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St Petersburg - Moscow
Mindfulness of breathing is practiced without force or control, similar to contemplating the moon without needing to rearrange it, or embracing a child with the energy of attention. One simply breathes naturally and produces awareness of the breathing. As the Buddha taught, if breathing in a short breath, one knows they are breathing in a short breath; if breathing out a long breath, one knows they are breathing out a long breath. By respecting the breath and touching the energy of breathing with the energy of awareness, a transformation takes place naturally. The breathing becomes calmer, deeper, and more harmonious, creating peace within the body and mind.
During the practice, the breath is the sole object of mindfulness, and one should not wait for images or visions to appear. To aid concentration, attention can be focused on the rise and fall of the abdomen. The point slightly below the navel, known as Dan Diem, acts as the root or pump of the breathing, while the lungs and nose are merely branches. Focusing on this pumping action can be a pleasant and nourishing experience.
A distinction must be made between the idea of the Dharma and the living Dharma. While sutras, Abhidharma treatises, and talks may be considered Dharma, the living Dharma is expressed through one’s way of life. Even without oral teaching, the living Dharma is found in the energy of mindfulness, deep understanding, loving kindness, and compassion.