The Buddhist Practice of Fearless Compassion
Tonglen is an ancient Buddhist practice that can shift our ordinary fear-driven focus on “I, Me and Mine” to effortless, fearless compassion for all beings. Part of an ancient system of awakening called Lojong (mind/heart training), Tonglen is a full practice on its own, as well. It’s a perfect meditation for these challenging times in the way that confusion and all forms of personal suffering are used to activate the practice energy. Tonglen practice cultivates the ability to let go of habits and mindsets that keep us locked in fear and reactivity. It sharpens clarity and strengthens compassion, and is an excellent antidote to loneliness. It’s simple enough for a beginner and yet so powerful it was kept secret for centuries.
This practice can be done sitting on the floor, in a chair, or lying down, which makes it an excellent practice for all stages of life and persons of all abilities. You’ll receive a handout to help you continue the practice after leaving the workshop.
We’ll meet in the relaxed and inclusive environment at Motive Yoga in Winthrop, Washington, for step-by-step instructions, practice, and question and answer periods. No previous instruction or experience in meditation is necessary. Tonglen can be done in harmony with most religions, yogic practices and world views. You’ll learn the full-form practice, and “pocket tonglen” for Tonglen on-the-go.
This workshop is led by Lama Lekshe. She is the full-time Resident Lama at Dekeling, a meditation community in Portland, Oregon. She has been practicing Tibetan Buddhism since 1994 and Mind/Heart Training and Tonglen (among other practices) for nearly 30 years in India, Nepal and the US. She was authorized to teach in 2001. In 2018 she completed a 3.5 year traditional, fully-cloistered meditation retreat focusing on the practices of the Karma and Shangpa Kagyu lineages. While the Karma Kagyu is one of the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism, the Shangpa tradition is a smaller, never-monasticized tradition whose teachings were initially transmitted by two feminine-identifying dakinis. Rooted in 11th century India, it has been carefully preserved and is held in high esteem by many other lineages for the potency of its approach. Lekshe is known for lively teachings that preserve authentic instruction of unbroken lineages, while contextualizing practices for use here and now. She gives precise, clear instruction, punctuated with humor and ample time for questions and dialogue.
(Lodging for out-of-town participants is not included in the price. Please bring your own lunch on Saturday. Space is limited, please register early. This workshop is not streamed or recorded. Digital handouts will be provided to those who register in advance.)
Saturday we’ll meet from 10:00 AM – 4 PM. Sunday we’ll be together from 11:00 AM to 1 PM. For those who take both days’ instructions, after the workshop ends on Sunday there will be opportunities for optional, free, private 20 minute meetings with the teacher, as time allows, on a first-signed up, first-served basis.
Pricing: FREE — $100