Sharing Space

From "Mind Training and Slogan Practice" p. 312, in the Bodhisattva Path of Wisdom and Compassion (Shambala 2013)

"Proceeding with tonglen requires courage, humour, and gallantry.

However, sending and taking is not regarded as proof of one's personal bravery or virtue, but as a natural course of exchange. It just takes place.

Bad and good are always there, neurosis and sanity are always there. The problem with most people is that they are always trying to give out the bad and take in the good. That has been the problem of society in general and the world altogether. But on the Mahayana path, the logic is reversed, which is fantastic, extraordinary. You are actually getting the inner scoop on Buddha's mind directly and at its best.

[...]

Tonglen is like skydiving or parachuting. Fear is involved, and so is personal possessiveness. You may not want to give away your personal possessions. You may be afraid, but you could extend yourself and fly. I don't think you are going to get into any trouble or crash into the rocks.

You could fly like an eagle, fly like a skylark, and enjoy the space. You could breathe out goodness and take in the pain of others. You could be brave. If you are brave, in the end you will begin to enjoy tonglen. You could be a warrior and parachute with a smile."