The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step

Tonglen

Pema Chödrön’s instruction on how to practice tonglen

Pain Pema Chödrön Shambhala Sun - Sept '10 Tonglen

In order to have compassion for others, we have to have compassion for ourselves. In particular, to care about other people who are fearful, angry, jealous, overpowered by addictions of all kinds, arrogant, proud, miserly, selfish—you name it—means to not run from the pain of finding these things in ourselves. In fact, one’s whole attitude toward pain can change. Instead of fending it off and hiding from it, one can open one’s heart and allow oneself to feel that pain, feel it as something that will soften and purify us and make us far more loving and kind.

Source: Georgia Buddhist Jampa Pawo executed – Lion’s Roar