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The practice of deep breathing or being aware of the coming and going of each breath produces three results-alertness, the feeling of being a mere spectator, and slow breath. In the beginning of sadhana, the direct experiencing of these results serves to a waken the sadhak's self-confidence. To awaken confidence in oneself means to come to know one's powers and one's capacity to use them. This is the fruit of deep breath-perception, after experiencing which the direction of one's life stands changed. One becomes established in oneself and develops a distinct identity.
As the practice of breath-perception matures, a state of alertness naturally comes into being. This state becomes perpetual and results in the growth of mindfulness. Then, whether sitting, standing, walking, relaxing or working, in the midst of every activity, one remains conscious of one's breathing. For this one does not have to do a thing. Only one must awaken in oneself the condition of being a mere spectator. Alert and objective observation provides a vision of true self-understanding and weakens the mentality of attachment and aversion.
Q.
What is the use of deep breath-perception, wakefulness or objective observation?
Ans. Constant, regular and dedicated perception of
breathing over a long period, endows the sadhak with some special benefits. It improves the power of mind to concentrate. It is also useful in removing physical diseases. With the help of deep breathing and wakefulness, the defilements of the mind are, to a great extent, eliminated. From the spiritual point of view, the most important gain is the weakening of the ‘l-consciousness, a feeling of self-assertion. Self-pride increases on account of various factors. If this is allowed to grow beyond a
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