When a child is born, the first action is inhaling, and the last action at death is exhaling. Breathing is an automatic, mechanical function of the body. However, it is much more than just taking in oxygen. Without breath, there is no life. It is remarkable that most people live without being aware of their breathing. If we take a deep breath with our eyes closed, we realize how fragile life is. A useful analogy is that the body is a chariot, and breath is its wheels—without wheels, the chariot cannot move. It is essential to check the wheels too.

If survival is not a concern for a person, they naturally begin perceiving higher aspects of existence. Breath is a tool that opens the doors to deeper human experiences.

Possibilities of Breath

Breath is considered the link between the body and the mind. It directly influences mental fluctuations. The average human breathes 12–15 times per minute.

Breath in Meditation

Breath observation is one of the most practiced meditation techniques. It is simple yet powerful. When we pay attention to our breath, we naturally become aware that breathing is happening. Most people in meditation merely notice the sensation of air passing through the lungs and stomach. However, true awareness of breath requires no effort—it is about becoming conscious of the energy that generates breath. This inner force creates a rhythmic pattern, and awareness of it deepens our perception. With practice (abhyasa), we can remain fully aware of our breath while exploring the outer world, staying deeply connected to our inner self.