The Four Profound Reminders

Intended for use in Buddhist-oriented recovery meetings, this is a meditation on Buddhism's Four Profound Reminders: that our lives are precious; that impermanence is real; that we are governed by cause and effect; and that there is suffering, or dis-ease, in life.

Transcript

This is a meditation on Buddhism's four profound reminders.

Before we begin,

Take a few moments to find your meditation posture.

If you're seated in a chair,

I encourage you to have both feet flat on the floor.

Sit with your back straight but not rigid,

Upright,

Your head level,

Your eyes closed or gently cast down,

And let your hands relax in your lap.

Take a few good deep breaths.

Feel your tensions begin to melt away,

And feel yourself rooting more deeply into your meditation posture.

Buddhist wisdom has much to offer people in recovery,

But its teachings might be summarized in four simple reminders.

That our lives are precious.

That impermanence is reality.

That chains of cause and effect shape our lives,

And that a sense of emotional and spiritual dis-ease often fills our lives.

The first reminder is that our lives are precious.

As you sit,

Present in the moment with breath and body,

Consider how sobriety has helped you to rediscover your life as something precious.

Think of people who have been helpful to you in your life and recovery.

Who has offered you the gifts of compassion and healing?

Their gifts to you are a blessing.

And who are the people you have helped?

Who have you had the opportunity to serve with your own compassion and understanding?

Your gifts to them are a blessing as well.

To recognize the value of your human birth and your work in sobriety is to be grateful for the love and care in your life.

As you continue to breathe with mindfulness,

Nourish a sense of gratitude for the gifts in your life and remember how precious life can be.

Od.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Reviews

Helpful reminders of Buddhist fundamentals and the nature of the world we live in.

If you have thoughts during meditation, these are great contemplations. Thank you! ☮️💖🙏🖖