Anapanasati, Ānāpānasati: 5 definitions

Introduction:

Anapanasati means something in Buddhism, Pali. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Buddhism

Theravada (major branch of Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Anapanasati in Theravada glossary
Source: Access to Insight: A Glossary of Pali and Buddhist TermsMindfulness of breathing. A meditation practice in which one maintains ones attention and mindfulness on the sensations of breathing.Source: Pali Kanon: Manual of Buddhist Terms and Doctrines

(Breathing) mindfulness of in-and-out-breathing ānāpānasati.

context information

Theravāda 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).

Discover the meaning of anapanasati in the context of Theravada from relevant books on Exotic India

General definition (in Buddhism)

[«previous next»] — Anapanasati in Buddhism glossary
Source: WikiPedia: Buddhism

Anapanasati (Pali; Sanskrit: anapanasmrti), meaning mindfulness of breathing ("sati" means mindfulness; "anapana" refers to inhalation and exhalation), is a fundamental form of meditation taught by the Buddha. According to this teaching, classically presented in the Anapanasati Sutta, practicing this form of meditation as a part of the Noble Eightfold Path leads to the removal of all defilements (kilesa) and finally to the attainment of nibbana (nirvana).

In both ancient and modern times, anapanasati by itself is likely the most widely used Buddhist method for contemplating bodily phenomena. Traditionally, anapanasati is used as a basis for practicing meditative concentration (samadhi) until it reached the state of full absorption (jhana). It is the same state, reached by the Buddha during his quest for Enlightenment. In the Zen tradition, anapanasati is practiced with zazen or shikantaza (in the Soto tradition). Anapanasati can also be practised with other traditional meditation subjects including the four frames of reference and metta bhavana.

Source: Amaravati: Glossary

(ah nah pah na sa ti)a widely used meditation technique: one composes the mind by focussing attention on the inhalation and exhalation of breath.

Source: Buddhist Information: A Simple Guide to Life

Mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) is an excellent subject of meditation particularly useful to the busy layperson, as it can be practiced safely by anyone, anywhere, at any time.

To practice this type of meditation, one should first adopt a seated meditation posture. Those who can sit comfortably in full lotus or half lotus posture may adopt those positions; those who find this difficult may assume any cross legged sitting posture that enables them to hold upright the upper part of the body; those who find even this difficult may sit on a straight backed chair. The torso should be held erect but not stiff; the hands should be placed one over the other on the lap; and (for those who sit in a chair) the feet should rest on the floor.

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