釋禪波羅蜜次第法門 2.121

2.121

Second, as for the method of regulating the breath upon initial entry into dhyāna: the breath generally has four states: first, wind; second, panting; third, air; fourth, breath. The first three are marks of irregularity, and the last one is the mark of regulation. What is the mark of wind? When sitting, the breath exiting and entering the nose is perceived to make a sound. What is the mark of panting? When sitting, although there is no sound, the exiting and entering is congested, obstructed, and not free-flowing; this is the mark of panting. What is the mark of air? When sitting, although there is no sound and it is not congested, the exiting and entering is not subtle; this is called the mark of air. As for the mark of breath: it is noiseless, uncongested, and not coarse; exiting and entering continuously, as if existing yet as if non-existent, nourishing the spirit with peace and comfort, and making the feelings pleasant and joyful; this is the mark of breath. Attending to wind leads to dispersion; attending to panting leads to congestion; attending to air leads to fatigue; attending to breath leads to concentration.