The Path of Tonglen

On this day of seasonal transition, we would like to wish you a cheerful and enriching Harvest of Peace and season ahead – wherever in the world you may be. We also wanted to remind you of an upcoming community offering, Embodying Peace Together: The Path of Tonglen

This year, the Shambhala Board and Shambhala Global Services Team have organized free, daily, hour-long community practice sessions for the worldwide community from Sept 26 – Oct 2, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Eastern (Time Zone Converter) as a way to collectively “embody peace” as we mark the moment of Harvest of Peace.

Tonglen is a Tibetan Buddhist meditation practice that is known as “sending and receiving.” On the inhale, you take in the pain and suffering of yourself and others, and on the exhale you give space, compassion and healing to yourself and others. It is a beautiful practice and can be particularly powerful when practiced as a group. Tonglen practice instruction will be given every session, so beginners are welcome!

There will be different practice themes and talks each day, including: practicing tonglen for the environment, softening to polarization, tonglen for physical illness, relating to “neutrals and enemies,” and more. This is a powerful way for us to gather as a community in shared practice for the benefit of others.

Each hour long session will have a similar format:

5 minutes Welcome and opening remarks

10 minutes Embodiment practice

20 minutes Short talk about tonglen practice and particular theme of the day

10 minutes Tonglen practice

10 minutes Sharing and discussion

5 minutes Closing remarks

30 minutes Optional discussion period for those who wish to stay longer

Click here to view a list of presenters for each day and to register.

Invest in Shambhala – Support Your Local Centre or Group!

Shambhala Meditation Center of Atlanta

Finally, Harvest of Peace is a time for generosity and is typically when people give to support their local Centres and Groups. So during this time of bounty and enriching, we invite you to invest in Shambhala by supporting your local Centre or Group!

Please consider a donation in any amount and go to your local Centre or Group’s website now to donate. You could also consider increasing your membership dues by 5, 10, 15, or 25 ($ / EUR). These increases of regular monthly donations really help your local Centre or Group thrive and continue to offer the profound practice of mediation and Shambhala teachings to your local community!

We would like to thank you for your commitment and dedication to Shambhala. May your season ahead be filled with joy, the fellowship of sangha friends, and much practice and dharma!