The Word of the Buddha Mindfulness of Breathing Completes the Four Foundations
The Word of the BuddhaIV. The Path that Leads to the Extinction of Suffering
Fulfillment of the Four Establishments of Mindfulness
And how is mindfulness while breathing in and out cultivated and frequently practiced so that it fulfills the four establishments of mindfulness?
On whatever occasion a bhikkhu, breathing in long, discerns the long in-breath, or breathing out long, discerns the long out-breath; breathing in short, discerns the short in-breath, or breathing out short, discerns the short out-breath; trains to experience the whole body while breathing in, and to experience the whole body while breathing out; trains to settle the bodily constructs while breathing in, and to settle the bodily constructs while breathing out—on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing the body in and of itself, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world. I say that this is a certain body among the bodies, namely, breathing in and out. Therefore, on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing the body in and of itself, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world.
On whatever occasion a bhikkhu trains to experience uplifting joy while breathing in, and to experience uplifting joy while breathing out; trains to experience ease while breathing in, and to experience ease while breathing out; trains to experience mental constructs while breathing in, and to experience mental constructs while breathing out; trains to settle the mental constructs while breathing in, and to settle the mental constructs while breathing out—on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing felt experiences in and of themselves, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world. I say that this is a certain felt experience among the felt experiences, namely, giving close attention to breathing in and out. Therefore, on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing felt experiences in and of themselves, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world.
On whatever occasion a bhikkhu trains to experience the mind while breathing in, and to experience the mind while breathing out; trains to gladden the mind while breathing in, and to gladden the mind while breathing out; trains to collect the mind while breathing in, and to collect the mind while breathing out; trains to disengage the mind while breathing in, and to disengage the mind while breathing out—on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing the mind in and of itself, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world. I do not say that there is the cultivation of mindfulness while breathing in and out for one who is muddle-minded and lacking clear awareness. Therefore, on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing the mind in and of itself, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world.
On whatever occasion a bhikkhu trains to observe impermanence while breathing in, and to observe impermanence while breathing out; trains to observe the fading of desire while breathing in, and to observe the fading of desire while breathing out; trains to observe cessation while breathing in, and to observe cessation while breathing out; trains to observe relinquishment while breathing in, and to observe relinquishment while breathing out—on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing mental qualities in and of themselves, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world. Having seen with wisdom the abandoning of craving and distress, he closely looks on with equanimity. Therefore, on that occasion, the bhikkhu dwells observing mental qualities in and of themselves, with continuous effort, clearly aware, mindful, having removed craving and distress with regard to the world.
Mindfulness while breathing in and out when cultivated and frequently practiced in this way fulfills the four establishments of mindfulness.
Last updated on October 20, 2026