Pema Chodron - The practice of Tonglen

Tonglen is Tibetan for 'giving and taking' (or sending and receiving), and refers to a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism.
In the practice, one visualizes taking in the suffering of oneself and of others on the in-breath, and on the out-breath giving recognition, compassion, and succor to all sentient beings.] As such it is a training in altruism.
The function of the practice is to:
a) Reduce selfish attachment
b) Increase a sense of renunciation
C) Create positive karma by giving and helping
d) Develop and expand loving-kindness and bodhicitta

[@bctclassvideo8025]

This works. I've been in the presence of several people, who were suffering from things like overwhelming grief, terror of dying, depression, etc... What I do that is different than most people who are not aware of this practice is I don't try to make it better.I simply, as Pema advises, take their suffering into my heart, pen my heart to their pain. I also stay fully present with them. And they inevitably tell me that they feel better, usually within a couple of minutes. They say they feel more calm. I know I do.

[@TinaSotis]

The soft spot...big exhale, tears come...

[@debramcgonnell3631]

This was so helpful for me in this practice which is so challenging but I feel lighter after the tears and its power. Thank you, Pema.

[@SIEBEGORMEN]

sounds like someone experiencing his suffering in the background

[@artisttemple8268]

Tonglen practice is approximately 11 minutes - from the bell at 36:15 to the bell at 47:08.

[@kalpnasingh6921]

Such a beautiful practice heart felt gratitude and thanks to a great teacher with best wishes and metta

[@zabby9294]

Thank you Pema. I am always comforted by this practice. Thank you for your teachings.

[@reginadegiovanni6685]

Thank you for teaching us. Please please live long 🙏❤️

[@willmcmillan1430]

Thank you for sharing this video and these ideas and this practice!

[@reginadegiovanni6685]

For Ven. Roger 🙏 get well soon.

[@erickarenas4429]

Thank you 💜

[@ultravioletpisces3666]

Every time I listen to Pema I am amazed.

[@michaelfrench1105]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@susanmuir6969]

Wonderful visual of prayer flags for the sending ...

[@johndoran8638]

Advertising in the middle of a guided meditation ? (I love Pema though )

[@clevblue]

Great teaching, med begins at 36 mins

[@blakesilvertooth792]

Thank you

[@lisamurray599]

The block

[@sl0t_junky96]

P3M@!!!