Welcoming the “Messengers” of Aging, Illness, Death – and Awakening

Aging, illness, and death are realities we all live with, even when we try not to think about them. Often, they show up quietly in the background as worry, grief, fear, or a sense of urgency we can’t quite name.

In this talk, I explore a classic Buddhist teaching known as the four heavenly messengers—aging, illness, death, and the possibility of awakening—and how we can relate to them in ways that reduce suffering and support a full, meaningful life.

You’re welcome to join me live each week for these talks — for free — by signing up at https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-meditations-with-dr-rick-hanson/. We always start with a guided meditation to set the tone for the evening. If you’d like to experience the meditation that accompanied this talk, you can listen to it at: https://rickhanson.com/talk-meditation-welcoming-the-messengers-of-aging-illness-death-and-awakening/

And if you'd like to check out any of my online programs at https://rickhanson.com/online-courses/, you can receive 20% off by using coupon code PW20 during checkout.