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Let the Buddha sit
Let the Buddha breathe with my lungs, let the Buddha sit with my back. I don’t have to breathe, I don’t have to sit—inviting the Buddha within to breathe deeply and sit upright brings peace and calm. To become a Buddha is first to be fully human: Shakyamuni transformed suffering through mindful practice, gaining wisdom, understanding, and compassion. Everyone carries a Buddha within—like a kernel of corn holding the whole plant—and by sitting peacefully, walking mindfully, or breathing deeply, we give that Buddha a chance to arise, bringing peace, compassion, understanding, and happiness.
Mindful breathing and walking unite body and mind, anchoring us in the present moment where the Kingdom of God and the Pure Land are available here and now. Breathing in, “I know I am breathing in”; breathing out, “I know I am breathing out.” Walking in, “I have arrived,” walking out, “I am home.” This practice nurtures three energies:
- mindfulness (smrti)
- concentration (samadhi)
- insight (prajna)
The first four exercises of mindful breathing focus on caring for the body:
- bringing the mind back to the body
- releasing tension
- mindfully holding pain
- tenderly embracing each part with compassion
Learning the Art of Rest