The Five Recollections

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 having 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 deeds are my closest companions. I am the beneficiary of my deeds. My deeds are the ground on which I stand.

(One of several "recollection" formulas used in Buddhist meditation to promote mindfulness and bust delusion. And the one that most sounds like a rock group.)


(Photo courtesy of Jonny Caspari and Unsplash.com.)