Observing the breath is also for cultivating the mind

Throughout the entire process of observing the breath, one should not apply effort only on the body; one must also apply more effort on the mind, for after all, cultivating all dharmas is for the sake of cultivating the mind. The mind is the master of the body. Once the body has been regulated to a certain degree and no longer affects the mind, effort should be applied on the mind; when the mind has been regulated well and become tranquil, the body will likewise become settled and compliant. The final effort is all applied on the mind, and the body no longer needs much attention.

After rising from the seat, in interactions with people and affairs, and when encountering conditions and circumstances, what are the reactions of body and mind, what states of mind arise, how do the afflictions manifest, and what changes occur in one's mental attitude? These are the results of contemplative practice (vipaśyanā-caryā) and are the most revealing. Has your mind-capacity grown? Has your tolerance of others increased? Have you come to consider issues with more long-range and broad vision? Has your compassion for sentient beings increased? Has your sense of responsibility grown stronger? Has your great bodhi mind increased? Has your resolve for the Path become firm? Is your mind tied to the Buddha's teachings and to sentient beings? These are all the criteria for examining one's cultivation. If you still fall far short in these, then you are still far from seeing the Path, and you need to keep striving and diligently apply effort and attention.