The sound of breath is used in meditation to collect, calm and focus the mind. Using this meditative calm as a basis, the breath can then be used to cultivate insight into the true nature of reality. In our experience, it is important that the meditation unfolds in this sequence. Therefore, as a given meditation session progresses, there should be a gradual ‘opening up’ of awareness and a smooth transition from a form of meditative awareness that is more focused on establishing mental stability.