LIFE IS BREATH . BREATH IS LIFE
   The central role of the breath is strange and mystical to the twentieth-century Western mind. Indian yogis believe that we partake of the energy, or essence, of life through breathing. In fact, they feel that our lives are pre measured by a certain number of breathe, and each one taken brings us closer to the end of our bodily function.

In  meditation, posture is the key. If the posture is good, good breathing will follow and we shall experience once again what we knew as a baby. It is useful, however, to discuss certain methods, techniques and mechanics of breathing.

Basically, most of us breath too often and too shallowly. Hence, the foul air in the lower pan of our lungs is not fully expelled. Conversely, on intake our lungs are not filled up much beyond the upper third of their actual volume, so that we are not using more than a fraction of our vital capacity. The process of oxygen exchange in our bloodstream is therefore inefficient. The blood is improperly cleansed of carbon dioxide and our brains and nervous systems are not fully oxygenated. The deleterious effects manifest themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally.

An average person at rest completes fifteen to eighteen breathing cycles per minute, a cycle being one inhalation plus one exhalation. Although this feels natural and comfortable, it is actually too fast for the purpose of Shaolin meditation. When you're in a zazen position, you must let your breath "sit" also. An experienced practitioner can breath quite effectively at five cycles per minute, some even fewer. Quite a difference!

Breathing should be slow, regular and controlled. The active part of the breath, the exhalation, should be twice as long as the inhalation. This is to make sure that the lungs are emptied of all foul air. If they are emptied, the body automatically begins the next inhalation. Breathing should be silent, using the nose only. The jaw is relaxed. The mouth is closed. The tongue is held lightly between the teeth, touching the upper palate, which helps slow the accumulation of saliva in the mouth.

Basically, the chest should be relatively stationary when we breath. Everything is directed to moving the breath down to the tanden (a vital point beneath the nard). In Shaolin kungfu, tanden is the source of power. When an experienced Kienando is about to break a brick or a stone , you may see them reach inside their gi to clutch at the  tanden, to see that it is firm and full of breath and spirit. This is the source of real power, both mental and physical. When you are breathing out, you are strong - you can break a board, you can absorb a blow and not be hurt. When you are inhaling, you are weak. In karate, you often hear students give a loud shout (kiai) when executing a kick or a punch. The student is training to time the execution of the technique with the exhalation. This maximizes the power applied. The shout encourages and facilitates the forceful and complete exhalation of air. So this is simply the application of the principles of proper breathing in action. 

                Meditation Practice

At Kienando dojo, each class session ends with a short period of meditation.  It used to ease the mind from our busy life activities, as well as to reflect on what was covered in class and what needs to be studied.  Sitting on the floor in an afsa position, the instructor will call out:

! Close your eyes!

With eyes close, you should try to relax and slow your breathing, making it deeper and more controlled. Empty your mind of all the day's tensions and anxieties. For about 15 minutes, you get to forget all your troubles. After the short meditation, you will hear:

Haaaiiiiii!   you'll automatically open your eye .

The interest of Kienando students in meditation is not in any religious doctrine, history, ritual, or liturgy. kienando students are neither expected nor encouraged to embrace any particular religious belief. However, meditation has something to offer every Kienando students, regardless of personal religious beliefs or cultural background. When you sit, the major factor the alignment of your body the alignment of the spinal column. That is, the spine should be allowed to stretch freely along its length, thereby ensuring The physical training in Kienando is strenuous, emphasizing progressive development of strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity. One of the goals of kienando training is to develop strong bodies, which contributes to health and a general sense of self-confidence and well-being. In addition to developing students with the highest level of physical skills, Kienando aims to develop individuals of the highest moral character, individuals who can then make significant contributions to a better life in the family, the work place, and in society .This goal is achieved by the integration of Shaolin meditation into the practice of each and every student.