Breathing
– Human Lifespan
Human Lifespan
Just as a vehicle is believed to have a certain lifespan measured by the number
of kilometers it can run, according to Yogic philosophy, a human being's
lifespan is measured by a fixed number of breaths.
Generally, adults breathe 12 to 20 times per minute. Those who live under
excessive stress and tension breathe more than 20 times per minute. According
to this view, when their allotted number of breaths is exhausted, they die.
Therefore, people who live under constant stress are believed to die sooner.
So, how can we reduce our breathing rate? Do not try to force it. If you live
peacefully, your breathing rate naturally decreases. If you practice
meditation, it can reduce your breathing rate even further.
For example, during the first two years after I started meditating, I used to
breathe six times per minute. Now I breathe only 3 to 4 times per minute. I did
not force myself to reduce my breathing rate. It decreased naturally through
the practice of meditation. This is the rate I observed while breathing
normally, without making any conscious effort.
I, too, once lived a stressful life. When my health began to fluctuate, I found
peace and joy through this spiritual practice. Having lived such a tense and
stressful life, I should have died long ago!
The reason I am still alive today is the significant change in my breathing
rate. I gained this through meditation. I myself am living proof that
meditation can indeed improve human health and increase longevity.
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I measured my breathing in November 2024 by setting a timer on my mobile phone,
and I was surprised by my breathing rate. Thinking that the first measurement
might have been incorrect, I checked it three times. The results were
consistent, varying by only 3–4 seconds per minute.
Here are the breathing measurements I noted at that time...
*First measurement:* 8 minutes 45 seconds, 30 breaths → approximately 3.43
breaths per minute.
*Second measurement: 5 minutes 10 seconds, 15 breaths → approximately 2.89
breaths per minute.
*Third measurement:* 9 minutes 40 seconds, 30 breaths → approximately 3.11
breaths per minute.
Do not try to forcefully reduce your breathing rate. That is not good. The
number of breaths should decrease naturally.
Remember, what matters is not how many hours we meditate. What matters is how
quickly we reach a higher state of meditation.
Some people may reach a deeper meditative state in just 2 minutes, some may
take 10 minutes, while others may need an hour.
Practice gradually, step by step. There is no need to keep track of time or
force yourself to meditate.
Note: Do not keep counting or measuring your breathing repeatedly. That itself
can create a form of stress and tension.
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In meditation, *prana (life energy)* is important. When we breathe, it is not
only oxygen that enters our body. Along with the breath, *prana* or *life
force* also flows. It is this life energy that keeps us alive.
If you observe, even if a person whose breathing has stopped is given plenty of
oxygen in a hospital, a dead person does not come back to life.
When I went to the Himalayas and stayed at an altitude of 12,000 feet above sea
level, my oxygen level was checked every day, and even there, my oxygen level
remained normal.
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For comprehensive information about meditation, including meditation
techniques, methods, practices, and different stages of meditation, you can
find video links on my Google Blog:
Kannada blogger link:
English blogger link:
Thank you 
G C V 