Interesting article on meditation

June 21, 2005

Transforming Negative Into Positive

Tonglen Meditation

Just as pain can grow exponentially, so can compassion and love be inspired

in countless others. All it takes is a single individual who chooses to

transform negative energy into goodness. One method of doing this is the

Buddhist

practice of tonglen meditation, wherein you consciously draw suffering into

yourself and release positive energy with each focused breath. In the Tibetan

Book of Living and Dying, it is described as breathing in that which is to be

healed and transforming it through the power of your own heart and the heart

of Buddha. Then, in breathing out, you project that which was transformed in

your heart into the hearts of others.

Earnest tonglen meditation begins when you release yourself from the

misconception that it is of utmost importance to push negative things away

while

drawing good things to yourself. This may take ten or more minutes of

meditation

to clear the mind of distraction or simply preparing your mind by entering

your stillest mental space and imagining your heart becoming free and full of

love. Then, inhale with the awareness that you are bringing energy into

yourself. Access your reference points for pain and for joy, acknowledge both,

and

recognize that you have the power to transform one into the other. Exhale

with the awareness that you are projecting positive, loving energy throughout

not only your immediate environment, but also the world.

Your first reaction to this practice may be that it is counter intuitive and

this is a natural reaction. But tonglen revolves around balance, around

giving and receiving. You cannot get lost in the negative aspects of the world,

because in breathing out, you are a beacon of joy. Similarly, you cannot turn

a blind eye to sorrow, because you bear its weight. Tonglen meditation can be

practiced on a personal scale or a universal scale, depending on where you

perceive immediate need.. It is as simple as breathing and yet, in practicing

tonglen, you give the greatest gift you can: the gift of healing.

Love and Prayers,

Beth

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