In the detailed description of the 16 steps of anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) the first 12 steps develop samadhi (concentration) as a basis for the last four steps (13-16) of insight practice. These are using in and out breathing to become sensitive to impermanence (anicca), and from impermanence to releasing the agitation (viraga) from trying to find security in a fluid and fluctuating world. The second to last step in relaxing into the completeness and thoroughness of endings (nirodha), as a support to the last step of fully letting go.

Continuing from the Anapanasati sutta we turn to vedana, the 2nd foundation of mindfulness. With great courage. we can develop contentment no matter the pleasure, pain or neutrality of any give moment. In not understanding vedana we are forever imprisoned by our wrong views. When we can breath consciously in a greater range of pain, pleasure and neutrality we find the path to non-conditional contentment.

In many discourses the Buddha gave very detailed instructions on how to develop Mindfulness of Breathing from our first awareness of breathing in and out through calming the mind into samadhi (concentration) and then steps to cultivate liberating insight. These 16 steps also include the cultivation of happiness and contentment as an aspect of the path to freedom.

Practicing the 16 progressive steps described in the Anapanasati Sutta and sharpening our understanding of the path to full liberation through mindfulness of breathing.

Practicing the 16 progressive steps described in the Anapanasati Sutta and sharpening our understanding of the path to full liberation through mindfulness of breathing.

Practicing the 16 progressive steps described in the Anapanasati Sutta and sharpening our understanding of the path to full liberation through mindfulness of breathing.

Practicing the 16 progressive steps described in the Anapanasati Sutta and sharpening our understanding of the path to full liberation through mindfulness of breathing.