Chapter 2

Question 1

How should you be with the breath?

Answer 1

• Let the breath decide how it wants to be.
• Develop a sense of interest in what the breath is like, as if experiencing it for the first time.
• Try to experience the breath directly, “be the breath”, not a distant observer of it.
  Page 24

Question 2

Stage 1 & 2 - Counting the breath …

Answer 2

• Let the breath decide how it wants to be.
• You can silently count the breath OR visualise the numbers in your mind. (Page 25)
  STAGE 1:
• You are looking backwards, marking the end of the breath.
• Promotes relaxation, letting go.
  STAGE 2:
• You are looking forwards, anticipating the breath, which requires greater awareness.
• This gives you a sharper, more “awake” experience of the breath.
• Energises the body, gathers in energy.
  AIM:
• The aim of both stages is to deepen your interest in the breath.
• Counting gives your mind a focal point, a way of marking each breath, and a warning system for if you have drifted away from the breath.
  Page 24-27

Question 3

Stage 3 - Experiencing the whole breathing process.

Answer 3

• As your interest in the breath deepens, the counting is not necessary.
• Experience the progress of each breath as it flows from the nostrils downs to the lungs and back.
• Become aware of the various body parts that move as a result of your breathing, such as your abdomen.
• In this way you experience the whole breathing process.
  ANALOGY:
  Of going to the beach, wading into the sea, having the waves wash over you, floating in the water, enjoying it was the waves rise and fall.
  Page 28

Question 4

Stage 4 - Focusing on one point.

Answer 4

• We put all our concentration into one point - the entrance to our nostrils.
• Feel all the subtle sensations, slight tickling, brushing of air, temperature, etc.
• Wherever you feel these sensations, take a real interest in them; put all your awareness and attention there.
• Don’t follow your breath into the body.
• Instead, imagine yourself as a sort of gatekeeper to the breath.
• Your breath should become more subtler, more refined, which will lead to more exquisitely delicate sensations which require your concentration to be even better attuned.
  Page 29-30

Question 5

Ending the meditation

Answer 5

• Widen out your awareness until you feel your whole body, then bring the meditation to a close.
  Page 31