The illusion of being separate and isolated, this is the “prison” we are addressing today. Albert Einstein, physicist, had a logical way of looking at what the world is and what humans are, that was at times so clearly simple that it made him sound like a spiritual teacher. To him our oneness with the entire universe was obvious.
“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” – Albert Einstein
Tonglen meditation is the recognition of this universal togetherness that Einstein saw in science. We can choose to live in a constant war with everything around us but for better or worse, the truth is we are only here because of what came before us. We are a manifestation of the world around us, and we can improve our relationship with this world. After all, when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change!
“Inhale stress, exhale generosity. The Buddhist instruction for tonglen reverses what the ego wants to do, which is hold on to pleasure while rejecting pain, and finally allows us to relax with ourselves just as we are. Finally, we can be honest, brave, open and cheerful. Finally, we can truly let go.” – Waylon Lewis
“Tonglen practice begins to dissolve the illusion that each of us is alone with this personal suffering that no one else can understand.” – Pema Chodron
“Tonglen is a way for you to be with people who need you – beginning with yourself.” – Pema Chodron
Take those very last words seriously… beginning with yourself.
If you are unable to give yourself the intimacy of complete acceptance that we all yearn for, then you will always feel separate and isolated in this world.
Join us for a moment to free yourself from your own prison of separateness, or what Einstein called, “the optical delusion of our consciousness.” Not only will you strengthen your relationship will all of the humans around you, but the biggest benefit will be your relationship to your SELF.
As you embark on this journey of self-discovery and universal compassion, repeat the following mantras to yourself:
- “I breathe in the dark clouds; I exhale light.”
- “I step out of the prison of separation; I embrace oneness.”
- “I send compassion to myself and all beings.”
- “With every breath, I embrace unity and love.”
Take a moment today to pause, breathe, and connect with the infinite web of life. Begin with yourself, and watch how your circle of compassion expands to touch the world around you.
Have a beautiful day awesome humans!
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: Tonglen.
(image credit: Jesse L0V3&H4T3 https://www.gallea.ca/en/artists/l0v3h4t3 )