Meditating Buddha Attended by Two Bodhisattvas

Meditation Buddha Attended by Two Bodhisattvas, 7th–8th century

From the MET Asian Art collection, public domain

The importance of the act of breath has been embedded in cultural practices for thousands of years.

This relief from the 7th to 8th century, found along the pilgrimage routes of the Swat Valley in northern Pakistan, was not just an artwork but a tool for meditation and reflection. The figures encouraged travellers to pause, connect with their surroundings, and practice mindfulness. Central to this practice is the focus on breathing. In Buddhist meditation, breathing is a way to anchor the mind in the present moment, clearing distractions and cultivating calm.