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Yoda
USA
284 Posts |
 Posted - Jan 28 2006 : 5:00:43 PM
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I'm wondering what Yogani and friends have to say about the Tibetan practice of tonglen. You can google for it, but the essence of the practice is to imagine inhaling the suffering and negativity of oneself and others felt as yucky and dark into the heart and to transform it and exhale happiness and peace throughout one's body and radiating brightly out through the whole world.
Some say that it's harmful to do and others say that it is empowering.
Assuming that it is compatable with AYP practice, where might it fit in on a daily basis? |
Edited by - AYPforum on Feb 06 2007 8:55:08 PM |
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yogani99
USA
153 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2006 : 10:36:47 AM
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Hi Yoda:
I have not done this practice with any deliberateness, but do believe in the principle of each of us having the ability to uplift many others according to our inner purification and opening. I see it as a more organic process, whereas, when one is ready, it will happen naturally. Of course, it depends mainly one one's own purification and opening, which brings us back to self-directed practices. We are in the best position to help others when we have developed skill in helping ourselves spiritually. If we have done that, the broader effect around us happens all by itself. Then a technique like you describe may have much greater benefit. Also, the divine flowing through us will find a thousand other ways to uplift everyone. Interestingly, that will manifest according to our own inclinations. When the channel is open, our individuality in everyday life becomes the divine channel.
There is also the principle of service (engaging in dissolving the obstructions in others through giving of one's self) being a path of individual purification -- karma yoga. The degree of effectiveness of karma yoga will be dependent on inner openings achieved so far -- cultivation of inner silence, ecstatic bliss and the resulting outward flow of divine love. At a certain point in the process, service becomes a natural and essential component for the expansion to continue. But service forced at the beginning will not necessarily be the most effective approach. I think the same would apply in utilizing the technique you mention. We all know when it is time for us to serve others, when our heart is ready for that, and the ways will be apparent. Before then, it is mainly an inside job. When we are drawn outward into service, the outside has also become inside (our heart), and it is still an inside job. 
The guru is in you.
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riptiz
United Kingdom
741 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2006 : 12:43:34 PM
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Dear Yogani,
What a nice answer and one that says everything necessary.
L&L
Dave
'the mind can see further than the eyes' |
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yogani99
USA
153 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2006 : 12:44:34 PM
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PS: For something similar, but not geared toward taking in negativity, see the "Heart Breathing" practice in the AYP lessons here: http://www.aypsite.org/220.html
This is different from the tonglen technique you described, in that it brings in divine energy on the in-breath and releases impurities on the out-breath. It is done between the third eye (brow) and the heart space. It is an inverted hybrid of spinal breathing which can be used to purify the heart -- not to be confused with full-scope spinal breathing which goes in the other direction and covers the entire sushumna (spinal nerve) from root to brow, including the heart space. For full-scope spinal breathing, see here: http://www.aypsite.org/41.html
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Yoda
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - Jan 29 2006 : 8:48:54 PM
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Yogani and Riptiz,
Thanks for the comments!
Reminds me of a Taoist story of a sage who wandered into a land ravaged by drought. He felt the discomfort of the victims and had to return to the mountains to regain his inner peace. His motivation was to find his own peace, but his meditation brought back the rains as well.
-Yoda |
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AYPforum
351 Posts |
Posted - Feb 06 2007 : 8:55:08 PM
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| Moderator note: Topic moved for better placement |
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Tonglen
