Five Remembrances

Contemplation of these facts of life leads to letting-go of unhealthy attachments, and encourage mindfulness in daily life, which leads to the cultivation of factors necessary for inner peace and well-being:

1. I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old: Aging is not a failure of youth but a deepening of life. Each wrinkle, each gray hair, is a story written in time. To grow old is to witness the unfolding of our own humanity. Rather than resist it, we can honor it—like the turning of seasons, each stage has its own beauty.

2. I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape having ill health: Illness reminds us that our bodies are not machines but living, breathing ecosystems. Vulnerability is not weakness—it’s a doorway to empathy. When we fall ill, we are invited to slow down, to listen, and to care more deeply for ourselves and others.

3. I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death: Death is not the opposite of life—it is part of it. To reflect on death is not morbid, but liberating. It teaches us to live more fully, to love more fiercely, and to let go of trivial concerns. When we accept death, we stop postponing life.

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: Attachment is natural, but clinging causes suffering. People change, relationships evolve, and sometimes we must say goodbye. But love is not diminished by impermanence—it is made more precious by it. Every moment becomes a gift when we know it cannot last forever.

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: In a world of uncertainty, our choices are our legacy. We may not control what happens to us, but we shape how we respond. Kindness, courage, and integrity are the footprints we leave behind. This remembrance calls us to live with intention.