The Upajjhatthana Sutta (“Subjects for Contemplation”) is a Buddhist discourse famous for its inclusion of five remembrances, five facts regarding life’s fragility and our true inheritance.
This is the Thich Nhat Hanh version:
- 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 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.
- My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand.
