BREATHING AND BUDO III

BREATHING AND BUDO III

There is an exercise, derived from Zen which may be of use in developing good breathing practices. It is of particular benefit in Budo for the development of centralized energy, a foundation in the principles of ki, as well as simply a relaxed body, mind, and good health. That is the practice of deep abdominal breathing.

In this exercise there are two dimensions: a physio-functional dimension which relates to the way one controls the two phases of breathing: inhalation and exhalation. The second dimension is mental and emotional, directly relating to the mental images one uses as a method for developing a proper rhythm and style to breathing.

One method to develop proper breathing involves sitting in a zazen or seiza style on a mat or some sort of cushion so that the pressure on legs, ankles, and feet does not become too painful. In reality, adaptation to this way of sitting is a gradual process, requiring the increasing of time spent in this position by a few minutes each time you practice. Sitting cross-legged is totally acceptable but make sure to put a cushion underneath you in order to keep your posture straight and to make you more comfortable.

Once you are seated, comfortable and relaxed, you can begin the exercise. Inhalation should be long, as a thin stream of air is taken in through the nose at a steady, controlled rate. This should be done in a relaxed way with no straining. The feeling you should have is that the air is filling the central part of our body, not only the chest but also the lower abdomen, which should expand normally, again without stress, strain, or tension. The idea is to breath fully and naturally.

When you have inhaled all that you can with ease, being sure to keep your shoulders down during the inhalation, then rest quietly for a moment before beginning to exhale. Exhale through your mouth, again in a steady, concentrated yet relaxed stream, perhaps making a slight sound resembling “aah”. Remember, there should not be any straining and do not attempt to exhale in a sudden or forceful manner.

A way to coordinate both the mental-emotional dimension of this exercise with the physio-functional dimension; thus, striving to achieve a unity of mind and body, many Zen masters tech their pupils to visualize a stream of air being drawn in and out during the exercise or to imagine the ebb and flow of gentle waves against the shore of a lake or the sea, providing both a relaxing image as well as an excellent rhythm for the breathing pattern.

Unless proper breath control is mastered, progress in Budo will always tend to be limited. Once mastered, however, the techniques of breath control must be continually “toned” or maintained through regular practice.

Next time we will learn some very simple Tai Chi movements meant to teach deep breathing and at the same time relax your body and mind.

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Copyright 2008 by Hayato Tokugawa, Aoi Tokugawa, Sekishinkan Tokugawa Dojo & Takayama Budokai. All Rights Reserved.