The Buddhist practice of Tonglen is an activity that will eliminate undesired emotions when we are distressed, confused, sad or angry. When these emotions take over we can feel that all hope is gone. Tonglen will extend out into the world. It will only take a few minutes but it has far-reaching results.
We all possess a soft spot where we can envision help for ourselves and all those on the planet. Rather than running from or hiding the emotion that is controlling us, this practice will show how to embrace it.
Avoid doing what is habitual and crippling. This time do something different. When something is painful we push it away. When something is pleasurable we cling to it and hold on to it. Tonglen is reversing that habit at a fundamental level. When it is painful we breathe it in, own it completely, let it touch us, thus overcoming the fear of pain. When it is delightful we send it out, we actually loosen our grip and share it with others, wishing for others to feel this sense of happiness, relaxation, and sense of well being.
At the everyday level, it is getting into the habit of whenever these unwanted, uncomfortable feelings arise, we breathe them in wishing all beings are free of these feelings. With pleasurable feelings, we need to get in the habit of sending that out to others so they may feel it too.
The essence of Tonglen:
When you see pain feel the pain.
When you see suffering, feel the suffering.
Breath in, feel and own that feeling and be willing to feel the suffering of humanity.
Breath out freshness, compassion, kindness, openness, anything that encourages openness and relaxation.
As you breathe in you are training and staying with the soft spot of compassion. As you breathe out you are training and staying with the soft spot as well.
In Breath:
May all being be free of suffering and the root of suffering.
Out Breath:
May all beings enjoy happiness and the root of happiness.
When you breathe in there is nowhere for the emotion to get stuck. The energy is always moving, always into the next moment. Our fundamental fear is that things could get stuck. The truth is we are not solid beings so there is no place for it to get stuck.
When you breathe out there is nothing obstructing the emotion you are sending out. Nothing blocks what you send out. It just goes out. Breathing out is like a Tibetan prayer flag. You write your aspirations or prayers on the fabric and hang it on a pole. The wind carries the goodwill out to the ends of the universe.
Let this be your focus to change hate into love for all mankind.
In the Light
Marnie
Healing Share April 24. 6:45
New Class- Expand your intuition with Lenormand Card Readings
April 25 & 30 10am to 1pm
Reiki 2 April 20 & 27 12:30 – 4:30
Reiki 1 April 28 9:30 – 4:30
Master Reiki May 7 & 14 5:30 – 9:30
