THE FIVE REMEMBRANCES
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.
At Red Clay Sangha, we begin the Full Moon Precepts Service with chanting the Five Remembrances. We all know that change is inevitable from our daily life experience. The Five Remembrances are facts of life, yet they are some of the most difficult aspects of our human condition.
The Buddha suggested practicing with these Five Remembrances daily. They are messengers that reiterate the Four Noble Truths of Buddhist teachings: there is suffering, there is a cause of suffering, there is way to end suffering, and that way is in our relationship with what is present here and now. These phrases invite deep contemplation of impermanence and illuminate how we can live fully with joy, compassion, and deep appreciation for the experience of being human.
This retreat will explore our experience with these five truths. We will practice to understand and respond to the suffering of change, in a wholesome and compassionate way. We will investigate what is helpful and liberative in the deep knowing and wise meeting impermanence.
Katie Rhodes is a member of Red Clay Sangha where she serves as a teacher, a member of the Elder's Council, and facilitates a monthly Insight Dialogue Practice group. She has been a Buddhist practitioner for over 30 years, primarily in the Insight/Vipassana tradition. She uses mindfulness-based cognitive approaches in her work as a psychotherapist. She has a doctorate in clinical social work. Katie began practicing with Insight Dialogue in 2023. She is a member of the Northeast Insight Dialogue Teaching cohort where Marsha is her mentor.
Questions? Please email Katie Rhodes
What to expect
The retreat will have periods for sitting and walking meditation, two dharma talks and discussion. All are welcome. No previous experience with meditation is required. You are invited to join for some or all of the day as you are able.
Dana
This retreat will be in person and on Zoom
To attend the session online: Click here to join. Alternatively go to https://zoom.us/, click the links to enter a meeting, and enter meeting ID 971-373-141 and password 879550.
Schedule
9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with an hour break for lunch.
Questions or More Information?
