23/08/2026
Meditation on Breathing (Ānāpānasati) — A Practical Guide
This table presents a visual overview of the practice of breathing meditation (ānāpānasati) based on the teachings explained in the book Meditation — Liberation or Attachment? by Venerable Ñāṇadassana Bhikkhu.
The practice begins with establishing a stable and relaxed posture, then observing the natural flow of the breath at the nostrils. As concentration develops, the meditator gradually becomes aware of the whole body of the breath — the complete process of breathing: the breath entering through the nostrils, moving inward to the lungs, and the breath leaving the lungs and returning outward.
The stages illustrated include:
• establishing the correct posture and mindfulness
• observing the in-breath and out-breath without controlling them
• developing continuous awareness of the breath process
• overcoming distracting thoughts
• recognizing the sign of concentration (nimitta)
• developing deeper states of collectedness (jhāna)
• understanding the role of concentration as a foundation for wisdom and liberation
As Venerable Ñāṇadassana explains in his work, meditation is not merely about achieving calm and pleasant experiences. Even refined meditative states must be understood with wisdom, seeing their impermanent nature, so that the mind can move beyond attachment towards true liberation.
This visual summary is intended as an introduction and a support for study. For a complete explanation of the method and its deeper meaning, please refer to the original book:
Meditation — Liberation or Attachment?
by Venerable Ñāṇadassana Bhikkhu
(Theravada Centre for Study and Practice)
May it support the understanding and practice of the Buddha’s path of mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom. 🙏
