Pure Mountain Tao

Often in meditation, a new student will be told to focus his attention on the breath. The new student will often struggle with this practice. It should not be a surprise. How often do we focus on our breath during our normal day? Now when we sit down quietly, we are told to concentrate on something that we normally pay no attention to.

That is why I suggest for some students to use pranayama. Pranayama is the use of breath control in yoga. Most Buddhist teachers will discourage altering the breath during meditation, however some Theravadan teachers do suggest that a slight manipulation of the breath can be useful.

It is good to take slightly deeper and slower breaths when you sit to meditate. Focus on the sound of the breath coming in and going out. This helps your mind focus on the breathing process. It gives the mind something to do so to speak instead of wanting to wander about. Continually focus on taking deep, slow breaths. This way, the mind and body work together to create a state that is fertile for meditation.