Angeles Arrien

Compassion and Meditation

"If while we practice, we are not aware that the world is suffering, that children are dying of hunger, that social injustice is going on a little bit everywhere, we are not practicing mindfulness.  We are just trying to escape,"

—Thich Nhat Hanh, from Living Buddha, Living Christ
                                 

Monthly Practice:

• The practice of "breathing in suffering and breathing out love and healing" is a Buddhist meditation called Tonglen.  It helps to use this practice whenever you are facing pain.  Try using this practice as you go through your day with your family, at work, or hearing the news of the world's suffering.
• Suggested reading:  Gail Straub's book, The Rhythm of Compassion: Caring for Self, Connecting With Society.
• Meditate or pray fifteen minutes everyday.

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