Preparing the mind for tonglen
Venerable Thubten Chodron 
Bodhisattva Path 
Sep 14, 2005 A talk on how to lay the foundation for the taking and giving (tonglen) practice, given at the Emaho Foundation in Scottsdale, Arizona on September 14, 2005.
Developing equanimity
- Overcoming the gross discriminating mind
- Recognizing happiness and freedom from suffering for all
- Cultivating compassion
Preparing for Tonglen 01 (download)
Developing love
- Reflecting on the kindness of sentient beings
- Seeing all beings as lovable
Preparing for Tonglen 02 (download)
Questions and answers: part one
- Keeping up the hope
- Managing our own integrity
Preparing for Tonglen 03 (download)
Questions and answers: part two
- Understanding happiness
- Defining compassion
Preparing for Tonglen 04 (download)
Questions and answers: part three
- Dealing with the inner brat
- Opening the self
Preparing for Tonglen 05 (download)
Venerable Thubten Chodron also led a short guided meditation at the same venue on how to still the critical mind.
Venerable Thubten Chodron
Venerable Chodron emphasizes the practical application of Buddha’s teachings in our daily lives and is especially skilled at explaining them in ways easily understood and practiced by Westerners. She is well known for her warm, humorous, and lucid teachings. She was ordained as a Buddhist nun in 1977 by Kyabje Ling Rinpoche in Dharamsala, India, and in 1986 she received bhikshuni (full) ordination in Taiwan. Read her full bio.
