Introduction

Question 1

Why meditate on the breath?

Answer 1

• makes us more conscious, more alive to our experiences
• more choice and more awareness, and therefore more freedom
• you become more relaxed with less stress and a deepening sense of stillness
• you learn to tune out distractions which leads to better concentration; which in turn leads to more happiness
• improved health benefits (from deeper breathing)

Question 2

Why do people meditate?

Answer 2

Some meditate to be calmer and happier. Others want answers to life’s existential questions, such as:
* Who am I?
* What is life about?
* Why are we here?
* What happens when we die?
In other words, Buddhism helps you find answers to life’s basic questions as a human being.