Breathing for Joy and Happiness: Breathing in, I know I am breathing in. Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.
This dharma talk is the first part of a four-part series on mindful breathing given by Kenley Neufeld at Lulu Bandha in Ojai, California. Original date is September 22, 2013.
Our text is from the Anapanasati Sutta translated from the Pali by the Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. The English title is the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing. The term “sutra” is Sanskrit and is more common in the Mahayana tradition and better known in the west.
In this dharma talk, we focus on the the Four Preliminary Exercises:
- Breathing in a long breath, I know I am breathing in a long breath. Breathing out a long breath, I know I am breathing out a long breath.
- Breathing in a short breath, I know I am breathing in a short breath. Breathing out a short breath, I know I am breathing out a short breath.
- Breathing in, I am aware of my whole body. Breathing out, I am aware of my whole body.
- Breathing in, I calm my whole body. Breathing out, I calm my whole body.
The recording begins with a 11-minute guided meditation followed by a 50-minute dharma talk.
Personal Practice
- During the coming week, practice stopping by taking ten breaths in full awareness at some point each day.
- Each day pick 2-3 parts of the body and become fully aware of that body part.
- One time in the coming week, practice walking meditation to become aware of the unity of body and mind.
Enjoy.
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