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 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.
There. Doesn't that feel better?
When you first read this, it's terrifyingly scary. I know, I was scared too. Still am.
It's all true, though. It does feel better to read, and say it, and believe it.
It's the nature of fire to burn. It's our nature to change.
What do we do when we find out we can't hold on to what makes us feel good?
When we find out something we counted on is shifting away?
How consistent are we in our interactions? Do we pay attention to that?
How many questions can we ask ourselves in a day?
Those of you reading this, please answer in the comments: Do you ask yourself these things?
I definitely think things like that. Is there any way to avoid anything that is part of the cycle of life?
ReplyDeleteNo.
But that's ok. It's life.
What the Buddha says in the post is merely facts and facts that are universal. I say this because religion, government and laws can't refute what is said. Simply put, we are born alone, hopefully find companionship, and die alone. Suffering is integral to all parts of the lifecycle.
ReplyDeleteWhat is clear and reassuring about something so definite and initially unreassuring is that it will happen and there is no hidden or obscure meaning. This message and statements enable one to prepare for life. The Buddha statements remind one that remembrance for posterity is a futile effort. One has to make the most of the present. Being present, enables you to see clearly and not cloud your mind. Knowing these caveats enables a life to be lead by practicality and enables emotion to not obscure ones life goals. You can appreciate life for what it is a cycle.
That said, it is scary but also the truth. These questions are the necessary reality check that everyone should think about each day.
I ask myself these questions to make sense of thoughts that pass through and inhabit my mind during the day. Why did that thought find center stage in my mind? What is the purpose of this thought? What can I learn from this thought and its appearance?
Not Disneyland thoughts but necessary and worthwhile.