Three's an auspicious number right?

I mean, there's the Buddha/Dhamma/Sangha, there's Sila/Samadhi/Pannya, there's several good trilogies (Star Wars, LOTOR), even the holy trinity for our Christian friends... *grins* Too bad I'm not in the slightest bit superstitious (or faithful for that matter). That said, last night marked 3 days of consecutive meditation practice on my part... it's been longer than I'd like to admit since I've been able to say that... so celebrating the small victories today. To that aim, I'm happy to report the back pain has fallen off quite a bit, don't get me wrong... a 200lb man, with limited flexibility, that's not accustomed to sitting on the floor (read: addicted to high chairs)... is going to be uncomfortable after a fairly short period of time sitting in the half-lotus position... but nice to see the tolerance for it is building rather quickly. Well, that's probably enough about back aches *grins*... now let's move on to belly aching, or more concisely throat/sinus/sickness related belly aching. That's right, that cold or whatever I've been fighting has taken hold... and it comes as no surprise (even for a guy that's rarely sick). My favorite Pali chant reminds me that this is part of the human experience. That chant, is on a very short list (maybe just the one) that I actually know the translation/meaning of in it's entirety... it takes chanting a step beyond puja (verneration) for me... and reminds that there's more than just illness to contend with in samsara (cycle of life)... Anyway, I think it's only fitting to close with so here's the Five Subjects for Frequent Recollection for benefit of myself and readers alike: Jarā-dhammomhi jaraṃ anatīto. I am subject to aging. Aging is unavoidable. Byādhi-dhammomhi byādhiṃ anatīto. I am subject to illness. Illness is unavoidable. Maraṇa-dhammomhi maraṇaṃ anatīto. I am subject to death. Death is unavoidable. Sabbehi me piyehi manāpehi nānā-bhāvo vinā-bhāvo. I will grow different, separate from all that is dear & appealing to me. Kammassakomhi kamma-dāyādo kamma-yoni kamma-bandhu kamma-paṭisaraṇo. I am the owner of my actions, heir to my actions, born of my actions, related through my actions, and live dependent on my actions. Yaṃ kammaṃ karissāmi kalyāṇaṃ vā pāpakaṃ vā tassa dāyādo bhavissāmi. Whatever I do, for good or for evil, to that will I fall heir. Evaṃ amhehi abhiṇhaṃ paccavekkhitabbaṃ. We should often reflect on this. Metta UA