“Remembering as Spiritual Practice”
with Teresa Miller
Life is fragile; at times it can upend us with a sudden radical change or a great loss - personal, communal, worldly. The Buddha’s teachings offer refuge and guidance when we remember the truth of impermanence. The “5 Remembrances” specifically can be recollected daily, as a powerful acknowledgment and realization of what’s true about our bodies, our living and dying. The talk explores the five remembrances (and concludes with music from the service of a Buddhist monk, honoring and remembering his life).
1. I am of the nature to age and decay; I have not gone beyond aging and decay.
2. I am of the nature to become ill or injured; I have not gone beyond illness or injury.
3. I am of the nature to die; I have not gone beyond death.
4. All that is mine, dear and delightful, will change and vanish.
5. I am the owner of my actions; I am born of my actions; I am related to my actions; I am supported by my actions.
Any thoughts, words or deeds I do, good or evil, those I will inherit.
Service for Venerable Pannadipa’s service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6DRZAFzHg0