The Tao of Breathing
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Self Improvement -> subcategory Spirituality.
The Art of Breath in Zen Practice
The Essence of Breathing in Zazen
In my recent conversations with Zen practitioners, I've noticed a distinctive approach to breathing during zazen. Playfully, I like to call it "samurai breathing." This method likely stems from martial arts traditions.
The Concept of "Samurai Breathing"
"Samurai breathing" involves forcefully pushing down on the outgoing breath, focusing on the hara, or solar plexus. This technique is intended to clear the mind of distractions, much like a karate master breaking through a brick. This approach might provide a temporary sense of power and achievement, like conquering a personal challenge. However, it ultimately transforms zazen into a strenuous struggle, which is not sustainable in practice.
The Futility of Forced Effort
Visualize someone furiously pedaling a stationary bike, mistakenly believing that sheer effort will lead them somewhere. Imagine a whisper in their ear: "It doesn’t matter how fast you pedal, you won't get anywhere." This mirrors the futility of polishing a tile obsessively, thinking it will become a mirror, or the belief that enlightenment comes only after years of intense zazen, instead of recognizing our inherent Buddha nature.
Learning Through Experience
When I began Zen practice in Japan under Kabori Roshi, I resembled that determined cyclist. I was eager to master specific breathing techniques, convinced they would lead me swiftly to enlightenment. This obsession even made me unwell. When I finally sought Kabori Roshi's advice, his simple instruction was: "Just breathe naturally." While his words brought relief, they also puzzled and disappointed me. Was it truly that straightforward?
Kabori Roshi's wisdom was akin to the kind intervention for the cyclist: "No matter how hard you try, you won't get anywhere." Gradually, I began to understand that the relentless pursuit of attainment was misguided.
Embracing the Present Moment
In Zen practice, teachers remind us there is nothing to gain. Yet, we often doubt this truth while proclaiming it to others. We see people chasing happiness and peace, believing it awaits them in the future, not realizing it exists within the present moment. Recognizing this delusion in ourselves can be challenging.
In our zazen practice, we must relinquish the belief that effort will take us somewhere. Instead, we should embrace simply pedaling, breathing naturally, and being in harmony with the world around us.
Beyond Conceptual Breathing
"Samurai breathing" is a restrictive, conceptual notion of how breathing should be, unlike the unforced, natural rhythm of the Tao. Striving to fit a predefined pattern disrupts our connection with ourselves. The mind should follow the breath, not dictate it. Like a sailor adjusting the sails to the wind, our mind should respond to the natural flow of breath.
Finding Effortless Effort
Aitken Roshi, a student of Soen Roshi, once asked, "Should I use effort in zazen?" Soen Roshi replied, referring to a dialogue in the Mumonkan: "Ordinary mind is the Tao." If we seek it, we stray from it. True understanding doesn’t come from knowing or not knowing. Enlightenment comes from experiencing the boundless vastness of the Tao beyond right and wrong.
The Balance Between Effort and Ease
"Going with the flow" can be misinterpreted as passive complacency, the opposite of "samurai breathing." Real zazen should have vitality and resolve, avoiding both extremes.
The right approach is having no fixed approach. Practically, think of right zazen like cradling a baby: firm yet gentle. Effort is not about strain, but balance.
Embrace the simplicity and profound nature of the breath, allowing it to guide your journey in zazen.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: The Tao of Breathing.
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