Monday, May 11, we will meet online.
Dear Thay, dear friends,
This week, we will meet Monday evening, May 11, from 7-8:30PM ET online; Wednesday morning, May 13, from 7-8AM ET in person at our meditation space (3812 Northampton Street NW); and Friday, May 15, 12-1PM ET online.
Our evening meditation will be facilitated by Marie. She shares:
On Monday, we will practice together, recite the Five Remembrances, and then share our experience and/or responses to them. The Remembrances originate from the Buddha’s teachings on impermanence, and Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) encouraged us to recite them regularly as a way to transform fear into acceptance and appreciation of life.
The Five Remembrances:
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.
I inherit the results of my actions of body, speech, and mind. My actions are my continuation.
Ironically, I had forgotten about the Five Remembrances until recently.
When I remembered them and began reciting them daily - oh, what a difference it has made! The same realities exist, but I am experiencing them differently.
Whether it is my own health (a back problem that persists despite months-long TLC), or that of my elderly mother (who is increasingly bed bound), or the state of this world (meaning the destruction of people, planet, and the multidimensional scaffolding that was intended to protect both), this practice helps me in concrete ways. It also strengthens my understanding of impermanence and interbeing.
Hence, this invitation to remember. On Monday night, you’re invited to share your experience of practicing with the Five Remembrances.
I look forward to being together.
With love and a bow,
Marie