Four Fold Breath

· 1. Empty the lungs and remain thus while counting four.

· 2. Inhale, counting four so that you feel filled with breath to the throat.

· 3. Hold this breath while counting four.

· 4. Exhale, counting four till the lungs are empty.

Things to remember: Bring your breath in deep so that your abdomen rises first, not just the chest. Do not use your tongue to "close off" your airway during the 4 count when the breath is held in our out, rather use the strength of your diaphram to do the work. Keep your mind as still as possible, but do NOT fight thoughts away. When thoughts come into your mind simply acknowledge that thought and gently lead your mind back to your breathing.

This is an excellent centering meditation, but also very helpful for relaxation or when preparing for magick work.

An excerpt from the book Zen In The Martial Arts, page 23, by Joe Hyams:

I was having tea with Master Han in his office when the mailman arrived with a letter from the master's family in Korea.

Knowing he had been eagerly anticipating the letter, I paused in our conversation, expecting him to tear open the envelope and hastily scan the contents. Instead, he put the letter aside, turned to me, and continued our conversation.

The following day I remarked on his self-control, saying that I would have read the letter at once.

"I did what I would have done had I been alone," he said. "I put the letter aside until I had conquered haste. Then when I set my hand to it, I opened it as though it were something precious."

I puzzled over this comment a moment, knowing he meant it to be a lesson for me. Finally I said I didn't understand what such patience led to.

"It leads to this," he said. "Those who are patient in the trivial things in life and control themselves will one day have the same mastery in great and important things."