Breathing Mindfulness

Explore the life-changing practice of ānāpānasati, or breathing mindfulness—one of the most popular and foundational Buddhist meditation practices. Breathing mindfulness meditation is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, believed to be key to the Buddha's own enlightenment. This powerful technique fosters a harmonious blend of awareness and tranquility, guiding practitioners towards profound meditative states and deeper wisdom. Sarah Shaw guides readers through the history and contemporary interpretations of breathing mindfulness in the Pali or Southern tradition of Buddhism. In this in-depth study, she examines: The Ānāpānasati Sutta, the foundational Buddhist text on breathing mindfulness; The systematization of the practice through the commentarial texts like Vimuttimagga (The Path to Freedom) and Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification); Intriguing, lesser-known systems of esoteric Theravada breath meditation nearly lost to history; The integration of breath meditation into modern spiritual practices; The importance of breath meditation to the insight meditation (vipassana) movement; And the influence of breathing mindfulness across diverse spiritual paths. Shaw's exploration reveals the enduring legacy of this practice, from its ancient origins to its contemporary resurgence.