Sandra, I was introduced to Tonglen many years ago and have found the practice very powerful, though not always easy. But what practice is?
However, I've never practiced it for myself. Thank you for that addition. As we do our best to hold the suffering with the joy, it's equally important to do that in our own lives. I needed this today.
Paulette, Thanks for sharing your experience of Tonglen, which, as you say, is not always easy. It does take courage! Breathing in the world's suffering can feel overwhelming, but we can also practice for a single individual. Some people fear breathing in darkness, which is why I like Dilgo Khyentse's explanation that the blackness dissolves in the white light at your heart. It also takes courage if we practice for people we perceive as enemies.
I'm glad the addition of practicing for yourself resonated. I've received versions of that from two different Buddhist teachings, so I feel it's valid to do and very much needed, especially now when the tariffs and other cruel policies of the current administration have upended people's lives.
Thanks for taking time to comment. It means a lot to me.
I always love your teachings, Sandra, and will try this exercise. However, because I'm such a visual person, I worry that the "black light" will stay in my heart (and not as desire). 😟
Lisa, Thank you for your kind words and honest response. You’re not alone in that concern; I’ve heard it from others. Buddhist teachings say that the only thing the black light will destroy is our ego, meaning grasping at a sense of self that lacks permanent existence— considered a positive outcome. But that doesn’t help assuage our concerns if we don’t feel confident about the idea. So many different practices are available to us, even just in the realm of compassion. If this one doesn’t feel like a comfortable fit for you, that’s okay! Don’t force it. Thanks for your reply, and all the best to you.
Yes! Tonglen is my main meditation practice. I've seen it work magic, and I often think how the world would be different if everyone did this practice. It’s exactly what's needed right now.
Charles, I'm inspired to hear that you've seen Tonglen work magic! More encouragement to keep us going on the path in these tough times. I too felt it's exactly what we need right now. Thanks for your reply.
I immediately knew I wanted to try this with Trump and I wish I had read your response to Paulette first. I'll try it again with your advice to allow the blackness to dissolve in the white light in my heart. That is beautiful! First, I need a break. 😉
Cathy, I'm so inspired that you tried doing this for Trump! You are courageous. I'm glad the points I shared with Paulette can help you fine-tune. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you for sharing this practice. Wondering if you have suggestions for how to make it a habit? I've been aware of Tonglen for many years. My greatest challenge is remembering to do it!
Judy, I know remembering to remember can be challenging! Three ideas: 1) put a Post-it note in a prominent place, 2) set a time on your watch or phone to remind you, and 3) Schedule it in your calendar. I'm off to do my meditation practice now! Thanks for your support!
Oh, Sandra, this is so marvelous. It feels to me like a positive way to deal with the current craziness in the world. So much more powerful than doom scrolling and just letting all that negativity absorb into us. I'm so grateful you shared this.
Charlotte, I appreciate your openness and curiosity about Buddhism! Thank you for your presence and participation. I'm so glad this may help. I agree, it doesn't help to get sucked into the negativity, but sometimes it's so easy to do.
Sandra, I was introduced to Tonglen many years ago and have found the practice very powerful, though not always easy. But what practice is?
However, I've never practiced it for myself. Thank you for that addition. As we do our best to hold the suffering with the joy, it's equally important to do that in our own lives. I needed this today.
Paulette, Thanks for sharing your experience of Tonglen, which, as you say, is not always easy. It does take courage! Breathing in the world's suffering can feel overwhelming, but we can also practice for a single individual. Some people fear breathing in darkness, which is why I like Dilgo Khyentse's explanation that the blackness dissolves in the white light at your heart. It also takes courage if we practice for people we perceive as enemies.
I'm glad the addition of practicing for yourself resonated. I've received versions of that from two different Buddhist teachings, so I feel it's valid to do and very much needed, especially now when the tariffs and other cruel policies of the current administration have upended people's lives.
Thanks for taking time to comment. It means a lot to me.
That's so helpful, Sandra- the blackness dissolving into the white light.
Yes, it truly resonated with me. There's comfort for me in always trusting what you share.
Give thanks, Sandra, for sharing this powerful practice and way of thinking about the suffering in the world. A deep bow and a lotus for you 🙏🪷🩵
Deanna, Thank you for your kind words. I'm so touched!
I always love your teachings, Sandra, and will try this exercise. However, because I'm such a visual person, I worry that the "black light" will stay in my heart (and not as desire). 😟
Lisa, Thank you for your kind words and honest response. You’re not alone in that concern; I’ve heard it from others. Buddhist teachings say that the only thing the black light will destroy is our ego, meaning grasping at a sense of self that lacks permanent existence— considered a positive outcome. But that doesn’t help assuage our concerns if we don’t feel confident about the idea. So many different practices are available to us, even just in the realm of compassion. If this one doesn’t feel like a comfortable fit for you, that’s okay! Don’t force it. Thanks for your reply, and all the best to you.
Yes! Tonglen is my main meditation practice. I've seen it work magic, and I often think how the world would be different if everyone did this practice. It’s exactly what's needed right now.
Thank you for writing this 🙏🏼
Charles, I'm inspired to hear that you've seen Tonglen work magic! More encouragement to keep us going on the path in these tough times. I too felt it's exactly what we need right now. Thanks for your reply.
I immediately knew I wanted to try this with Trump and I wish I had read your response to Paulette first. I'll try it again with your advice to allow the blackness to dissolve in the white light in my heart. That is beautiful! First, I need a break. 😉
Cathy, I'm so inspired that you tried doing this for Trump! You are courageous. I'm glad the points I shared with Paulette can help you fine-tune. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Thank you SO much for this pure goodness Sandra, could not love this more!!🙏🥰👏♥️
Awesome! I'm so happy to hear that, Niki!
Thank you for sharing this practice. Wondering if you have suggestions for how to make it a habit? I've been aware of Tonglen for many years. My greatest challenge is remembering to do it!
Judy, I know remembering to remember can be challenging! Three ideas: 1) put a Post-it note in a prominent place, 2) set a time on your watch or phone to remind you, and 3) Schedule it in your calendar. I'm off to do my meditation practice now! Thanks for your support!
Ahhh I was in a class today and during a lull in conversation it was the perfect time to do this practice.
Wonderful!
Oh, Sandra, this is so marvelous. It feels to me like a positive way to deal with the current craziness in the world. So much more powerful than doom scrolling and just letting all that negativity absorb into us. I'm so grateful you shared this.
Charlotte, I appreciate your openness and curiosity about Buddhism! Thank you for your presence and participation. I'm so glad this may help. I agree, it doesn't help to get sucked into the negativity, but sometimes it's so easy to do.
Sandra, I am familiar with Tonglen but have not practiced it for myself either. Thank you for that information.
Tracy, You’re so welcome!
Phil and Maude, Thank you for sharing!