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Tonglen (Compassion Breathing)
Tonglen, meaning 'giving and taking' in Tibetan Buddhism, transforms suffering into compassion through mindful breathing - inhaling pain and exhaling healing light.
Sitting in contemplative silence, you become aware of each breath as a bridge between self and other. Tonglen, the profound Tibetan Buddhist practice of 'giving and taking,' invites us to transform suffering into compassion through the vehicle of the breath.
This ancient meditation technique, dating back to 11th century Tibet, reverses our natural tendency to avoid pain. By mindfully breathing in the suffering of others and breathing out relief, we cultivate boundless compassion while dissolving the illusion of separation.
Spiritual practitioners, healers, and those facing personal or collective grief find refuge in Tonglen. The practice offers a powerful method for transmuting emotional pain into understanding, developing radical empathy, and experiencing the interconnected nature of all beings.