After going through the practice of Tonglen meditation, I learnt that it is possible for one to let go of the things that bring discomfort in their life by following easy breathing techniques. The practice helped me realize that most of the things that bring unhappiness in our life can be controlled through meditation practices that influence our thoughts. As such, when one is breathing out lack of food and homelessness, they feel relieved and peaceful. The feeling of relief and peace reduces suffering and improves the general condition of an individual. Therefore, this practice has taught me that it is possible for one to breathe away their suffering (Omega Institute For Holistic Studies, 2009).
This practice relates to emptiness in that it encourages breathing out various things that bring suffering in our lives. When one breathes out, the part of the mind that was occupied by various negative thoughts is left empty. Worry and anxiety bring suffering and discomfort in life. When a person has a mind that contains nothing, they are likely to be less worried or anxious. Therefore, Tonglen meditation relates to emptiness in that it encourages emptiness of thoughts on various matters as a way of alleviating pain and suffering in life.
Contemplating my mind as an ocean, the deeper I look means that it will appear more still. This relates to compassion in that, a calm ocean is peaceful. As one looks deeper in the ocean, they find it more peaceful than it looks at the top where waves make it appear violent. In the same way, when one looks deeper into the mind beyond all the clouded thoughts, they will find an inner part of the mind that is peaceful and calm. A peaceful and calm person is similar to a calm ocean, which appears friendlier. A peaceful person will be friendlier and calm which, makes them compassionate.
Reference
Omega Institute For Holistic Studies (2009). Pema Chödrön: Tonglen Meditation. Retrieved June 12, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwqlurCvXuM
