November 9, 2026
What is the connection between breathing and meditation? Just as the eyes are the windows of the soul, breathing is the measure of nervous tension and mental activity. Breathing, mind, nerves and also winking of the eyes are all somehow related to one another. Agitation in one is accompanied by agitation in the other. Perhaps "breathing" was intended more to bring about relaxation of the nerves and calming the mind, then just ventilating the lungs.
If you are absorbed in deep contemplation the breath slows down, becomes finer and finer, and "breath flows within the nostrils" as Gurudev put it. When you are absorbed in the inner silence, even a little movement of the breath is felt as a great distraction; it is then that spontaneous suspension of breath takes place. The eyes, even if they are open, have a "far-way" looking. They do not blink.
Breathe in and out through alternate nostrils, watch the character of the flow. You will know the state of your nerves and mind. Watch. When there is tension, the eyeballs are agitated they tend to "go up". By deliberately turning them downwards, you can check this too. Perhaps that is the purpose of "looking at the tip of your nose". Practice and realize the truth.