Breaths Quote by Pema Chödrön
““Tonglen practice has four stages: Rest your mind for a second or two in a state of openness or stillness. This is called flashing absolute bodhichitta, or suddenly opening to the basic spaciousness and clarity of the awakened heart. Work with texture. Breathe in a feeling of hot, dark, and heavy—a sense of claustrophobia—and breathe out a feeling of cool, bright, and light—a sense of freshness. Breathe in through all the pores of your body and radiate out completely, through all the pores of your body. Do this until your visualization feels synchronized with your in and out-breaths. Now contemplate any painful situation that’s real to you. For example, you can breathe in the hot, dark, constricted feeling of sadness that you feel, and breathe out a light, cool sense of joy or space or whatever might provide relief. Widen the circle of compassion by connecting with all those who feel this kind of pain, and extending the wish to help everyone.””
About This Quote
Source Teaching: Tonglen Practice, Pema Chödrön, 2010
Compassion meditation involves breathing in suffering and breathing out relief, expanding empathy toward all beings.
In simple terms: Breathe in pain, breathe out relief, share compassion.
Key Takeaway
Practice compassionate breathing.
Themes
compassion
mindfulness
empathy
Mood
calm
hopeful
Type
spiritual
practical
When to use this quote
- stress relief
- grief counseling
- conflict resolution
- personal healing
Key Concepts
Buddhist meditation
psychology
emotional regulation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does breathing transform emotional pain?
- Can you extend this practice to daily interactions?
A Different Perspective
The practice may be difficult for those with trauma or severe anxiety.
