Breathing Mindfulness: Discovering the Riches at the Heart of the Buddhist Path

Explore the life-changing practice of ānāpānasati, or breathing mindfulness—one of the most popular and foundational Buddhist meditation practices.

Whether you practice vipassana, samatha, or any type of practice that develops concentration, this book will be a revelation. “Breathing mindfulness” meditation is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, believed to be key to the Buddha’s own enlightenment. This powerful technique fosters a harmonious blend of awareness and tranquility, guiding practitioners toward profound meditative states and deeper wisdom. Yet, even among those who practice one strand or another of this practice, there is a treasure trove of variety and richness to discover.

Oxford University scholar and practitioner Sarah Shaw guides readers through the history and contemporary interpretations of breathing mindfulness, emphasizing the Pali or Southern tradition of Buddhism. In this in-depth study, she examines:

• The Ānāpānasati Sutta, the foundational Buddhist text on breathing mindfulness;
• The systematization of the practice through the commentarial texts like Vimuttimagga (The Path to Freedom) and Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification);
• Intriguing, lesser-known systems of esoteric Theravada breath meditation nearly lost to history;
• The history and variety of the practice within the Thai Forest tradition, looking at key figures including Ajahn Sao, Ajahn Maha Boowa, Ajahn Lee, Ajahn Chah, and Ajahn Thate;
• Key figures in Myanmar, including Mingun Sayadaw, Sunlun Sayadaw, Webu Sayadaw, Mahasi Sayadaw, and Pa Auk Sayadaw;
• Other influential innovators like U Ba Khin, S.N. Goenka, Ajahn Buddhadasa, and Ayya Khema;
• The importance of breath meditation and its complex relationship to the insight meditation (vipassana) movement;
• And the influence of breathing mindfulness within other Buddhist traditions and beyond, including Indic traditions, Chinese traditions, Zen, Tibetan Buddhism, and more.

Shaw’s exploration reveals the enduring legacy of this practice, from its ancient origins to its contemporary resurgence, and how this might be applicable in your own practice.