Awareness at the Breath Turning Points
मरुतोऽन्तर्बहिर्वापि वियद्युग्मानिवर्तनात् । भैरव्या भैरवस्यैत्थं भैरवि व्यज्यते वपुः ॥
maruto'ntarbahirvapi viyadyugmanivartatnat | bhairavya bhairavasyaittham bhairavi vyajyate vapuh ||
VBT Verse 25
The Sutra
"As breath turns from down to up, and again as breath curves from up to down - through both these turns, realize."
Paul Reps translation, Zen Flesh, Zen Bones (1957)
Understanding
A subtle expansion of the first technique. Instead of focusing on just one gap, here you become aware of both turning points - where inhale becomes exhale AND where exhale becomes inhale. These two turns are like two doors, and you stand in awareness at both. The realization deepens because you catch the stillness at every transition.
Original Sanskrit
मरुतोऽन्तर्बहिर्वापि वियद्युग्मानिवर्तनात् । भैरव्या भैरवस्यैत्थं भैरवि व्यज्यते वपुः ॥
maruto'ntarbahirvapi viyadyugmanivartatnat | bhairavya bhairavasyaittham bhairavi vyajyate vapuh ||
Vijnanabhairava Verse 25 (Technique 2 of 112)
How to Practice
Sit comfortably with eyes closed. Spend a few minutes simply watching the natural flow of breath.
Notice the first turning point: where the inhale completes and begins to reverse into exhale.
Now notice the second turning point: where the exhale completes and begins to reverse into inhale.
Hold gentle awareness on BOTH turns simultaneously - you are watching a continuous cycle with two moments of stillness.
Feel the breath as a circle or wave, with two crests where movement pauses momentarily.
Let your attention ride along this circle, resting especially at the two turning points.
As practice deepens, the two points may feel like one continuous awareness - the stillness underneath all movement.
Duration
15-20 minutes
Best Time
Early morning or late evening
Related Techniques
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