Should one literally think “I am breathing in long, I am breathing out long.”











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Per the teachings of the Anapanasati Sutta, should one literally think about what they are doing, or focus on the breath itself?



Meaning, should I think "I am breathing in long," or should I focus on the action of my breath being long?










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    down vote

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    Per the teachings of the Anapanasati Sutta, should one literally think about what they are doing, or focus on the breath itself?



    Meaning, should I think "I am breathing in long," or should I focus on the action of my breath being long?










    share|improve this question







    New contributor




    Sermo is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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      up vote
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      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      2
      down vote

      favorite











      Per the teachings of the Anapanasati Sutta, should one literally think about what they are doing, or focus on the breath itself?



      Meaning, should I think "I am breathing in long," or should I focus on the action of my breath being long?










      share|improve this question







      New contributor




      Sermo is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.











      Per the teachings of the Anapanasati Sutta, should one literally think about what they are doing, or focus on the breath itself?



      Meaning, should I think "I am breathing in long," or should I focus on the action of my breath being long?







      anapanasati






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          It is not necessary to think: "I am". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "focus". When the mind is quiet & silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake & alert as possible.



          Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect:




          Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
          regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
          mine, this I am not, this is not my self.'



          SN 22.59







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            It is not necessary to think: "I am". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "focus". When the mind is quiet & silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake & alert as possible.



            Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect:




            Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
            regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
            mine, this I am not, this is not my self.'



            SN 22.59







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              up vote
              3
              down vote













              It is not necessary to think: "I am". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "focus". When the mind is quiet & silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake & alert as possible.



              Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect:




              Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
              regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
              mine, this I am not, this is not my self.'



              SN 22.59







              share|improve this answer

























                up vote
                3
                down vote










                up vote
                3
                down vote









                It is not necessary to think: "I am". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "focus". When the mind is quiet & silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake & alert as possible.



                Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect:




                Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
                regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
                mine, this I am not, this is not my self.'



                SN 22.59







                share|improve this answer














                It is not necessary to think: "I am". The mind should know the action of the breath being long or being short. Also, there is really no need to "focus". When the mind is quiet & silent, the mind will know the breathing. Be as silent, still, upright, awake & alert as possible.



                Note: At the highest level of practise, the Buddha taught to reflect:




                Monks, whatever form, past, future or present, internal or external, coarse or fine, low or lofty, far or near, all that form must be
                regarded with proper wisdom, according to reality, thus: 'This is not
                mine, this I am not, this is not my self.'



                SN 22.59








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