We hold our breath during any act

of concentration in our daily life, for e.g

How this simple observation can be

interpreted to develop a technique

of practising ‘Breath Awareness to

Inculcate Mindfulness’ is beautifully

explained by Shri Yogendraji in his

book, “Guide to Yoga Meditation” in

Chapter 5 - Prana and Mind - “He who

has controlled his respiratory system

has controlled the activities of the

mind.”

There are however two main causes

for the activties of Chitta -

1. Vasana or desire or Klishta Vritti
   arising out of Avidya (Yo g a Sutra II/4)


2. Prana or the persistency of energy
   expressed mostly through the
   breathing mechanics.

Thus breathing is lessened when the

mind becomes absorbed.

Just like breath sustains life of the

body, Prana sustains Chitta-Vritti. Thus

Chitta begins its activities where there

is Prana and Prana begins it activities

where there is mind. When they are

both present, the senses remain

engaged in their normal functions

leading to persistent fructification of

Vasana.

Now in this background, let us

understand what is the purpose

ractising Breathing Awareness

P

Dilip Tralshawala

to Inculcate Mindfulness

maintaining balance, while walking

on a narrow path

climbing a tree etc., against gravity

when we recollect a past event

when we listen with attention