The Five Remembrances with Peter Banki

The Five Remembrances are a Buddhist practice of meditating on the universal truths of aging, illness, death, separation from loved ones, and the consequences of one's actions. Reciting these can foster appreciation for life, encourage living more fully, and provide a framework for facing loss and death with greater equanimity and peace. 

The Five Remembrances

Anguttara Nikaya 5.57

Translation by Thich Nhat Hanh

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

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

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

4. 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.

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

The Five Remembrances wake us up to the importance of how we care for ourselves and others as we grow older, experience changes in our health and relationships, grieve for what we love and lose, and, finally, face into our own death. They ask us to honor what and who really matters in our one precious life. They invite us to listen and learn by heart, to share the wonder and wisdom of compassionate practice. 

Considered to be among the foundational teachings of Buddhism, we will go beyond a conceptual understanding to bring these five facts of life into our everyday awareness and actions. Embracing their truth encourages and supports us to live with greater intimacy: to act, speak, touch, and love one another in ways that deeply reflect an understanding of constant change, freeing us to be more alive and present.

This workshop is inspired by the work of Frank Ostaseski.

Purpose of the Practice

• Promote appreciation for life:

  By facing impermanence, individuals can savor their lives and relationships more deeply. 

• Cultivate resilience:

  The practice helps build strength and adaptability when facing difficult circumstances. 

• Prepare for loss and death:

  Contemplating these truths can reduce fear and anxiety surrounding one's own death and provide support for others facing loss. 

• Foster compassion:

  Understanding shared suffering fosters a sense of interconnectedness with others.