🧠 Mind, Wellbeing & Psychology

Tibetan Buddhism & Thonglen

The Tibetan heart-practice of giving and receiving — breathing in pain, breathing out relief.

Ancient Origin

Rooted in Indian Buddhist mind-training (lojong) of the 10th–11th centuries, carried intact into Tibet, and taught in the West by masters such as Chögyam Trungpa and Pema Chödrön.

What It Helps With

Resentment, compassion fatigue and a closed, defended heart — wanting to feel kind and free again.

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About This Practice

Tonglen — 'sending and receiving' — reverses our reflex to push away discomfort. On the breath, we take in what hurts (our own or another's) and send out space, warmth and relief. Far from depleting, the practice builds an unshakeable, tender-hearted strength.

How a Session Works

Guided sessions teach the classical stages: resting in openness, breathing in the dark and heavy, breathing out light and spacious, and widening the circle of compassion progressively. Teaching is grounded in view, meditation and application to real life — the whole path of the heart.

Modalities & Practices
Guided tonglen practiceLojong mind-trainingCalm-abiding meditationCompassion retreatsOne-on-one spiritual mentoring

Meet the Guides

Founding practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism & Thonglen in the Metta Universe.

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