Breathing Mindfulness

Explore the life-changing practice of ānāpānasati, or breathing mindfulness--one of the most popular and foundational Buddhist meditation practices. nBreathing 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. n nSarah 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: n nn n- The Ānāpānasati Sutta, the foundational Buddhist text on breathing mindfulness; n n- The systematization of the practice through the commentarial texts like Vimuttimagga (The Path to Freedom) and Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification); n n- Intriguing, lesser-known systems of esoteric Theravada breath meditation nearly lost to history; n n- The integration of breath meditation into modern spiritual practices; n n- The importance of breath meditation to the insight meditation (vipassana) movement; n n- And the influence of breathing mindfulness across diverse spiritual paths. n nShaw's exploration reveals the enduring legacy of this practice, from its ancient origins to its contemporary resurgence.