user11674: Is the breath all important? I know that the breath conditions the body, in that the breath tranquilizes the body, but often I read about NOT volitionally breathing in and out and this is exactly what I am doing. Can I use an alternative object or even open monitorin, that is many objects in a succession?

user7628: Although I understand the point of view of the individual that came before me, I believe the importance of what you focus on depends on what type of practice you are working on.
You stated that "the breath conditions the body". If you are working up your concentration abilities through samatha meditation, voluntarily breathing is not an issue. Your focus should be on how long you can hold your attention onto the breath. If you notice other experiences, or thoughts arising, simply acknowledge it and return your attention to the sensations of your breath.
You may experience thoughts about your experience of breathing. The previous writer is correct in that thinking cannot observe breathing. But what the Buddha taught is that consciousness is an illusion created by a belief in a separate, permanent self. Consciousness is not self. When you concentrate on the sensations of the breath, try to observe and realize the truth that in that moment, all you are experiencing is breath. There is no one to do the observing.

user13247: You do not force to do anapanasathi meditation. Only you have to concentration your inhale and exhale pattern. Before you do that, you can concentration on any object.I think that is the beginning to start a anapanasathi meditation.

user8157: The breathing naturally arises as a "sign" that the mind has right mindfulness & right concentration. If a meditator aspires to fulfill the 16 stages of Anapansati, they should never seek to observe the breathing & never be concerned about the breathing. The Buddha taught his path is the abandoning of craving. The meditator should only watch the mind; to ensure the mind is free from craving. 
An analogy is a mother hen sitting on eggs hoping for the eggs to hatch. All the mother hen does is sit on the eggs, to keep the eggs warm & safe. In time, the chicks inside the eggs will hatch the eggs. The mother hen does not use a hammer or her beak to crack open the eggs. 
Similarly, the more the mind thinks about watching breathing, the less the mind will watch the breathing. This is because thinking cannot watch breathing because what watches breathing is consciousness. 
Using thinking to watch breathing is the same as a mother hen using her beak to crack open the eggs. It is the wrong method & will only harm the chicks. 

11674: <p>Is the breath all important? I know that the breath conditions the body, in that the breath tranquilizes the body, but often I read about NOT volitionally breathing in and out and this is exactly what I am doing. Can I use an alternative object or even open monitorin, that is many objects in a succession?</p>
 7628: <p>Although I understand the point of view of the individual that came before me, I believe the importance of what you focus on depends on what type of practice you are working on.</p>

<p>You stated that "the breath conditions the body". If you are working up your concentration abilities through samatha meditation, voluntarily breathing is not an issue. Your focus should be on how long you can hold your attention onto the breath. If you notice other experiences, or thoughts arising, simply acknowledge it and return your attention to the sensations of your breath.</p>

<p>You may experience thoughts about your experience of breathing. The previous writer is correct in that thinking cannot observe breathing. But what the Buddha taught is that <strong>consciousness is an illusion created by a belief in a separate, permanent self. Consciousness is not self.</strong> When you concentrate on the sensations of the breath, try to observe and realize the truth that in that moment, all you are experiencing is breath. There is no one to do the observing.</p>
 13247: <p>You do not force to do <strong>anapanasathi</strong> meditation. Only you have to concentration your inhale and exhale pattern. Before you do that, you can concentration on any object.I think that is the beginning to start a <strong>anapanasathi</strong> meditation.</p>
 8157: <p>The breathing naturally arises as a "sign" that the mind has right mindfulness &amp; right concentration. If a meditator aspires to fulfill the 16 stages of Anapansati, they should never seek to observe the breathing &amp; never be concerned about the breathing. The Buddha taught his path is the abandoning of craving. The meditator should only watch the mind; to ensure the mind is free from craving. </p>

<p>An analogy is a mother hen sitting on eggs hoping for the eggs to hatch. All the mother hen does is sit on the eggs, to keep the eggs warm &amp; safe. In time, the chicks inside the eggs will hatch the eggs. The mother hen does not use a hammer or her beak to crack open the eggs. </p>

<p>Similarly, the more the mind thinks about watching breathing, the less the mind will watch the breathing. This is because <strong>thinking</strong> cannot watch breathing because what watches breathing is <strong>consciousness</strong>. </p>

<p>Using thinking to watch breathing is the same as a mother hen using her beak to crack open the eggs. It is the wrong method &amp; will only harm the chicks. </p>
