The Five Remembrances

i finally finished reading the book by Thich Nhat Hanh called ANGER (Wisdom for Cooling the Flames) and it made me realize how all these years i have been very unskillful in dealing with anger, both mine and another person's. i’ve always considered myself to be composed and tolerant but after reading his book, i realised that i still have much to work on and take care of.

i’m not going to write on the effective and practical techniques that this remarkable Buddhist monk described in his book now. i have yet to continually practice what i’ve read to be able to share it with conviction.

What i’m posting today are the Five Remembrances taught by the gaotama buddha & photographs i've taken through the years; images in my mind’s eye that will be hardest to part with...

I am of the nature to grow old. I cannot escape old age.

a red stone doorway to a sun-washed corridor @ AngkorWat


I am of the nature to have ill health. I cannot escape ill health.

fresh fruits for lunch prepared by Vince Escario on a holy week in Bantayan island

I am of the nature to die. I cannot escape dying.

desolate beach @ Panglao

All that is dear to me and everyone i love are of a nature to change. There is no way to escape being separated from them. I cannot keep anything, I come here empty-handed, and i go empty-handed.

Young monks @ Phnom Bakeang waiting for the breathtaking sunset

My actions are my only true belongings. I cannot escape the consequences of my actions. My actions are the ground on which i stand.

sand stone wall smeared with orange pigment and black soot @ siem reap