Expert: Justin Choo - 9/18/2010

Question
QUESTION: what is the significance of inhale exhale in meditation
because i have read a swimming article that says while you
glide through the h20 aware of the sensation, the brushing
of waters, the air you breathe and strokes?

is breathing meditation is vipasanna? what is its diff to
yoga breathing?

ANSWER: Hi Jaya,

One of the methods of meditation is to note the inbreath (inhaling) and the outbreath (exhaling).  Noting the sensation at the tip of the nose while breathing naturally.  The purpose of this is to direct the mind to concentrate on one object so that the mind does not wander.  This method is to build up concentration and calmness in the mind.  With this state of the mind, the person can then contemplate deeply into the real nature of existence, which is the object of vipassana.

Yoga breathing is more than for concentration.  It also helps in energizing the internal body system.

Hope this helps.

Justin choo

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: how does a person contemplate the nature of existence? isnt it
sufficient to see people dying, suffering and impermanent to
be enligtened?

Answer
Hi Jaya,

Knowledge and realization are two different things.  Everyone can have knowledge.  Everyone knows that hurting people is bad, but we still see people hurting others.  

Realization is a step ahead.  Knowing that certain actions are bad, the person makes an effort to stop those actions.

In Buddhist concept, there are certain characteristics in the nature of things.  Three in all.  First, all things are impermanent; second, they are subject to unsatisfactoriness; and third, all these happenings are just natural without real substance.  Contemplation is to focus on these three characteristics, until such time that one is able to "realize, feel, and see" these characteristics in their manifestations in every event in life.

When this person is to a certain degree skilful in this awareness, then he will make more effort to cultivate his life towards the eradication of the three evil roots of greed, hatred, and delusion of existence.  He is said to be striving towards the path of liberation.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo