The Buddha found that by focusing attention on his breath, breathing in different ways to help the mind to settle down — energizing it when it needs energizing, calming it when it needs calming — that was his path to awakening.

"The breath comes in, goes out, keeps us alive, and for most people that’s it. But the Buddha found that by focusing attention on his breath, breathing in different ways to help the mind to settle down — energizing it when it needs energizing, calming it when it needs calming — that was his path to awakening. So there’s a lot of potential right here. Take some time to explore it."

~ Thanissaro Bhikkhu "Potentials Past & Present"

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