APRIL 21  TONGLEN PART 1

APRIL 21 TONGLEN PART 1

Tonglen is a Mahayana practice that helps us develop love and compassion for all beings.  It also aids in weakening our self cherishing.  Compassion is the wish that all sentient beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering.  Love is the wish that all beings have happiness and the causes of happiness.  If we are honest with ourselves, we can see how these motivate  our lives as we seek happiness  and try to avoid suffering.   Doing this practice helps us to see what we all have in common.  No one wants to suffer or be unhappy.   Tonglen can also point out  how difficult it can be to extend these to others, especially those  we don’t particularly care for.  By sticking with this practice we develop genuine love and compassion for all beings.  This can make our lives much more relaxed and positive.  This teaching by Lama Yeshe included both practice and teachings.