The Five Recollections, by kelly klein

The Five Recollections have been a comforting reminder to me over the years of the truth of reality. Someone once said it was morbid, depressing. Quite the opposite, for me it is liberating. Knowing the truth I can accept it and not fight against it, not resist the true nature of all living things.

As my body ages, I can more easily accept the naturalness of this process and laugh as the skin begins to hang, or the wrinkles mask my eyebrows. 

As I lose so many loved ones, it reminds me that what comes to life always passes away. Impermanence.  While I mourn the loss, it is easier and has a sweet depth to it, knowing this is the way it is, for me and all beings. I can simply be with what comes up and hold it gently.

The Five Recollections 

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

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

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

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

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

  - the Buddha