Breath is more than just a biological function—it is the essence of life, a universal mantra that begins with our first inhale at birth and ends with our final exhale in death.
Often overlooked in the hustle of daily life, the simple act of breathing carries profound significance. By tuning into the rhythm of your breath, you can tap into a deeper awareness of yourself, beyond the physical body.
This ancient practice of observing the breath has been emphasized by spiritual teachers, most notably Buddha, who taught that through mindful breathing, we unlock the door to inner peace, self-realization, and a glimpse of the divine.
People often ask my Guru(He is a doctor by profession who also incorporates complementary medicine into his practice) for a mantra to help guide them on their spiritual journey. But He always tells them—don’t seek a mantra from anyone. There’s one mantra that has already been given to you by the divine: your breath.
From the moment you are born, breath is your first action. As soon as a child enters the world, the very first thing they do is inhale. Similarly, when a person passes away, the last thing they do is exhale. Life is both initiated and concluded by breath. It surrounds us and is with us every moment of our existence.
Breathing is the first and most essential act of life. If you take the time to truly observe your breath, you will discover something profound. You will come to understand the life force that existed before your first inhale, the life that was present even before your birth.
By watching your breath, you gain insight into a deeper truth: death may come to the body, it may come to the breath, but it will not come to you. You are something far beyond your breath.
The Buddha recognized this truth deeply. He emphasized the practice of Anapanasati-yoga—the simple, yet profound act of watching the breath as it comes in and goes out. He advised his followers to do nothing but watch the breath. No force, no control—just observe.
Close your eyes, and become aware of the sensation as your breath enters through your nose. Feel it move down, filling your lungs and expanding your stomach. As you exhale, observe the breath leaving your body, deflating your stomach, and flowing out through your nose. Watch as the next breath begins, repeating the natural cycle. This simple, unbroken rhythm is the circle of life, and the key is to keep observing it.
By practicing this mindful observation for just 15 minutes each day, you’ll be amazed at what begins to happen. The constant chatter of your mind will gradually quiet down. Your awareness, your inner witness, will awaken. Doors to your heart that have remained closed since birth will begin to open, offering you a glimpse of something far greater—a glimpse of the divine.
This is the power of breath. It is more than just a physical process; it is a gateway to spiritual insight and awakening. The more you observe it, the more you will realize that you are not your body or your breath. You are something far greater—something eternal.
So next time you seek a mantra, remember: your breath is the first and only one you need. Simply watch it, and let the deeper wisdom reveal itself to you.
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