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The five subjects or themes that the Buddha considered important for frequent recollection are:
1. I am of the nature to age; I have not gone beyond ageing
2. I am of the nature to sicken; I have not gone beyond sickness
3. I am of the nature to die; I have not gone beyond dying
4. All that is mine, beloved and pleasing, will become otherwise, will become separated from me
5. I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma. Whatever kamma I shall do, for good or for ill, of that I will be the heir.
To contemplate these themes brings us in direct contact with the truth of things, especially the truth of dukkha, or suffering. Fully understanding these truths allows us to open to the reality of our life, and every life, and deepens our capacity for compassion.
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