Books › Breathe! You Are Alive

Breathe! You Are Alive
the sutra on the full awareness of breathing
First published 1996 · 104 pages
A serene and deeply grounded exploration of ancient wisdom, guiding the reader toward mindful presence through the simple act of breathing.
What it feels like
Reading this text feels like sitting in a quiet room, guided by a gentle and deeply knowledgeable voice. It is a steady, contemplative journey into the heart of Zen Buddhist practice, focusing on the profound simplicity of breath. The mood is overwhelmingly tranquil and reverent, inviting the reader to slow down and engage with ancient sutras and their interpretations. The prose is clear and instructional, bridging the gap between historical scriptural commentary and practical meditation. It is an experience of grounding oneself, moving from the noise of daily life into a state of serene awareness. This book will deeply resonate with readers seeking spiritual clarity, mindfulness, and a thoughtful exploration of Buddhist teachings on the breath.
- Mood
- tranquil
- grounded
- reflective
- serene
- Tone
- contemplative
- reverent
- instructional
- earnest
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- mindful awareness · spiritual practice · scriptural interpretation · the power of breath
- The writing
- Clear, instructional, and deeply rooted in the reverence of ancient spiritual traditions.
- The arc
- A gentle progression from seeking spiritual understanding to achieving a grounded, mindful presence.
- Who it's for
- Readers seeking spiritual grounding and a thoughtful, instructional guide to Zen Buddhist meditation practices.
Content notes
- discussions of respiratory diseases
About the book
I heard these words of the Buddha one time when he was staying in Savatthi in the Eastern Park, with many well-known and accomplished disciples, including Sariputta, Mahamoggallana, Mahakassapa, Mahakaccayana, Mahakotthita, Mahakappina, Mahacunda, Anuruddha, Revata, and Ananda.
Description from Open Library.
Books like Breathe! You Are Alive
See why they match
Our appointment with lifeNhat Hanh, ThichA gentle, grounding invitation to stop running and finally arrive in the present moment.
The Miracle of MindfulnessThich Nhat HanhA gentle invitation to slow down and find the sacred in the simplest acts of daily life.
Peace is every stepNhat HanhA gentle, grounding invitation to slow down and discover profound beauty in the ordinary, frustrating moments of a busy life.
The Heart of UnderstandingNhá̂t Hạnh (Thích.)A quiet, luminous meditation that gently dissolves the boundaries between self and world, leaving behind a profound sense of peace.
The heart of the Buddha's teachingThích Nhất HạnhA gentle, luminous guide that feels like sitting in a quiet garden with a deeply compassionate teacher.
What the Buddha taughtWalpola RahulaA clear, unclouded window into ancient wisdom that strips away mysticism to reveal practical truths about the human condition.