Tonglen I - Secure your own mask - Battlecry of Freedom

 

A common phrase in Buddhism is that practice is engaged for the benefit of all sentient beings. Practitioners must remember that they themselves are included in all sentient beings. 

Tonglen is not a sacrificial practice. Wanting to free others of pain and be of benefit to them, does not require ignoring personal needs.
Practitioners take care of themselves, recognising that their health and welfare makes them more useful to others.

An everyday example of the wisdom of this approach is mentioned before flying in every aircraft safety presentation: secure your own mask before helping others.

Battlecry of Freedom by Ngakma Nor’dzin, Aro Books worldwide, 2019, ISBN 978-1-898185-46-8, Part II - the slogans, p. 73