Tonglen for Tibet
Tonglen is Tibetan for 'taking and giving', and it refers to a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism.
In the practice, one visualizes taking onto oneself the suffering of others, and giving one's own happiness and success to others. As such it is a training in altruism in its most extreme form. The function of the practice is to:
- reduce selfish attachment
- increase a sense of renunciation
- create positive karma by giving and helping
- develop loving-kindness and bodhicitta
- it refers to all of the Six Perfections of giving, ethics, patience, joyous effort, concentration and wisdom, which are the practices of a Bodhisattva.
H.H. The Dalai Lama, who is said to practice Tonglen every day, has said of the technique: "Whether this meditation really helps others or not, it gives me peace of mind. Then I can be more effective, and the benefit is immense". [1]
- The Practice of Tonglen by Pema Chodron
Comments
Dear Renee Marie,
I have just enjoyed a look of your blog and it was like walking through a beautiful garden. Thank you fro posting such inspiring things and for the neighbourhood add.
Patricia
I can see your efforts and I will certainly be visiting again. There's a lot for me to learn from here. Warmest regards,
Patricia