Ānāpānasati: The Complete 16-Step Mindfulness of Breathing PracticeDiscover the profound Buddhist meditation of mindfulness of breathing (ānāpānasati) — described in the suttas as "one thing" that, when fully developed, fulfills the four foundations of mindfulness and the seven awakening factors, leading all the way to liberation.In this video, we explore the classic 16 steps as taught in the Ānāpānasati Sutta (MN 118):Tetrad 1 – Body
1-2: Knowing long/heavy breaths
3: Knowing short/light breaths
4: Experiencing the whole bodily process
5: Stilling the breath formation Tetrad 2 – Feelings
6-7: Experiencing rapture and bliss
8: Experiencing mental processes
9: Stilling mental processes Tetrad 3 – Mind
10: Experiencing the mind
11: Gladdening the mind
12: Concentrating the mind (samādhi)
13: Liberating the mind Tetrad 4 – Insight (Dhamma)
14: Contemplating impermanence
15: Contemplating fading away
16: Contemplating cessation and letting go We also delve into the subtle art of effort without a self:

• Balancing energy and serenity
• Applying wise attention (yoniso manasikāra)
• Cutting off "I am the thinker"
• Seeing all states as "not mine, not I, not my self"
• The final "ceasing to intend" that touches true cessation

• Ānāpānasati Sutta (MN 118)
• Related discourses on effort, non-self, and cessation

Beautiful Analogy: Effort in meditation is like a carpenter’s adze handle — gradually worn smooth not by measuring each tiny bit of erosion, but simply through consistent, impersonal use. In the same way, the illusion of self and defilements are steadily eroded through dedicated practice.Ideal for beginners wanting clear instructions and experienced meditators seeking deeper insight into impersonal effort and non-identification. Subscribe for authentic, sutta-based explorations of meditation, mindfulness, and the path to awakening.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Ānāpānasati
02:10 - Setting Up the Practice (Secluded Place & Posture)
03:45 - Tetrad 1: Mindfulness of the Body
07:20 - Tetrad 2: Mindfulness of Feelings
10:15 - Tetrad 3: Mindfulness of the Mind
13:30 - Tetrad 4: Contemplation of Dhamma (Insight)
16:40 - Applying Effort Without a Self
19:00 - Balancing the Faculties & Wise Attention
21:30 - Uprooting "The Thinker"
23:50 - Ceasing to Intend & Touching Cessation
26:10 - Carpenter’s Adze Analogy
28:30 - Conclusion & Practical TipsKey Suttas Referenced:Which tetrad or step resonates most with your practice? Share in the comments!#Anapanasati #MindfulnessOfBreathing #BuddhistMeditation #16Steps #Satipatthana #AwakeningFactors #Theravada #Dhamma #Meditation #Impermanence #NonSelf #LettingGo