2019 Tonglen-Galiano Island-July09-1-Practice

1) A complete Tonglen ("exchange on the breath, giving and taking on the breath") meditation session guided by Lama Mark Webber, and 2) Some explanations and clarifications on this practice. The classes were given during the 19th Crystal Mountain Society Annual Summer Retreat, Galiano Island, July 9, 2019. The meditation of "giving and taking on the breath" is part of the mind training (Lojong) transmitted by the 12th century Tibetan Lama Chekawa Yeshe Dorje. It is based on unbroken transmissions from the 10th century Indian saint Atisa Dipamkara and his Sumatran guru Dharmakirtisri (Tib. Serlingpa). This profound meditation is widely taught in all schools of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a powerful way to reduce selfish attachment, reduce suffering, spread compassion and generate the wish that all beings attain the realization of primordial wakefulness (bodhicitta). The contemplations of Tonglen; relative and absolute bodhicitta, penetrative vipasyana—with and without support-guide us to recognize that before we exchange on the breath, all experience, including "suffering" doesn't have any firm or solid existence. Without starting with this profound wisdom insight, we may breathe in the sufferings of sentient beings and believe we are being poisoned. And we may give out a breath of conditioned states, when it needs to be an attempt at unconditioned wisdom and compassion. The specific order of this classic practice is crucial. It enables us to act for all beings without harm by using breath-awareness to transform or self-liberate apparent suffering into freedom and great love. Tonglen, with the view of emptiness and compassion is the hallmark of breathing like a bodhisattva. Please note that the 1st podcast contains the recording of a full practice session with long gaps. Only the meditative section on the exchange of breath has been shortened to keep the recording time manageable. An outline of the practice can be found at: www.markwebber.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/A-Tonglen-Meditation-LMW-July-12-2015.pdf The 2nd recording contains the practice explanations and commentaries by Lama Mark