Page 49 - EH77

FACE TO FACE | EASTERN HORIZON 47

Absolutely. It’s very useful to existence and wanting to protect Based on that investigation, it is
practice loving-kindness and that “I.” When we see the absence important to cultivate a meditation
compassion for oneself and others of a “real I,” as Lama Zopa Rinpoche practice to develop mental stability
before engaging in tonglen to build describes it, we undermine the basis and mindfulness, then analyze the
a strong foundation. for these thoughts and ultimately Buddha’s teachings—such as the
dismantle our afflictive emotions. Four Noble Truths—to see their
I also recommend practicing the validity and applicability personally.
four immeasurables: immeasurable As Buddhism is all about mind
love, compassion, equanimity, and training, what’s your advice to In my experience, even a small
joy—all of which provide healthy new students on how to start meditation experience on the
support for tonglen. developing the mind? Dharma can create a profound shift.
With continued meditation and
For some practitioners, it’s helpful My usual advice for new students study, insight deepens, leading to
to study teachings on emptiness is to begin by developing an amazing accomplishments over time.
as a basis for tonglen. Meditation understanding of the basics of
on the lack of an inherently Buddhist psychology: learning what Most importantly, be patient with
existing self can lessen resistance mind is and its ways of knowing, your progress on the path. As Lama
to breathing in suffering and studying various mental factors Yeshe used to say, “Slowly, slowly!”
breathing out happiness. and their functions, and generating EH
Much of our difficulty with tonglen confidence in the possibility of
and the path in general comes from growth and transformation by
grasping the “I” as having intrinsic altering the contents of one’s mind.

Are you searching for a spiritually challenging work?

Do you enjoy meeting fellow Dharma practitioners, Buddhist leaders, and Dharma
masters? Would you like to introduce the latest Buddhist book you read recently?
How about researching into the latest web-sites on Buddhist activities around the
world? And of course, what about telling us how you first came in contact with
the dharma and what the dharma means to you today. Well, if you find all of these
interesting, we can make it spiritually challenging for you too!

In every issue of EASTERN HORIZON, we publish special chat sessions with leading
Buddhist personalities, essays on all aspects of Buddhism, book reviews, and news
and activities that are of interest to the Buddhist community. We need someone
to help us in all these projects. If you are keen to be part of this exciting magazine,
please e-mail to the editor at Bennyliow@gmail.com, and we will put you in touch
with what’s challenging for the next issue!
Let us share the dharma for the benefit of all sentient beings!