David top stuff!! Although you forgot to tell me to open my eyes and return to the real world at the end. Not sure how long I sat there basking in the afterglow (insert hands over face emoji here).
But it was a nice afterglow so doesn't really matter!
Such a wonderful post, David. I love how you take one Buddhist concept or principle, explain it in understandable language, and then provide ways we can incorporate it into everyday life. I too will be doing the meditation after posting this.
I struggle with my sibling relationship and the state of the world. I frequently go into overwhelm and now I have such a wonderful tool to deal with this.
Feeling so grateful for your insight and wisdom. 🙏
I was just thinking of looking this up in order to refresh my recollection. It truly is powerful. Thank you for your amazing timeliness and simplicity. It's so nice to be able to see you weekly. Again, thanks. ❤️🙏
I appreciate the reminder!!! Also, this was so nicely explained … inspired me to do some tonglen as soon as I get this comment off to you. Best Wishes to you and Koala, David.
This comes at the right time, as I’m dealing with a former friend jailed for a terrible crime. Torn between compassion and judgement, love and terror- this is potent medicine. In my 5 year dedicated study of Kagyu Buddhist practice I struggled with this practice. I’m an empathetic, and have learned how I must shield myself from other people’s strong emotions
Wow, The story of the Dalai Lamas' cat visiting the monastery really struck a chord for me. And then also to learn about the Tonglen meditation, just when I needed it the most. Thank you so very much, from Bronwyne.
Thank you, David. This is really helpful to me right now. There is so much suffering in the world with the war in the Ukraine and in the Middle East. I am also very worried about the coming election in the US, and have friends who are troubled and/or sick. Knowing and practicing Tongen helps me deal with it all.
Thank you so much for this easy to understand explanation and the benefits of Tonglen. I have practiced it in the past in led mediations at a Buddhist centre without its origin or benefits explained. It always amazes me how by some serendipity that what you need appears and this practice could not come at a more helpful time for me at the moment. Also I now love to begin my meditations with gratitude, an excellent way to bring mind and thoughts into a good place to start. Thanks again.
This lovely post reminds me of the quote, “Sorrow shared, is sorrow halved; joy shared is joy doubled!” By absorbing sorrow and pain, and sending back healing and joy, we are connecting with those we love - as well as expanding our own hearts by sending out those same feelings in loving intentions to all living creatures (and our planet), much like when a pebble is tossed into a lake. David, it’s a beautiful post and a gentle reminder that it’s not always about ME (grin) !!
Very welcome practice. Just what I'm ready for. Thank you, David. My meditation kitty enjoyed it too..in fact, both came up and purred. Kathy
Glad to hear this, Kathy. Many cats do seem to respond very positively to the psycho-physical shift that happens when we meditate.
My cat Tiger meditates with me every day! I am so blessed. :-)
Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Very lucky, Sharon!
Thank you for sharing this meditation. I am truly grateful.🙏
My hearfelt thanks, Pamela!
David top stuff!! Although you forgot to tell me to open my eyes and return to the real world at the end. Not sure how long I sat there basking in the afterglow (insert hands over face emoji here).
But it was a nice afterglow so doesn't really matter!
So glad to hear - thank you Chris! Glad that there was an afterglow!
Such a wonderful post, David. I love how you take one Buddhist concept or principle, explain it in understandable language, and then provide ways we can incorporate it into everyday life. I too will be doing the meditation after posting this.
I struggle with my sibling relationship and the state of the world. I frequently go into overwhelm and now I have such a wonderful tool to deal with this.
Feeling so grateful for your insight and wisdom. 🙏
I really hope you find that this practice helps, thank you Brenda!
Great meditation David. Bibi my dog sat calmly through it as well. Thank you. Tom
I am really glad to hear this - thanks so much for the feedback, Tom!
Thank you David. Found this extremely helpful and just what was needed today!🌹💓
I am so happy to hear it, thank you Adrienne!
I was just thinking of looking this up in order to refresh my recollection. It truly is powerful. Thank you for your amazing timeliness and simplicity. It's so nice to be able to see you weekly. Again, thanks. ❤️🙏
Thank you so much Penelope! Fond memories of our meditation sessions together out in Africa!
I appreciate the reminder!!! Also, this was so nicely explained … inspired me to do some tonglen as soon as I get this comment off to you. Best Wishes to you and Koala, David.
Much Gratitude …
Patricia A 🇨🇦
Thank you so much Patricia, lovely to hear from you!
This comes at the right time, as I’m dealing with a former friend jailed for a terrible crime. Torn between compassion and judgement, love and terror- this is potent medicine. In my 5 year dedicated study of Kagyu Buddhist practice I struggled with this practice. I’m an empathetic, and have learned how I must shield myself from other people’s strong emotions
I hope you find this helps you deal with those conflicting emotions, Patrise!
Very nicely and simply explained. I will try. Tom
Many thanks, Tom!
Dear David,
Wow, The story of the Dalai Lamas' cat visiting the monastery really struck a chord for me. And then also to learn about the Tonglen meditation, just when I needed it the most. Thank you so very much, from Bronwyne.
Thank you, David. This is really helpful to me right now. There is so much suffering in the world with the war in the Ukraine and in the Middle East. I am also very worried about the coming election in the US, and have friends who are troubled and/or sick. Knowing and practicing Tongen helps me deal with it all.
I struggle with the concept of interconnectedness.
The practice of Tonglen may help me come to a fuller understanding.
It is a journey I need to travel.
Thank you for being a guiding light in my darkness.
Dearest David,
Thanks so much for sharing this beautiful meditation. I will practice it .
Rossy Cortes
Mexico
Thank you so much for this easy to understand explanation and the benefits of Tonglen. I have practiced it in the past in led mediations at a Buddhist centre without its origin or benefits explained. It always amazes me how by some serendipity that what you need appears and this practice could not come at a more helpful time for me at the moment. Also I now love to begin my meditations with gratitude, an excellent way to bring mind and thoughts into a good place to start. Thanks again.
This lovely post reminds me of the quote, “Sorrow shared, is sorrow halved; joy shared is joy doubled!” By absorbing sorrow and pain, and sending back healing and joy, we are connecting with those we love - as well as expanding our own hearts by sending out those same feelings in loving intentions to all living creatures (and our planet), much like when a pebble is tossed into a lake. David, it’s a beautiful post and a gentle reminder that it’s not always about ME (grin) !!