66 - Buddhist Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation

66 - Buddhist Mindfulness of Breathing Meditation

Author: Alan Peto June 18, 2024 Duration: 26:50

Learn Buddhist Mindfulness Breathing! Want to do breathing meditation like the Buddha? It's known as Ānāpānasati / Ānāpānasmṛti but is commonly referred to as "mindfulness of breathing". And it can be as straightforward as that.

(Jump to 17:20 minutes in this episode for the meditation session; view all the chapters below) You are observing the breath without control, force, judgement, etc. While this sounds easy, your body has another agenda. You'll have thoughts, an itch, muscle aches, etc., to distract you. With practice, you will also observe these things, and just "let them go". While there are many different ways (and levels) to mindfulness of breathing, I'll give you a short and simple version here. Don't worry about trying to cover all these steps - just work on focusing on one spot on your body (such as the inside of your nostrils) and observe the breath going in and out, and your counting. That's it! With practice, and under the proper guidance of a teacher, this breathing meditation has many benefits to the development of meditative concentration, insight into conditioned phenomena, and much more!


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:53 Purpose

01:15 Why Practice

03:30 How to Practice

05:29 Where to Focus

06:14 Think Like an Observer

07:35 Length of Practice

08:01 Distractions

08:58 Calming & Insight

09:30 Go Easy on Yourself

10:30 How to Breathe

11:25 How it Changes You

12:55 Pre-Meditation Tips

17:20 Meditation Session (Follow Along)

23:00 End of Meditation Session


Contact Alan: alanpeto.com/contact

Podcast Homepage: alanpeto.com/podcast

Podcast Disclaimer: alanpeto.com/legal/podcast-disclaimer


If you've ever felt curious about Buddhism but found traditional texts or teachings a bit daunting, you're not alone. Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto offers a grounded, accessible path into this ancient tradition. Alan, a dedicated Buddhist layperson, acts as a friendly guide, translating core principles and practices into language that resonates with modern, especially Western, beginners. This isn't about academic lectures or esoteric jargon; it's about practical understanding. Each episode feels like a thoughtful conversation, breaking down foundational teachings-from the Four Noble Truths to mindfulness and meditation techniques-into manageable pieces you can apply in daily life. Whether you're just exploring spiritual paths or actively seeking to build a personal practice, this podcast provides a supportive space to learn at your own pace. Alan draws from his own experience and the work he shares on his website, ensuring the guidance is both authentic and immediately useful. Tune in to find clarity, reduce confusion, and discover how Buddhist wisdom can offer tools for navigating life with more peace and intention.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Learn Buddhism with Alan Peto
Podcast Episodes
74 - Buddha & Jesus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:54
Did the Buddha and Jesus know each other? Did Buddhism influence Jesus' ministry? Are there similarities between Buddhism and Christianity? You're likely to hear one or all of these in your study of Buddhism. In this epi…
73 - Zen (Chan) Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
Discover the deep roots of Zen Buddhism in our latest episode. We'll journey through its rich history and tackle common Western misconceptions. Explore the origins of Zen in Chan Buddhism, the profound practice of direct…
72 - The Six Sense Organs & Objects in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:25
In this episode we delve into the Buddhist practice of guarding the six sense organs—eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body, and mind. Discover how mindful observation, reflection, and meditation can help prevent unwholesome sta…
71 - Ullambana and Hungry Ghosts Festivals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:19
Two seemingly unrelated festivals have a Buddhist connection: The Hungry Ghosts Festival and the Ullambana Festival (also called Sangha Day). Both go back to the time of the Buddha where he gave instruction to one of his…
70 - Blessings vs Merits in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:26
Blessings are a beautiful and important part of Buddhism, but they can often be confused with merits. Learn about what blessings are, how they are invoked, and how to integrate into your Buddhist practice. Contact Alan:…
69 - Buddhism Questions & Answers #3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:43
The third installment of questions asked by you! - "How can I integrate the practice with my day-to-day life as a westerner?" - "Can I become a Buddhist if I drink or smoke socially?" - "How can you create karma with out…
68 - The Buddhist Virtues [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:31
Buddhists have "virtues" they uphold on their path towards enlightenment and nirvana. What is wonderful about the virtues is that they are meant to be practiced and upheld in everyday life! Learn about nine (9) Buddhist…
67 - Realms of Rebirth in Buddhism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:55
What are all the 'realms of rebirth' in Buddhism (and "Samsara" or the "Cycle of Rebirth")? And what do they mean to you as a layperson Buddhist practitioner? Are they real? Are they a state of mind? Let's explore! Chapt…
65 - The Diamond Sutra [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:59
The Diamond Sutra is the 'diamond' or 'lightening bolt' that cuts through 'illusion' that helps us become enlightened. It is one of the most well respected sutras in all of Mahayana Buddhism and found practiced widely in…
64 - Buddhism Questions & Answers #2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:35
I received so many questions related to Buddhism, I have another episode! Learn what I think about these questions! Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 00:20 - How much time does it take to reach nirvana? 03:17 - How can I ta…