Inner Climate of Mind

To be able to practice the disciplines leading to the control of the mind we need to create a favorable inner climate by consciously accepting certain ineligibles of life. Though they are inevitable, often enough we do not accept them as such with the result that unnecessary mental problems ate created. But those who want to control their minds must scrupulously avoid loading the mind with unnecessary problems, for there ate quite enough of necessary and unavoidable ones. We shall all do well to practice these teachings of the Buddha in the "Anguttare Nikaya".

Bhikkhus, these five things much be contemplated by all men and woman, householders as well as bhikkhus.

1. Old age will come upon you some day and you cannot avoid it.

2. Death can come upon you some day and you cannot avoid it.

3.Disease can come upon you and you cannot avoid it.

4. All things that you hold are subject to change and decay and separation, you cannot avoid it.

5. You are the outlook of your own deed and whatever be your deeds, good or bad, you shall be heir