It’s a practice of assuming responsibility for one’s actions.  I wonder what would happen if everyone embraced this…