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SN 54 · 20 texts · 20 in English

Linked Discourses on Breath Meditation

Ānāpānasaṁyutta

The “Linked Discourses on Breath Meditation” contains 20 discourses on breath meditation (ānāpānassati), the most revered form of meditation from early Buddhism until the present day. It was practiced by the Buddha himself. The meditation is taught in a detailed series of sixteen steps. These are partially sequential, but also overlap in some cases. The development of these fulfills all four kinds of mindfulness meditation and the seven factors of awakening. Thus this one form of meditation can lead to awakening; which is not, however, to say that it is invariably the best approach. The Buddha taught many different meditations for a reason; each has its own qualities and benefits. Breath meditation is seen as a peaceful and pleasant meditation which helps still distracting thoughts. It is a simple practice broadly suitable for most meditators, but leading to profound depths.

The Chapter on One Thing

Ekadhammavagga
  • SN 54.1 One ThingEkadhammasutta

    Breath meditation is very beneficial. It is developed by going into seclusion, establishing mindfulness on the breath, and proceeding through sixteen stages.

  • SN 54.2 Awakening FactorsBojjhaṅgasutta

    Breath meditation is very beneficial. It is developed together with the seven factors of awakening.

  • SN 54.3 Plain VersionSuddhikasutta

    Breath meditation is very beneficial. It is developed by going into seclusion, establishing mindfulness on the breath, and proceeding through sixteen stages.

  • SN 54.4 Fruits (1st)Paṭhamaphalasutta

    Breath meditation is very beneficial. When developed it leads to perfection or non-return.

  • SN 54.5 Fruits (2nd)Dutiyaphalasutta

    Breath meditation is very beneficial. When developed it leads to perfection or one of the lesser attainments.

  • SN 54.6 With AriṭṭhaAriṭṭhasutta

    When the Buddha asks Venerable Ariṭṭha about breath meditation, his answer, while not incorrect, does not do full justice to the practice.

  • SN 54.7 About MahākappinaMahākappinasutta

    The Buddha sees Venerable Mahākappina meditating nearby and points out that his steadiness and tranquility are due to practicing breath meditation.

  • SN 54.8 The Simile of the LampPadīpopamasutta

    Before his awakening the Buddha generally practiced breath meditation, which kept him alert and peaceful and led to the ending of defilements. One who wishes for any of the higher fruits of the renunciate life should practice the same way.

  • SN 54.9 At VesālīVesālīsutta

    The Buddha taught the meditation on the ugliness of the body, then left to go on retreat. However, many monks, misconstruing the teachings, ending up killing themselves. The Buddha taught breath meditation as a peaceful and pleasant abiding.

  • SN 54.10 With KimbilaKimilasutta

    When the Buddha asks Venerable Kimbila about breath meditation, he is unable to answer. At Ānanda’s urging, the Buddha explains in detail.

Chapter Two

Dutiyavagga
  • SN 54.11 IcchānaṅgalaIcchānaṅgalasutta

    The Buddha goes on a three month retreat, and later says that during that time he mostly practiced breath meditation.

  • SN 54.12 In DoubtKaṅkheyyasutta

    Venerable Lomasavaṅgīsa explains to Mahānāma that the difference between a trainee and the Realized One is that the trainees practice to give up the hindrances, whereas the Realized One has already ended all defilements.

  • SN 54.13 With Ānanda (1st)Paṭhamaānandasutta

    Answering Ānanda, the Buddha explains how one thing fulfills four things, four things fulfill seven things, and seven things fulfill two things.

  • SN 54.14 With Ānanda (2nd)Dutiyaānandasutta

    The Buddha explains to Ānanda how one thing fulfills four things, four things fulfill seven things, and seven things fulfill two things.

  • SN 54.15 Several Mendicants (1st)Paṭhamabhikkhusutta

    Answering some mendicants, the Buddha explains how one thing fulfills four things, four things fulfill seven things, and seven things fulfill two things.

  • SN 54.16 Several Mendicants (2nd)Dutiyabhikkhusutta

    The Buddha explains to some mendicants how one thing fulfills four things, four things fulfill seven things, and seven things fulfill two things.

  • SN 54.17 Giving Up the FettersSaṁyojanappahānasutta
  • SN 54.18 Uprooting the TendenciesAnusayasamugghātasutta
  • SN 54.19 Completely Understanding the Course of TimeAddhānapariññāsutta
  • SN 54.20 The Ending of DefilementsĀsavakkhayasutta