Suzuki Roshi once asked, “Why do we practice meditation? So we can experience a pleasant old age.” Aging comes with a constellation of indignities and challenges, often resulting in a feeling of vulnerability. Our ability to accept that life is unreliable, the very definition of dukkha, is essential to maintaining peace of mind.

In this talk, David speaks about The Heavenly Messengers of old age, illness and death, as important reminders to practice, so that we can prepare our mind for the worst things that might happen to us. Whether it might be these, or injustice, climate change, or political instability, we can still experience equanimity.
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David Lewis has been following the dharma path for 45 years, has a degree in comparative religious studies, and is a graduate of Spirit Rock Meditation Center’s Dedicated Practitioners Program. He teaches Insight Meditation and enjoys sharing the dharma at several sanghas around the Bay Area. He is a proud long-time member of GBF.