Tonglen meditation is an amazing tool. It is pure alchemy – you breathe in suffering, transform it and release it as light. I was introduced to it by Pema Chödrön. I use it when interacting with people who are suffering and who I can’t help, and people who appear negative. It works well because it instantly shifts the perspective (if one remembers to use it). In his talk for the Tricycle Magazine, Ethan Nichtern gives a great explanation of the practice. Below is a redacted copy.
A very brief practice of a form of compassion or empathizing meditation in Tibetan is called tonglen, which literally means “sending and receiving.” It’s practice that is really super helpful to working with relationships.
Continue reading
Nomad of the Universe 