Significance of Breathing

Breathing is a multifaceted concept in various traditions of Hinduism and other philosophies, highlighting its significance in both physical and spiritual realms. In Hinduism, Breathing embodies the essential act of inhalation and exhalation, representing vital airs connected to life force. In Vaishnavism, it contrasts physical existence with spiritual awareness. Vyakarana views it as crucial to understanding actions, while Vedanta associates it with survival mechanisms. Mahayana links it to consciousness, and Theravada emphasizes its role in meditation for concentration and mindfulness.1
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Synonyms: Respiration, Inhalation, Exhalation, Inhaling, Exhaling, Ventilation, Gas exchange

In Dutch: Ademhaling; In Finnish: Hengitä; In Spanish: Respiración; In German: Atmung

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Breathing'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Breathing serves as a focal point in meditation for enhancing mindfulness and concentration, while also prompting discussions on its relationship with self and consciousness rather than being merely a physiological function.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) A physiological function that is sometimes debated as a characteristic of the self, but found to be linked instead to consciousness.[1]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: A Manual of Abhidhamma

(1) A common focus in meditation that aids in achieving concentration and mindfulness.[2]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Breathing'

Hinduism Books

Breathing in Hinduism symbolizes both the physical act of respiration and a deeper spiritual vitality, contrasting mere existence with true awareness, illustrating interconnectedness of actions, and emphasizing the importance of vital airs in life's rituals.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) Vital airs involved in the life force, a concept represented in the ritual's structure.[3] (2) The essential act of inhaling and exhaling air, which is paralleled in multiple ways within the text to different time units and human anatomy.[4]

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) Used to contrast physical life with spiritual vitality, suggesting that mere existence does not guarantee true awareness.[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar):
Vyakarana Books

From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari

(1) A basic action that can interrupt simple actions like winking, illustrating the interconnected nature of all actions.[6]

Vyakarana refers to Sanskrit grammar and represents one of the six additional sciences (vedanga) to be studied along with the Vedas. Vyakarana concerns itself with the rules of Sanskrit grammar and linguistic analysis in order to establish the correct context of words and sentences.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) The act of taking in air which the other organs mentioned as part of their survival mechanism.[7]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

The concept of Breathing in scientific sources

Science Books

Breathing is the vital process of inhaling and exhaling air, crucial for survival. It can be impacted by lung diseases, highlighting its significance in overall health and well-being.

Significance in Scientific journals, articles, etc.:

From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences

(1) This is the process of inhaling and exhaling, essential for survival and can be affected by lung diseases.[8]

This section includes scientific research in the field of healthcare, often involving traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Holistic health. It includes papers from scientific journals classified as either original, clinical or experimental research, review articles or case reports.

Plural form: Breathings.