When Meditative Concentration Deepens, the Function of Manas Becomes Prominent

Question: Does breathing become slower and shallower as concentration deepens, with longer intervals between breaths? Also, recently, while contemplating and analyzing the Dharma principles, I often find myself stuck midway without verbal thoughts, feeling disconnected from the preceding line of reasoning.

Answer: As concentration deepens, manas, being in a state of concentration, relaxes its control over the body and ceases to regulate breathing as diligently. With reduced attachment to breathing, the breath becomes increasingly subtle and gentle, with each breath taking longer—so much so that it may seem as if it has paused, leading to the misperception that the intervals between breaths are short. Because the breath is so subtle, one might mistakenly feel it is about to cease. In reality, the duration of each breath lengthens, becoming extremely slow. The sensation is one of extreme slowness, extreme lightness, and extreme depth. The feeling of shortness may arise when it seems the breath is about to cease. Only in the fourth dhyāna is breathing actually suspended. Before reaching the fourth dhyāna, breathing still continues, though it may feel as if it is about to cease, with the intervals between breaths extending. At this stage, mental processes also seem about to cease; thinking becomes very slow and feels laborious, and only by emptying the mind does one feel comfortable.

When contemplating in deep concentration, manas becomes unwilling to grasp at any dharmas, causing mental consciousness to operate very slowly. As mental consciousness feels close to extinguishing, one no longer desires verbal thoughts, finding them superfluous and burdensome. As mental activity slows further, one becomes reluctant to engage in thought, and discursive thoughts diminish—even having them feels taxing. With mental consciousness inactive, the function of manas becomes prominent, for when mental consciousness is active, it overshadows manas. In deep concentration, the function of manas stands out, revealing a state devoid of verbal thoughts in the mind. However, when mental consciousness lacks verbal thoughts and manas manifests, it too is devoid of verbal thoughts. At this point, the function of manas becomes exceptionally prominent and evident.