Convention tells us that every breath has two parts:
#1 an “IN-breath” and
#2 an “OUT-breath.”
But did you know that,
• whether you know it or not,
• whether you believe it or not, and
• whether you like it or not
every breath could have two additional components that
are as subtle as they are powerful?
Between every “IN-breath” and every “OUT-breath” is
a subtle “HOLD-breath.”
And, likewise, after every “OUT-breath” but before every “IN-breath” is
a very subtle “PAUSE-breath.”
Contemplative notation could render these four phases thusly:
#1 - IN-breath
#2 - HOLD-breath
#3 – OUT-breath and
#4 – PAUSE-breath.
So what?
Glad you asked.
During the “IN-breath” every body spontaneously tightens up, even
just a little bit.
What is the spiritual application of tightening our body?
Could it be tightening our concentration?
During the “HOLD” breath, the blood pressure can increase, which
can erode our impulse control and make us a cranky bastard.
So I don’t recommend emphasizing this phase of breath.
During our “OUT” breath, our body subtly relaxes. What could
be the spiritual application of physically relaxing?
Could it be mentally and emotionally letting-go, the
essence of Buddha’s wisdom trainings?
During the “PAUSE-breath” our subtle energy can gather into
our body’s central channel, a Thumb’s-width before our spine, which
can increase our experience of subtle, bliss, awareness and the
NON-graspability of every thing, being and phenomena.
Here is the essence of all you’ve read this far:
IN-breath – Concentration,
OUT-breath – Letting-go,
Pause-breath – Bliss
How are you going to apply these insights into your contemplative practice?
May you and yours be
happy and healthy!
Om Mani Padme Hum,
NON-sectarian Buddhist: Monk, Teacher, Healer and Tantrika
Who is Kwan Yin, Chenrezig, Avalokiteshvara and the Buddha of Compassion?
What is the Six-syllable mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, and what does it mean?
What is the key to Breathing meditation?
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