Finding Peace in Reality: The Five Remembrances
In the heart of Buddhist teachings lie the Five Remembrances, profound truths that, at first glance, might seem somber. Yet, for me, they are a wellspring of peace, offering a clear lens through which to see reality as it truly is. These remembrances aren't meant to inspire fear but rather to ground us in the fundamental nature of existence. They remind me:
I am of the nature to grow old. I cannot escape old age.
I am of the nature to get sick. I cannot escape sickness.
I am of the nature to die. I cannot 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.
I inherit the results of my actions of body, speech, and mind; my actions are my continuation.
Embracing these truths helps me remember what is genuinely important in life. It fosters a profound sense of peace with impermanence, understanding that these five statements are not unique to me, but are the shared reality for every living being. This universal applicability is a source of great comfort. It highlights that my time on this planet is indeed limited, which, rather than being a cause for anxiety, becomes a powerful motivator to focus on the present moment. Every breath, every sunrise, every moment I am alive and well, is truly a gift to be cherished.
This understanding becomes particularly poignant when facing life's inevitable challenges. My beloved dog, Wimbly, will be 12 this year, and I'm acutely aware that our time together is precious and finite. Just like it’s in my nature to change, to grow old, and eventually, to die, so it is in hers. We are united in this way, it is a truth I must accept and make peace with. Contemplating the Five Remembrances provides a deeply peaceful way to reckon with such realities, strengthening me not just for the eventual parting with Wimbly, but for all the challenges that are certain to arise in this beautiful, ever-changing life.
Contemplating the Remembrances in Meditation
Bringing the Five Remembrances into your meditation practice can be incredibly transformative. I find it helpful to focus on just one or two of the remembrances at a time. It can feel difficult at first to sit with and truly contemplate the messages of change, death, and separation. However, by starting with the breath as an anchor and cultivating an attitude of compassion towards yourself and any loved ones that appear in your mind, it becomes easier to accept the reality of these profound truths. While we don't have a choice when it comes to change, aging, and death, we absolutely have a choice in how we act in response to them. Over time, a sense of kindness, gratitude, and patience can help ease us into acceptance, and eventually, an ability to truly embrace reality can arise. This kind of meditation helps me be more gentle with myself and all my emotions, deepening my realization of the importance of the present moment even more.
