Deep Dive into Tonglen

Deep Dive into Tonglen

Tonglen meditation, or “sending and taking”, is an ancient Buddhist practice to awaken compassion. With each in-breath, we take in others’ pain. With each out-breath, we send them relief. It can be done both as a formal meditation practice or on the spot in a moment of need. Below, you’ll find two different instructions for tonglen meditation, as well as personal accounts of how this practice can help us strengthen our inherent capacity for compassion.

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Deep Dive into Tonglen

Deep Dive into Tonglen

Tonglen meditation, or “sending and taking”, is an ancient Buddhist practice to awaken compassion. With each in-breath, we take in others’ pain. With each out-breath, we send them relief. It can be done both as a formal meditation practice or on the spot in a moment of need. Below, you’ll find two different instructions for…

The No-Escape Button

Rather than try to escape from painful feelings, Alixa Doom started practicing tonglen at her job at a psychiatric hospital.

Tonglen, Avalokiteshvara.

In With the Bad Air, Out With the Good

Gehlek Rinpoche on the practice of tonglen, the way to awaken bodhimind by doing exactly the opposite of what your ego wants.

Reversing Ego’s Logic

Pema Chödron gives a teaching on Tonglen and Lojong.

Tonglen.

How to Practice Tonglen Meditation

Pema Chödrön teaches us Tonglen, “sending and taking,” an ancient Buddhist practice to awaken compassion.

The Power of Tonglen

On the inbreath, says Judy Lief, take in what is bad, freeing others from it. On the outbreath, offer what is good.

breathe, breath

Tonglen: In with the Bad, Out with the Good

“Accepting and sending out” is a powerful meditation to develop compassion—for ourselves and others. Ethan Nichtern teaches Tonglen practice.

Helping Others – and Yourself – through Tonglen Meditation

Make your vow to help others real with this meditation teaching from Pema Chödrön.

Stone buddha sits in front of tall green grass with orange flowers

Kindness to Ourselves and Others

Suffering is more than the first noble truth of Buddhism. To see our own and others' suffering is the first step on the path, the birthplace of compassion. Judy Lief offers guidance on the journey.