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Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati)

Page 1 of 2 An Easy Step for Happy Healthy Living by Ven. Akurala Samitha Thero, (B.A. Hons. / M. A.) Anapanasati is included in the ten recollections (Anussati) and is a very important subject of meditation. If it is practiced properly it is both peaceful and sublime. It demands strong mindfulness and wisdom. (Visuddhi, I, 276). It has been praised and recommended by the blessed one thus; O, bhikkhus, just as dust particles which have arisen in the last summer month are immediately pacified and calmed down by unseasonal torrential rain, so a restless mind is immediately calmed down by the practice of Anapanasati. This concentration through mindfulness of breathing when developed and practiced is both peaceful and sublime. Nothing need be added to it. It is an unadulterated blissful abiding, and it banishes and stills evil unprofitable thoughts as soon as they arise. (S.111, 279-280) Anapanasati is one of the most effective meditation subjects for developing concentration quickly. Because it is peaceful and an unadulterated abiding it cuts off the mind’s running hither and thither which is obstructive to concentration. Also the mindfulness of breathing should be understood as the root condition for perfecting clear vision and deliverance. Now follows the explanation of the practical method of mindfulness of breathing, for ever- lasting peace and happiness in a healthy life. TEXTUAL DESCRIPTION Here, Bhikkhus, a bhikkhu, gone to the forest or to the root of a tree or to an empty place, sits down. Having folded his legs crosswise, set his body erect he established mindfulness on breathing (anapanasati), 1. Contemplation of the Body Mindfully one breathes in Mindfully one breathes out. Breathing in long, one discerns “I breathe in long.” Breathing out long, one discerns “I breathe out long.” Breathing in short, one discerns “I breathe in short.” Breathing out short, one discerns “I breathe out short.” Experiencing the whole body, one breathes in. Experiencing the whole body, one breathes out. Calming the whole body, one breathes in. Calming the whole body, one breathes out. 2. Contemplation of the Feeling Experiencing the joy, one breathes in. Experiencing the joy, one breathes out. Experiencing the happiness, one breathes in. Experiencing the happiness, one breathes out. Experiencing the feelings, one breathes in. Experiencing the feelings, one breathes out. Calming the feelings, one breathes in. Calming the feelings, one breathes out. 3. Contemplation of the Stream of Consciousness. Experiencing the mind, one breathes in. Experiencing the mind, one breathes out. Gladdening the mind, one breathes in. Gladdening the mind, one breathes out. Unifying the mind, one breathes in. Unifying the mind, one breathes out. Releasing the mind, one breathes in. Releasing the mind, one breathes out. 4. Contemplation of the Mental Objects. Contemplating the impermanence, one breathes in. Contemplating the impermanence, one breathes out. Contemplating the fading away, one breathes in. Contemplating the fading away, one breathes out. Contemplating the cessation, one breathes in. Contemplating the cessation, one breathes out. Contemplating the relinquishment, one breathes in. Contemplating the relinquishment, one breathes out. << Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>

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