Breath as a Mantra
by Reishin Denise Leong
“Don’t miss a breath.”
– Jun Po Roshi
Breath reveals the mystery of effortless effort, a quiet reminder that we do not control much – life breathes us, always here, connecting us to the natural world in silent communion with trees. If we pause to realize every breath is only possible because of our reciprocal relationship to nature, all boundaries between self and so-called others dissolve. Every breath is a shared moment with the world around us, a sacred connection.
“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
– Thich Nhat Hahn
With every exhale, we have the opportunity to let go of our self-referencing tendencies and realize that we are part of this universal tapestry. With every inhale, we can graciously receive this gift of air which becomes breath, which becomes life.
After a recent sangha discussion about Jun Po’s teaching on the breath from his Roku, Mui Jin (a music and piano teacher herself) shared a recent experience:
I walked into the piano studio to take my first lesson with an accomplished teacher. I sat on the bench to play the assigned piece, my arms and legs weak and shaky. My heartbeat quickened. Fear of making mistakes and looking unskilled, or worse, irresponsible, set in.
The piece was easy for me; however, it didn’t seem to matter. I gritted my teeth and every other muscle in my body tightened. My teacher gave directions on fingering, pedal work, and phrasing. I played again, floundering, tension remaining stubbornly in my mind and muscles. Fear overwhelmed. Then…silence. Her next direction was
“Play again. This time breathe.”
I took deep, slow breaths. As I played, tension and fear dissolved. This piece that I love, “Fugitive Visions, No. 1” by Sergie Prokofiev, came to life. Ease replaced tension. Love and great gratitude welled up in my eyes. Tears flowed.
Just breathe.
We are this light.
We are the music.
