English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 15: MINDFULNESS OF BREATHING ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

“Bhikkhus, when mindfulness of breathing is developed and cultivated, it is of great fruit and great benefit. When mindfulness of breathing is developed and cultivated, it fulfils the four foundations of mindfulness. When the four foundations of mindfulness are developed and cultivated, they fulfil the seven factors of enlightenment. When the seven factors of enlightenment are developed and cultivated, they fulfil true knowledge and deliverance.” — Buddha

The Significance of Mindfulness of Breathing

The meditation on in-and-out breathing was expounded by the Buddha as the gateway to enlightenment and Nibbana. When the Blessed One sat beneath the Bodhi Tree, he took up mindfulness of breathing as his meditation subject and attained the limitless wisdom of a Fully Enlightened Buddha.

The Buddha emphasized this practice, considering it a noble and divine dwelling:

“If anyone, bhikkhus, speaking rightly could say of anything, ‘It is a noble dwelling, a divine dwelling, the Tathagata’s dwelling,’ it is of concentration by mindfulness of breathing that one could rightly say this.”

One of the Buddha’s most valuable contributions to humanity is his structured instructions for meditation, offering a clear and systematic approach to practice.

The Steps of Mindfulness of Breathing

“A bhikkhu, gone to the forest or to the root of a tree or to an empty hut, sits down, having folded his legs crosswise, set his body erect, and established mindfulness in front of him. Ever mindful, he breathes in; mindful, he breathes out.”

The Buddha elaborated on the steps of mindfulness of breathing, explaining its role in fulfilling the four foundations of mindfulness, the seven factors of enlightenment, and ultimately, true knowledge and deliverance.

Fulfilment of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness

Mindfulness of breathing, when developed and cultivated, fulfils the four foundations of mindfulness:

1. Contemplation of the Body: Observing the breath in its natural rhythm, understanding its length, experiencing the whole body, and relaxing the body.
2. Contemplation of Feelings: Recognizing feelings—rapture, pleasure, mental formations, and tranquillity.
3. Contemplation of the Mind: Experiencing the mind, gladdening it, concentrating it, and liberating it.
4. Contemplation of Mind-Objects: Reflecting on impermanence, fading away, cessation, and relinquishment.

On each occasion, one remains fully aware, ardent, and mindful, having put away covetousness and grief for the world.

Fulfilment of the Seven Factors of Enlightenment

The development of the four foundations of mindfulness leads to the arising and fulfilment of the seven enlightenment factors:

1. Mindfulness – Maintaining constant awareness of the present moment.
2. Investigation of States – Examining mental and physical phenomena with wisdom.
3. Energy – Cultivating tireless effort and enthusiasm.
4. Rapture – Developing deep joy in meditation.
5. Tranquillity – Achieving inner peace and stillness.
6. Concentration – Attaining deep, unwavering focus.
7. Equanimity – Cultivating impartiality and balance of mind.

By practicing mindfulness of breathing, one develops each enlightenment factor, leading to spiritual progress and fulfilment.

Fulfilment of True Knowledge and Deliverance

When developed and cultivated, the seven factors of enlightenment lead to true knowledge and deliverance:

• Supported by seclusion, dispassion, and cessation, mindfulness of breathing leads to relinquishment.
• The systematic development of investigation, energy, rapture, tranquillity, concentration, and equanimity brings about complete liberation.

“Bhikkhus, this concentration by mindfulness of breathing, when developed and cultivated, is peaceful and sublime, an ambrosial pleasant dwelling, and it disperses and quells on the spot evil unwholesome states whenever they arise.”

Conclusion

Mindfulness of breathing is a complete and profound practice leading to insight, serenity, and ultimate freedom. Through diligent practice, one follows in the footsteps of the Buddha, progressing steadily toward enlightenment.