TONGLEN - MENTAL FENG SHUI (PDF-2157)

I can see from your previous comments that I have to give a little more detail here about tonglen. Let’s take an example that is easy to understand. Let’s say I see a small puppy or child being hurt or suffering. It is quite natural for my heart go out to such an innocent creature. I am instantly compassionate. I wish I could lessen the suffering and take the small creature in my arms and hold it, giving it comfort. Tonglen is like this. We recognize and take on the suffering or pain wherever we find it and send back all that we have that might be comforting and kind. As mentioned, our heart goes out in these situations. This is the process. And while it is easier to imagine with something like a hurt puppy, the same transaction can be practiced with all who suffer. This is what tonglen is all about, regardless of whether the object is a cute puppy or a gnarly old what-you-have. All beings are deserving of compassion, even more so if they are mean and hurtful. Somewhere in there someone is suffering