호흡명상의 실천방법에 대한 재고: 초기불교와 상좌부불교의 입출식념을 중심으로

Reconsidering Methodologies for the Practice of Mindfulness of Breathing: Focused on Mindfulness of Breathing (ānāpānasati)

Introduction: This study deals with methodologies for the practice of mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) as it is presented in the traditions of Early Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. Body: These methodologies can be largely divided into three types. First, much importance was given to the mindfulness of breathing by Early Buddhism. Pali-Nikaya contains many references where the Buddha reiterated the importance of mindfulness of breathing in various ways. Second, I examined the various methodologies for practicing mindfulness of breathing. Although Pali-Nikaya presents 16 stages of practice, in this study I condensed the four stages dealing with mindfulness of the body (kayanupassana) into three and explored them. I also learned that in mindfulness of breathing, what’s important is not where to focus the awareness but clear awareness itself. However, regarding where to focus awareness and the methods of practice, discrepancies appear in the interpretations of Early Buddhism and Theravada Buddhism. These discrepancies are clearly observed in today’s practice centers and monasteries. The last item I dealt with is the current methodologies for mindfulness of breathing as practiced in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Conclusion: Methodologies for the mindfulness of breathing evolved independently in each tradition. This must have resulted due to attempts to be considerate of practitioners. At the same time, however, to fix the locus of awareness in respiration, as practiced by traditional meditation techniques, may distort the original meaning of mindfulness of breathing meditation. Each meditation technique within Theravada Buddhism maintains that it follows the Buddha’s teachings, but I doubt if the Buddha would agree.