Tonglen meditation 2: Self-compassion

This episode is a guided practice of self-compassion. Instructor Wallace Lee shares teachings from the Tibetan meditation practice of Tonglen, which is based in the concept of giving and receiving, or sending and taking. Breathing in negative feelings and discomfort, and breathing out health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Tonglen means giving and receiving, or sending and receiving. Source: Moment RF / Getty Images

We begin with establishing our good intention. Here it is to increase our compassion, to turn our compassion towards ourselves so our lives may be more beneficial.

Wallace Lee

Tonglen is a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism. The word Tonglen means 'giving and taking' or sending and receiving. Wallace Lee is an instructor with Rigpa Australia, a network of Tibetan Buddhist Meditation centres around Australia. The Tibetan word ‘rigpa’ means natural, pristine awareness.

Great Minds is a podcast from SBS Audio that guides you through different meditation styles from around the world.

In season two, experience meditations led by practitioners of Ngarayamūrah, Mettā, Vipassana, Tibetan Tonglen, and sound bath meditation. Try three short episodes in each style.

Listen to Great Minds in the SBS Audio app, LiSTNR, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.