A brief commentary about Tonglen: I have praised tonglen practice in a few places in this blog, noting among other things that it was helpful in "taking me out of my alone-ness". Tonglen has been the only real meditation practice I've engaged in, and only since my experience. During the times I was feeling overwhelmed and alone with my pain, I found that just a few minutes of tonglen could help center me and bring relief. For that reason, I recommend tonglen to others as a form of pain relief.
Of the two links above related to tonglen, one leads to a written article, the other to an audio option [Requires Real Player]. In those moments when I was feeling particularly alone, I always preferred the audio option because I found it comforting to hear another human voice. But the lead-in article also serves as a very thorough introduction to tonglen practice.
