B 5 REMEMBRANCES X I am of the nature to grow old. I am of the nature to fall ill. I am of the nature to die

 A

What you’ve written echoes one of the Five Remembrances in Buddhism — contemplations taught by the Buddha to help awaken us to the truth of impermanence and release clinging to the illusion of control.

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🧘 The Five Remembrances (translated from the Upajjhatthana Sutta):

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

2. I am of the nature to become ill. There is no way to escape illness.

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.

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🪷 Why Contemplate This?

Not to depress, but to liberate.

By contemplating these truths, we:

• Loosen our grip on ego and control.

• Soften our fear of change, loss, and death.

• Cultivate compassion — realizing everyone shares this fate.

• Learn to live more fully in the now, with clarity and care.

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🕊️ A Gentle Reflection:

Say it slowly to yourself:

“I am of the nature to grow old. I am of the nature to fall ill. I am of the nature to die.”

Feel what arises. Let it be. No resistance. No denial.

Then gently return to the breath. You are not the fear. You are the awareness in which it moves.

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Would you like a guided version of this meditation, or a poetic form to keep close?