Significance of Mindfulness of breathing
Mindfulness of breathing is recognized in both Mahayana and Theravada traditions as a significant meditation practice that focuses on breath to enhance awareness and concentration. In Mahayana, it specifically involves anapanasmriti, while in Theravada, it emphasizes achieving peace and insight through attentive breathing. Both traditions see this practice as a key method for eradicating distractions and fostering mental tranquility, ultimately aiding in mental development and the cultivation of presence during meditation.
Synonyms: Breath awareness, Mindful breathing, Breathing exercise
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Mindfulness of breathing'
Mindfulness of breathing in Buddhism, or 'anapanasmriti,' is a meditation technique that enhances awareness and concentration by focusing on breath, promoting mental peace and banishing distracting thoughts, crucial for spiritual development and tranquility.
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A practice aimed at enhancing awareness and focus, particularly in the context of achieving peace and insight.[1] (2) Mindfulness that engages with the process of inhalation and exhalation.[2] (3) A meditation subject recommended by the Blessed One that is developed and practiced for achieving mental peace and tranquility, believed to banish unprofitable thoughts.[3] (4) A specific meditation technique that centers on the act of breathing as a means to develop concentration.[4]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) A meditation technique taught by the Buddha, emphasized for developing concentration and insight.[5] (2) A meditation practice aimed at eradicating distracting thoughts, highlighted as part of the path to mental development.[6]
From: Introducing Buddhist Abhidhamma
(1) The practice of focusing on each breath to develop concentration and insight within meditation.[7] (2) A meditation practice involving the awareness of breath, characterized by various methods for concentrating on inhalation and exhalation.[8]
From: The Catu-Bhanavara-Pali (critical study)
(1) A meditation focusing on the awareness and regulation of one's breathing, linking it to mental states and calming.[9]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life
(1) A meditative subject focusing on the awareness of in-breaths and out-breaths, considered one of the most challenging forms of meditation.[10]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (1): Bhikkhu-vibhanga (the analysis of Monks’ rules)
(1) A meditative practice involving focused awareness on the breath, developed and cultivated to experience peace and stop unwholesome qualities.[11]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) A meditation practice focusing on the awareness of one's breath, used to develop concentration and calmness of the mind.[12] (2) The practice of focusing attention on the breath as a way to cultivate awareness and calmness.[13] (3) A meditation technique focusing on the awareness of breath to enhance concentration and mental stability.[14] (4) The awareness and observation of one's breath as a central practice in meditation.[15]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) A specific meditation practice that involves focusing on the breath to cultivate awareness and presence.[16] (2) The practice of 'anapanasmriti' that aids in promoting awareness and concentration during meditation.[17]
From: Abhidharmakośa
(1) A specific meditative focus on the act of breathing, which is mentioned as being cultivated particularly within Kamadhatu.[18]