THE BREATH ―Mindfulness of breathing when developed and cultivated is of great fruit and benefit.‖ -
MN 118
The process of breathing is a vital function of the body. In fact, if we are deprived of our breath we will perish in a few minutes. In the practice of insight meditation the breath serves as an anchor of our attention. It is always present and functions as a stable foundation upon which we can develop our mindfulness and concentration. When the mind wanders the anchor gives it a base to which it can return. We use the anchor to train our awareness to stay in the present moment. When the attention is returned repeatedly to an anchor like the breath, we develop the skill of being able to intentionally focus the awareness on a single object for increasing periods of time without distraction. For most meditators the breath ideally suits this purpose. Breathing occurs automatically, yet we can also consciously control it. It is subtle, and we live our lives mostly unaware that we are constantly breathing. With practice of breath awareness, it becomes easily located and sensed. It is also constantly changing and serves as an optimal object with which to gain insight into the impermanence of experience. Increasing awareness of the breath naturally has a calming and concentrating effect. When the mind is steadily with the sensations of breathing, it is not with the distractions and concerns that usually occupy our thoughts and fritter away our days. The breath can become a refuge from the ravages of the unruly mind. Over time, with a committed practice, many
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