Chapter 1: Introduction to Breathing Meditations

Greetings. It is my wish that this message reaches you during a moment of significant timing. This article aims to find you open to the insights shared within. If you are engaging with these words, it signifies your quest for tranquility, which I genuinely hope you discover. This piece is designed to guide you towards the profound peace that we all deserve. The meditative practices discussed here derive from Osho's enlightening work, The Book of Secrets: 112 Meditations to Discover the Mysteries Within, which draws on the ancient tantric text, the Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra. These meditations, originating around the seventh or eighth century CE, are considered the essential 112 techniques for awakening and enlightenment. However, our focus here is not on the historical context but rather on how these practices can facilitate your journey towards inner peace. Throughout this article, we will explore four specific breathing meditations that revolve around a singular theme: the significance of breath.

Osho emphasizes that tantra transcends mere philosophical discourse or intellectual pursuits. Many mistakenly associate tantra solely with sexual practices, despite its broader purpose. While some meditations may indeed encompass sexuality, Osho clarifies that tantra is fundamentally about techniques and methods aimed at awakening and spiritual fulfillment. The simplicity of these practices can be deceiving; for instance, breathing—an automatic act—can be a powerful tool for transformation. Osho repeatedly underscores this point: the seemingly uncomplicated act of breathing can lead to profound realizations. These methods have been validated by Eastern traditions, with the Buddha himself believed to have achieved enlightenment through dedicated breathing practices. Thus, it is fitting that tantra offers multiple breathing meditations.

Common misconceptions about meditation often conjure images of seated silence and mantra repetition. However, the truth is that there are a multitude of meditation techniques, including various breathing exercises. In this article, we will delve into four primary meditations that emphasize breath.

Chapter 2: The Power of Breath

Between breaths lies a unique experience—between inhalation and exhalation, there exists a moment of stillness.

In the tantric tradition, the deity Shiva conveyed these 112 meditations to Goddess Parvati. Some practitioners may find these techniques challenging, as they may conflict with established beliefs, such as the notion of having no other gods besides the supreme deity. Nevertheless, these practices invite us to consider breath as a cyclical experience rather than a linear one. Shiva's teachings suggest that enlightenment is found in the space between breaths. This emphasis on the transition from inhalation to exhalation is pivotal. However, practitioners must avoid fixating too intensely on these moments, as it may distract them from the present, undermining the meditation's purpose. This meditation invites us to explore the brief moment when breath ceases, a fleeting instant where awareness can shift. Osho and the Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra both emphasize that this breathing cycle symbolizes continual rebirth: inhalation signifies life while exhalation symbolizes death. Osho encourages practitioners to cultivate awareness of their breathing, from the moment air enters the nostrils to the instant it exits through exhalation. He notes that many individuals have developed shallow breathing patterns in response to modern life's chaos. To counter this, Osho recommends dedicating at least forty-five minutes daily to these practices, selecting one technique to explore over thirty days for optimal results. In The Book of Secrets, it is stated that consciousness should merge with breath, a concept that resonates with the Buddha's teachings: “Be aware of breath as it flows in and out—coming in, going out.”

This meditation closely resembles the previous one but shifts the focus slightly. Instead of concentrating solely on the gap between breaths, this practice emphasizes the turning point where inhalation shifts to exhalation and vice versa. Osho asserts that this breathing cycle resembles a circle rather than a straight line, suggesting that inhalation and exhalation are interconnected processes. He likens breathing to shifting gears in a vehicle, where one passes through a neutral state between two gears. It is crucial to recognize this turning point, as it represents a significant shift in energy. During this transition, practitioners must pay close attention to the momentary stillness as energy changes direction.

Chapter 3: Fusion of Breath

In this practice, we observe how breath embodies a circular flow. The focus lies on the juncture where inhalation and exhalation converge, a moment when distinguishing between the two becomes impossible. At this fusion point, we connect with our center, a belief prevalent in many Eastern philosophies that the true essence resides not in the mind but in the core of our being. When breath enters, it channels energy to this center, and as it exits, it departs from the same point.

Shiva notes that this exercise can be challenging for those burdened by mental distractions. Impurity, in this context, does not refer to moral failings but rather to a cluttered mind. Even positive thoughts can cloud our clarity. The essence of this technique is to embrace the pause when breath halts, revealing how fleeting these moments are. Osho illustrates this concept by likening it to the moment before a car accident when one instinctively holds their breath, devoid of thought, facing the brink of existence. This tradition is notably echoed in Zen teachings.

Chapter 4: Conclusion

Buddha once stated, “All of life can be measured in a single breath.” Numerous individuals have engaged with these seemingly simple meditations, some achieving profound insights. They teach us that within each breath lies a myriad of transformative moments. The experiences of enlightened figures like Buddha serve as living proof of this potential. Although these practices may appear straightforward, they are worthy of incorporation into daily life.

In summary, we discover insights within the pauses of breathing, the turning points, and the moments of fusion between inhalation and exhalation. Meditation should not be confined to brief sessions; rather, it should evolve into a continuous practice that permeates life. Allocate time to cultivate conscious awareness of your breath. It is my deepest hope that through sharing these meditative techniques, you uncover your true self and embark on the path to awakening and enlightenment.