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| Rain gear being well used |
I've been thinking about the Five Buddhist Remembrances, which I've written about before, not long ago in fact. But they keep coming up to me, reminding me once again about how change is inevitable in life. The first Remembrance:
I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.There's something about having passed my seventy-fifth year that reminds me of this fact. If I were to die today, nobody would remark that it was premature. A few years ago, I found this lovely article in the Atlantic, about the author hoping to die at 75. Having just re-read it, I realize I have lived a full life, and I'm grateful for every day of relative health and activity I enjoy. Yesterday I walked five miles and listened to bird calls and took pleasure in the burgeoning spring. The second Remembrance:
I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.Aches and pains come with the territory of age, and I have my share of them. Although I do what I can to mitigate them, they will not ever leave me permanently. Sometimes I wonder if this ache or that pain is something worse, something that will eventually kill me, but there is nothing to be done about it, since we all know where we are headed. Sorry if I have to remind you, but that is what remembrances are for. The third Remembrance:
I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.This is true of everything and everyone who has ever been born. Now that I am in my twilight years, one thing that has become more important to me is gratitude for the life I have now, with the realization that at any time it might change, just as the weather has changed from sunshine to rain. We need it all. The fourth Remembrance:
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.No way to escape being separated from my beloved? How can that be? Oh, right: he's mortal just like me. Those beautiful, noisy birds in the trees are mortal, as well as the trees themselves. Every living thing is "of the nature to change." There is only one way I know to deal with this pesky fact: enjoy every moment, and be grateful for all that comes my way. And of course, the fifth Remembrance:
My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.After pondering the first four Remembrances, this one gives me comfort. It makes me realize that, although everyone and everything else in our lives is ephemeral, our actions are our only true belongings. That what I choose to do with my life, my day, my blog post, can make a difference. I like the part that reminds me that "my actions are the ground upon which I stand." That is what remembrances are for: to remind us once again about what is real and important.
During my long life, I have had many tragedies and disappointments. I could focus on those if I wished, or I could instead think of the inevitability of these events in everyone's life, and think about the good, beautiful moments I enjoy every single day. I have a body and brain that function moderately well, you might even say magnificently if you consider my age and relative ordinariness. My beloved partner and I share a life that I find fulfilling, my friends enrich my days with their presence, and I live in a modest but functional apartment that keeps me warm and dry. Why wouldn't I choose to focus on all that?
Yesterday I watched this YouTube video that also reminded me that all creatures know about suffering and loss, even if they are puppies watching the Lion King:
17 comments:
My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
That rather worries me, does it anyone else? Of course, actions have consequences, what if they are actions you regret? Is there any help with that in buddhism?
Love these Sunday posts!
Having just returned from visiting my original home five hours away and celebrating my brother's 90 birthday, I feel very much as you do in this post. Accepting is a part of our maturity, I think, and although I hate the thought of leaving my loved ones, I accept that I will die and I am not afraid. In some ways, as my sister, June, said, you know when it is time to go on and accepting it is much easier than fighting it when it comes. Like you, DJan, I have lived a good life, but hope there is more, at least as long as I can take care of myself.
"Aches and pains come with the territory..." So true, but the mornings you awake without any wouldn't be as appreciated without the other (does that make sense?) When I awake on those mornings when my bones and my head don't ache, I think, 'wow! nothing hurts!" (not that I have a lot of pain like some people - but my back and head ache almost every morning - may be a bit of sleep apnea) But if one is in their 70+ years, this is not unexpected... and truth be known, perfectly acceptable. What is harder to accept is the fact that if we should die today, the general public would not be surprised - as 70 is a good long life. This wouldn't matter to us (whether they were surprised or not) at the time, but for whatever reason, it matters today.
That's a cute video, reminding me that dogs do have feelings and a love for their master that can last beyond the death of their master.
I believe dogs understand love from my experiences with the golden grand-dog.
At a recent Dr’s appointment, he was surprised with the small file I had. I have managed to keep visits to one a year. I keep the Buddhist principles in mind however. I try to enjoy to the maximum these times with few medical issues.
The whole philosophy seems to be that we have little control over anything and that we must be reflective but not try to argue about the direction we go. But we are the lucky ones, we have food, shelter, and no fear of war outside our doorstep, so perhaps it is easier to be Buddhist when that is the case.
I love these reflections and try (a constant work in progress) to live by them. Thank you dear DJan.
I am in my 7th year. I have lived a good, measured, mostly well planned, cautious life. That sounds dull, but for me it is the right thing. Can I plan what comes next? Not so much. but I will try to remember to embrace each day along the way to whatever is next.
What a great reminder to live life with a grateful heart. Have a great week, DJan.
Very thoughtful.
Yes, we have to be thankful for right now. To be otherwise is a waste of good life. I see many people who are not happy at all.
I am grateful for you and your friendship! I hope you have a wonderful week:)
Hi DJan, It makes me happy that, as you put it, the Five Buddhist Remembrances ... "keep coming up to me, reminding me once again about how change is inevitable in life." I just wanted to say thank you for introducing me to the Five. I hope you will write even more about them. I am trying to focus on them more in my daily life. Thank you, as always, for sharing! Wishing you a happy week ahead! John
The remembrances are perfect to keep in mind every day.
Lovely post, my friend! :)
Exactly. Reading this I felt a great sense of familiarity. Your words mirror my own though....and comfort me.:)
The remembrances are wise words. I am about your age and aiming to be a wise woman. Ha! Change is constant.
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