Kiyosato Retreat Day 4 — Questions and Answers: What is Mindful Breathing

Thich Nhat Hanh · May 13, 1995 · Kiyosato, Japan · Audio Only Not yet reviewed

There is a good question on breathing.

When the bell is rung and we are asked to pay attention to our breathing, what does this mean, and is it enough to only be cognizant of the natural breath if controlling it creates stress?
While being mindful of breathing, is it possible to be engaged in other activities such as reading, thinking, or calculating numbers, and does this become easier as the practice develops?
In order to live mindfully and happily, is it necessary to change a living and work environment that is unmindful, such as a city filled with pollution, advertisements, exhausts, and greed?
Is mindfulness the only way to cut through the ring of samsara, specifically the cycle where abused children repeat the same harm to their own children?
How can one cope with the sense of despair and powerlessness when working for human rights and justice in the face of poverty, famine, and war, especially when few people are willing to cooperate?

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Kiyosato Retreat Day 4 — Reconciliation With Parents

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Transcript

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Introduction to the question and answer session and the first question on breathing

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When the bell is rung and we are asked to pay attention to our breathing, what does this mean? I find myself controlling my breathing, which creates some stress. Is it enough to only be cognizant of my natural breath?

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While being mindful of my own breathing, is it possible to be engaged in other activities such as reading, thinking, or calculating numbers? Or should I refrain from these activities?

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In order to live mindfully and happily, should I change my living and my work environment?

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Is mindfulness the only way to cut through the ring of samsara?

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How to cope with the sense of despair, and how to cope with this sensation of powerlessness?

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