The Significance of Breathing in Spiritual Practices and Daily Life
Introduction
Webu Sayadaw, a prominent monk in Myanmar during the 20th century, once said, “Be mindful of the nostrils. One knows the sensation of breathing in. One knows the sensation of breathing out. Keep on knowing the in-breath and the out-breath, and there will be no chance for lobha, dosa, and moha (greed, hatred, and ignorance) to arise.”
These words echo the profound importance of breath in grounding our minds and keeping us present. As we delve into the significance of breathing in spiritual practices, we uncover the way in which breath helps us detach from the senses and find a pathway to liberation from suffering.
Breathing and Spiritual Grounding
The act of breathing is not merely a physical necessity for life; it is also a meditative and transformative practice. By focusing on the breath, we disable the sensory "I," providing a pathway to spiritual liberation. This is why breath-based exercises, such as Anapana meditation, are so effective.
Webu Sayadaw’s book, "The Way to Ultimate Calm," offers valuable insights into the practice of breath awareness. Through his teachings, we can understand how maintaining breath awareness helps us stay grounded in the present moment, free from distractions of thoughts and emotions.
The Role of Breath in Life
Our lives begin and end with an inhalation and exhalation. The maintenance of life depends on the alternation between these two elements. The Hebrew word Nephesh, which means both breath and soul, highlights the life force that animates us. In Genesis 2:7, it is recorded that, 'The Lord God fashioned man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and man became a living being.'
This passage underscores the essential nature of breathing in bringing life to us. Yet, we often neglect the proper technique of breathing. The creative energy in us lies in our breath because thought and breath stem from the same source. The synchronicity of breathing and mental state is profound; a calm breath can calm the mind, and a calm mind can lead to a calm breath.
Renewing Our Breath Awareness
When we were infants, our breathing was perfect. We did not need a yoga teacher to guide us on deep inhales and exhales. Our breath was natural and rhythmic, originating from deep in our abdomen, allowing the belly to expand and contract like a balloon. Yet, somewhere along the way, we lost this effortless connection to our breath.
The practice of breath control can be a powerful tool for spiritual evolution. On a psychological level, breathing exercises can help clean the subconscious mind of buried waste. Regular practice, including breath retention, allows us to uncover forgotten memories and confront traumatic elements.
Accepting these elements as they arise is crucial for the healing process. As these elements surface, they manifest as emotions—crying, laughing, sadness, anger, jealousy—ensuing from past suppression. By observing and allowing these emotions, they gradually diminish and vanish.
The journey may not be easy or comfortable, but it is essential to make this effort. By purifying our minds through breath control, we move towards self-awareness and ultimately, spiritual growth.