Upajjhatthana¶

The Five Remembrances, also known as Panca Niyama Dhamma in Pali, are a set of reflections in Buddhism that help cultivate MINDFULNESS and appreciate the preciousness of life. They are:

1. I am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape aging and death.
2. I am of the nature to have ill health. No one is immune to sickness, injury, and disease.
3. I am of the nature to die. Death is an inevitable reality for all living things.
4. All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. Nothing lasts forever, including relationships and possessions.
5. My actions (karma) are the only belongings I bring with me beyond this life. My thoughts, words, and deeds will determine the quality of my future experiences.

benefits¶

• Overcoming attachment: By realizing the transient nature of all things, one can overcome attachment to material possessions and emotions, leading to a more peaceful and contented life.
• Reducing fear of death: By understanding that all things are impermanent and subject to change, one can reduce fear of death and the unknown.
• Promoting wisdom: An appreciation of the impermanence of all things can deepen one's understanding of the nature of reality, leading to greater wisdom.
• Improving mindfulness: Meditation on impermanence encourages MINDFULNESS of the present moment and helps one stay focused on what is happening in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
• Encouraging self-reflection: By contemplating impermanence, one can reflect on the purpose and meaning of life, and focus on what is truly important.

Upajjhatthana¶

Here are the general steps to meditate with the Five Recollections (Upajjhatthana) in Theravada Buddhism:

Find a quiet place to sit comfortably and establish a stable posture.

Begin with a few deep breaths, calming your mind and body.

Recite the Five Recollections mentally or out loud, if desired:

I am of the nature to grow old. Age is inevitable. I am of the nature to have ill health. Illness is inevitable. I am of the nature to die. Death is inevitable. All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. Separation from them is inevitable. My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground upon which I stand. Reflect deeply on each recollection, allowing the message to penetrate your mind.

Spend time contemplating the truths contained within each recollection.

End the meditation with a few deep breaths and a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reflect on these important truths.

Repeat the meditation as often as you like, especially when feeling uncertain or discouraged.

Remember that meditation is a personal journey and there is no right or wrong way to do it. The goal is to deepen your understanding of the Five Recollections and the impact they have on your life. With consistent practice, you will develop a stronger MINDFULNESS and sense of inner peace.

Upajjhatthana or the "Five Recollections"¶

is a meditation practice found in Theravada Buddhism. It involves contemplating the following five topics:

• The recollection of impermanence: The meditation focuses on the impermanence of all things and the transience of life.
• The recollection of death: The meditation reflects on the inevitability of death and the unpredictability of when it will occur.
• The recollection of the purity of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha: The meditation focuses on the qualities of the Three Jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – and their role in helping one reach enlightenment.
• The recollection of the virtues of one's own moral conduct: The meditation reflects on one's own actions and the impact they have on one's own life and the lives of others.
• The recollection of generosity: The meditation focuses on the benefits of generosity and the importance of practicing it in order to develop a generous mind.

The goal of the Upajjhatthana meditation is to bring about a sense of urgency in one's spiritual practice and to develop a strong motivation for the attainment of enlightenment.

By contemplating the impermanence of life and death, the purity of the Three Jewels, one's own conduct, and the benefits of generosity, practitioners are encouraged to cultivate a deeper understanding of the Dharma and to live their lives in accordance with Buddhist teachings.

what is Upajjhaṭṭhana¶

Upajjhaṭṭhana is a Pali word that means "the four reminders."

In Theravada Buddhism, Upajjhaṭṭhana is a practice of self-reflection and MINDFULNESS that is used to cultivate a sense of awareness and understanding.

It is one of the Five Spiritual Faculties, along with faith, effort, mindfulness, and concentration.

The four reminders of Upajjhaṭṭhana are:

• Impermanence (Anicca): Everything is constantly changing and nothing lasts forever.
• Suffering (Dukkha): All existence is characterized by suffering and unsatisfactoriness.
• Non-self (Anatta): The self is not a permanent, unchanging entity but is instead a collection of ever-changing mental and physical phenomena.
• The Four Noble Truths: The teachings of the Buddha about the nature of suffering and the path to liberation from it.

By contemplating these four reminders, practitioners of Upajjhaṭṭhana aim to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality and the causes of suffering, and to develop greater wisdom, compassion, and liberation from negative mental states and suffering.

The practice can be performed alone or as part of a group, and can be a helpful tool for gaining greater insight and clarity in one's daily life.