AnapanasatiAnapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) Buddhadasa Bhikkhu Translated by Bhikkhu Nagasena HAN DD ET U 'S B B O RY eOK LIBRA E-mail:
[email protected] Web site: www.buddhanet.net Buddha Dharma Education Association Inc. ânàpànasati (Mindfulness of Breathing) Buddhadàsa Bhikkhu Tr anslated from the Thai Version By Bhikkhu Nàgasena Original Title: © Copyright 1976 by Puran Singh Published By Sublime Life Mission 5/1–2 Adsadang Road, Bangkok, Thailand. First Edition 1980 Vol. i, ii, iii October 2523/1980 Preface Several supporters of the Dhammadàna Foundation have co-operated in their own ways, according to their capacities and capabilities, in bringing out this English version of ânàpànasati-bhàvanà. To all of them, I express my Anumodanà, hearty appreciation, both personally and on behalf of the Foundation. The term “ânàpànasati” does not mean, as is gener- ally interpreted, mindfulness established on in and out breathing. Actually it means mindfulness estab- lished on an object all the time with each in and out breath: Initially one establishes mindfulness on the breathing itself, then on different kinds of feeling, different states of mind, then the characteristic of impermanence… and finally on relinquishment, which is the ultimate objective of the practice. The method of practising ânàpànasati, as explained in the ânàpànasati-sutta of the Majjhima Nikàya, is complete in itself. One can understand and practise this method comparatively more easily than the iv methods found in other suttas. In comparison, this particular method is certainly designed more subtly and thoroughly in line with the four Foundations of Mindfulness (Satipaññhàna — in the real sense of the word).