The Zen of Bamboo Breathing
There are many multi-step or multi-stage breathing meditation practices in yogic, Taoist and Buddhist meditation traditions. The appellation “Bamboo Breathing,” however, is unique to the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism, where the practice thrives to this day. Breathing like Bamboo Bamboo breathing can be practiced in seated or standing meditation positions. Foremost, it requires a straight spine and balanced upper body alignment to open the respiratory muscles of the chest, diaphragm, obliques and lower back. As with many breath-based meditation…