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The Living Tradition of Zen Practice
An Ban Thủ Ý, from the Sanskrit Anapana (“breathing in, breathing out”) and “thủ ý” (mindfulness), is a Mahayana method of mindful breathing contemplation, practicing awareness of inhalation and exhalation, in order to keep the mind dwelling peacefully in the present moment and to transform suffering. According to Master Tang Hoi, An Ban consists of six types of mindful breathing contemplations to counteract the six sense objects — the six sense organs and the six sense objects — forming the twelve bases, giving rise to the six consciousnesses, collectively known as the eighteen elements. These six bases are:
- Internal bases (eye, ear, nose, tongue, body, mind)
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External bases (form, sound, smell, taste, touch, dharma objects)
The contact between the internal and external bases easily gives rise to wrong perceptions; mindfulness through the breath is like six “soldiers” guarding the six sense organs, preventing delusive thoughts and maintaining presence in the here and now.
The psychology of An Ban Thủ Ý is based on the teachings of store consciousness and seeds, describing the three stores – the storehouse, the object of storage, and the attachment to self – which are without beginning or end, the “soil for planting seeds” that receives all dharmas. The method of practice includes:
- The six wondrous Dharma doors – counting the breath, following the breath, stopping, contemplating, returning, and purifying – to burn away afflictions and cleanse the “mud,” revealing the great mirror-like wisdom
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The sixteen methods of mindful breathing (breathing in/out long or short, calming the body, feeling pleasant/unpleasant sensations, generating joy, happiness, etc.) help to nourish mindfulness, joy, happiness, and concentration
Without forcing, the practitioner “breathes in knowing that he is breathing in, breathes out knowing that he is breathing out,” letting the breath lead to calmness, helping the mind to be clear and opening the door of insight.
