Chwang Tsz seems to have noticed that the harmony of breathing is typical of the harmony of mind, since he says:  “The true men of old did not dream when they slept.  Their breathing came deep and silently.  The breathing of true men comes (even) from his heels, while men generally breathe (only) from their throats."[FN#245] At any rate, the counting of breaths is an expedient for calming down of mind, and elaborate rules are given in the Zen Sutra,[FN#246] but Chinese and Japanese Zen masters do not lay so much stress on this point as Indian teachers.

[FN#245] Chwang Tsz, vol. iii., p. 2.

[FN#246] Dharmatara-dhyana-sutra.

6.  The Breathing Exercise of the Yogi.

Breathing exercise is one of the practices of Yoga, and somewhat similar in its method and end to those of Zen.  We quote here[FN#247] Yogi Ramacharaka to show how modern Yogis practise it:  “(1) Stand or sit erect.  Breathing through the nostrils, inhale steadily, first filling the lower part of the lungs, which is accomplished by bringing into play the diaphragm, which, descending, exerts a gentle pressure on the abdominal organs, pushing forward the front walls of the abdomen.  Then fill the middle part of the lungs, pushing out the lower ribs, breastbone, and chest.  Then fill the higher portion of the lungs, protruding the upper chest, thus lifting the chest, including the upper six or seven pairs of ribs.  In the final movement the lower part of the abdomen will be slightly drawn in, which movement gives the lungs a support, and also helps to fill the highest part of the lungs.  At the first reading it may appear that this breath consists of three distinct movements.  This, however, is not the correct idea.  The inhalation is continuous, the entire chest cavity from the lower diaphragm to the highest point of the chest in the region of the collar-bone being expanded with a uniform movement.  Avoid a jerking series of inhalations, and strive to attain a steady, continuous action.  Practice will soon overcome the tendency to divide the inhalation into three movements, and will result in a uniform continuous breath.  You will be able to complete the inhalation in a couple of seconds after a little practice. (2) Retain the breath a few seconds. (3) Exhale quite slowly, holding the chest in a firm position, and drawing the abdomen in a little and lifting it upward slowly as the air leaves the lungs.  When the air is entirely exhaled, relax the chest and abdomen.  A little practice will render this part of exercise easy, and the movement once acquired will be afterwards performed almost automatically.”

[FN#247] Hatha Yoga, pp. 112, 113.

7.  Calmness of Mind.

The Yogi breathing above mentioned is fit rather for physical exercise than for mental balance, and it will be beneficial if you take that exercise before or after Meditation.  Japanese masters mostly bold it very important to push forward.  The lowest part of the abdomen during Zazen, and they are right so far as the present writer’s personal experiences go.