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Q-11: Bhante, breath changes while meditating. Is it  normal?

                                                                                            Regards,

                                                                                                 Rony

A-11: Yes, the change of breath is normal in meditation. Possible reasons for this are:

1.   One pays  too much attention to one’s breath

2.   One’s upper body is not kept upright

3.    It is natural for breath to change, sometimes long and at times short.

On the first reason, you need to be relaxed.  When you focus too hard on each and every breath, you will not be able to keep up with it.

On  the second reason, you need to check your sitting position. If you are on the floor, your upper body  tend to bend forward after five or ten minutes  of sitting. You could also be bending forward  because you are losing energy and interest.

On the third reason, it is good that you are aware of your breath.  Previously, you might not be aware of the natural change of breath as you are not watching it closely. Now you  are aware of it as you  are watching your breath closely.

My answer is  that you really need not worry about the tempo of the breath. It is an experience afterall. Your breath will be more stable and  relaxed when your concentration gets deeper and stronger.

With Metta,

U Cittara

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Dhamma Questions are answered by Bhante U Cittara, resident monk of Mangala Vihara, and his assistant monks. Questions and comments on given answers are welcome. Send your questions and comments to resident_monk@mangalavihara.org.sg.