Tonglen, a beautiful practice but possibly risky for some?
Greetings of peace. I have been intrigued by our recent practice of Tonglen, but realizing that I need additional guidance, am reaching out to Alistair and other Mindspringers for their perspectives. I think that a practice that encourages compassion, empathy and connectedness, especially in this broken world, is beautiful. To breathe in the pain of others, while confronting deep suffering rather than avoiding it, could be incredibly positive. But what of those for whom breathing in pain, and confronting their own suffering is greatly distressing, risky and triggering? I am one of them. In my work as an imama, I often sit with those in profound suffering. I also have a history of anxiety and depression. To be guided in this practice and to breathe in the suffering of others is very close to being overwhelming for me, and borders on triggering traumatic memories. Is this healthy? And what o…
I learnt Tonglen from my Buddhist teacher and I also suffered from anxiety and depression for a long time; nevertheless, Tonglen helps not only the ones you are doing it for, but also yourself. When my mother was dying, fully aware that she was going to die, she told me: "please help me free myself from this anguish." I immediately began to absorb all her suffering into my heart, I visualized a radiant light transmuting the pain into light and shining that light back to her. When she passed, surrounded by her whole family, she was calm and, with her eyes open, she exhaled her last breath. Now, whenever I feel some conflicting emotion, I imagine that I breath into my heart the pain and sorrow of all those who are going through something similar and a bright light transmutes the pain into light that I shine back toward all beings. Now, I don't know if someone with bipolar dirorder would benefit from doing it, but you should not be afraid to practice it; the grace of Allah will guide and protect you.