Overview
To combat the profound psychological infatuations with youth, health, and life, the Buddha instructed all his followers—monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen—to reflect on these five facts every single day. Regular contemplation of these realities destroys pride and generates a powerful sense of spiritual urgency.
The List
- Jarādhammo’mhi, jaraṃ anatīto: “I am subject to aging, I have not gone beyond aging.” (Destroys the pride of youth).
- Byādhidhammo’mhi, byādhiṃ anatīto: “I am subject to illness, I have not gone beyond illness.” (Destroys the pride of health).
- Maraṇadhammo’mhi, maraṇaṃ anatīto: “I am subject to death, I have not gone beyond death.” (Destroys the pride of life).
- Sabbehi me piyehi manāpehi nānābhāvo vinābhāvo: “I will grow different, separate from all that is dear and appealing to me.” (Destroys attachment to loved ones and possessions).
- Kammassako’mhi…: “I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma, related to my kamma, abide supported by my kamma. Whatever kamma I shall do, for good or for ill, of that I will be the heir.” (Destroys misconduct by body, speech, and mind).
Textual References
- Canonical: Upajjhaṭṭhāna Sutta (AN 5.57) – The Buddha provides this exact list and explicitly explains the psychological purpose of reflecting on each one.