Breathing Mindfulness: Discovering the Riches at the Heart of the Buddhist Path

by Sarah Shaw

Explore the life-changing practice of ānāpānasati, or breathing mindfulness—one of the most popular and foundational Buddhist meditation practices.

Breathing mindfulness meditation is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, believed to be key to the Buddha's own enlightenment. This powerful technique fosters a harmonious blend of awareness and tranquility, guiding practitioners towards profound meditative states and deeper wisdom.

Sarah Shaw guides readers through the history and contemporary interpretations of breathing mindfulness in the Pali or Southern tradition of Buddhism. In this in-depth study, she examines:

-The Ānāpānasati Sutta, the foundational Buddhist text on breathing mindfulness;
-The systematization of the practice through the commentarial texts like Vimuttimagga (The Path to Freedom) and Visuddhimagga (The Path of Purification);
Intriguing, lesser-known systems of esoteric Theravada breath meditation nearly lost to history;
-The integration of breath meditation into modern spiritual practices;
-The importance of breath meditation to the insight meditation (vipassana) movement;
-And the influence of breathing mindfulness across diverse spiritual paths.

Shaw's exploration reveals the enduring legacy of this practice, from its ancient origins to its contemporary resurgence.

Genres: Buddhism

360 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2025

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Reviews

[Hugo Collingridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting history and overview of the development of breathing meditation in the South Asian Theravada Buddhist tradition and of various teachings and teachers, starting with the Suttra on Breathing Mindfulness. There is also a fascinating chapter on the importance of breathing in other spiritual traditions. If like me you have been trying to practice breathing meditation for many years but not always with massive consistency then you will find a lot of vital advice and insight from old and new sources in here

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read a number of Sarah Shaw’s books, and really appreciate the academic and cultural lens she applies to her explorations of Buddhist traditions including breathing mindfulness practices. You might say she brings a tangible quality of mindfulness to her writing and discussions, that may be part of what makes her books so engaging and enjoyable to read. I have discovered gems of wisdom drawn from the various breathing mindfulness traditions discussed in this new book, that I have applied to my own practice. I highly recommend Sarah Shaw’s book to anyone interested in expanding their perspective and those interested in the history and cultural contexts within which modern breathing mindfulness practices have taken root, received nourishment and grown.

[Marianne Pestana · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Breathing Mindfulness, Sarah Shaw offers a deeply insightful and accessible exploration of one of Buddhism’s most foundational practices. Tracing the historical roots and diverse expressions of breath-based meditation across South and Southeast Asia, she brings to life the richness of the Ānāpānasati Sutta, the seven factors of awakening, and the balance between calm and insight practices. Shaw writes with both scholarly depth and gentle clarity, making ancient teachings feel personal and relevant. Whether you're new to meditation or a long-time practitioner, this book is a wise and inspiring guide to understanding breath as both a daily anchor and a path to awakening.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book for anyone engaged in some sort of breath based meditation practice. The book is very rooted in Theravada Buddhist practices and covers both calm (samatha) and insight (vipassana) practices.