THE FIVE REMEMBRANCES
adapted from Reconciliation: Healing the Inner Child
Thich Nhat Hanh

One
I am of the nature to grow old.
There is no way to escape growing old.

Two
I am of the nature to have ill health.
There is no way to escape ill health.

Three
I am of the nature to die.
There is no way to escape death.

Four
All that is dear to me and everyone I love
are the nature to change.
There is no way to escape
being separated from them.

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

When you deny the reality of life, you appreciate it less. Meditate on the Buddha’s Five Remembrances and rediscover the magic of life just as it is.