Issues in Meditative Concentration

Question: I currently sit in full lotus posture for one and a half to two hours, using abdominal breathing. I breathe naturally without guiding with the mind, but my breath is very faint and I easily become drowsy. It's difficult to stop thoughts and enter concentration. When observing the breath, disciple, is it permissible to inhale as slowly and long as possible, deliberately hold the breath for as long as possible, and then exhale? Is either abdominal breathing or thoracic breathing acceptable?

Answer: Both are acceptable. In the initial stages of practice, it is beneficial for the body and facilitates entering concentration. However, after practicing for a long time, if one wishes to enter concentration and initiate contemplative practice, deliberately holding the breath will prevent the attainment of profound meditative absorption and also hinder contemplative practice and reflection. Only after practicing until one is very proficient, and no longer needs to hold the breath deliberately, can contemplative practice be performed.