Breath and Dhyāna

Breathing is closely related to our physical health, closely related to meditative concentration (dhyāna), and also closely related to lifespan. A person in poor physical condition will inevitably have rapid or short breathing; their respiratory pathway is short and obstructed, with their breath only reaching the throat before being exhaled, otherwise they would suffocate. Some people's breath only reaches the chest before being expelled; their breathing is also short, indicating poor physical health.

A person skilled in meditative concentration can direct their breath down to the dantian in the lower abdomen. Their respiratory pathway is long, requiring considerable time for each breath without obstruction, and their body is certainly healthy. Once the breath can reach the dantian, the mind can become tranquil, and wandering thoughts diminish—even having a wandering thought feels exhausting, making one unwilling to speak much, thus reducing energy consumption. At this point, afflictions can be subdued, the mind becomes relatively pure, thinking becomes more focused, contemplation becomes deep and penetrating, and wisdom easily manifests.

When a person skilled in meditative concentration attains the fourth dhyāna, breathing ceases, energy consumption becomes extremely minimal, their body becomes healthier, and their lifespan longer. At this stage, cultivating supernatural powers becomes effortless, achieved immediately upon practice. For the sake of physical health, mental purity, and subduing afflictions, we can train our breathing in daily life to direct the breath to the dantian. One may use the method of Buddha-recitation to train oneself; once the breath is regulated, meditative concentration arises, the spirit becomes clear and energy vibrant, and vitality is abundant.

While reciting the Buddha's name, regulate the breath: begin by exhaling stale air from the lungs through the mouth. After all stale air is completely expelled, close the mouth and inhale through the nose, allowing the airflow to slowly descend all the way to the dantian in the lower abdomen, or even further downward for direct expulsion. The longer this pathway, the more pathogenic qi is expelled, and the better the physical condition becomes. After inhaling to the dantian, pause briefly, or take another breath, then exhale through the mouth. While exhaling, recite "Amita" or "Buddha"—reciting aloud or mentally is acceptable. When the breath reaches the dantian, vocal recitation may cease; even the internal recitation of the Buddha's name may stop. At this point, switch to recollecting the Buddha. While exhaling and reciting, once the breath is fully expelled, pause briefly, then close the mouth and inhale through the nose. Training in this way for ten minutes or a few minutes allows the mind to settle into stillness. At this stage, one may practice Buddha-recitation entirely through recollection, or contemplate a principle of the Dharma. The power of concentration gained here enables deeper practice; attaining the state of single-mindedness (ekāgratā) becomes readily achievable.