The Secret Beneath the Ocean

On a quiet morning by the shore, salty winds swept through submerged coral reefs. The water lay flat as a mirror, reflecting the deep blue sky. A simple small boat drifted lazily across the vast ocean. Inside sat a sun-darkened man with profound eyes that held an entire world of stillness. He carried no oxygen tank and wore no modern protective gear. He possessed only a homemade spear gun and a pair of old glasses.

People often ask how he can survive underwater for so long. Scientific theory suggests humans can hold their breath for about five minutes. In reality, if you pinch your nose, your brain begins to lack oxygen after just one minute, causing dizziness and immediate fainting. Yet, when observing videos of his hunting, everyone is astonished. He sinks into the depths, moving gently among the rocks, searching for prey for more than seven minutes straight. Without panic or struggle, he remains calm, as if strolling through his own home.

Where lies the secret? It is not supernatural magic, but the art of breath control—a form of active meditative concentration. Before diving, he sits quietly in the boat and closes his eyes. His breathing becomes slow and steady. He inhales deeply, keeping his mind completely still, casting aside all distracting thoughts, anxiety, or fear. Only when his heart is at peace does he put on his glasses, take his spear, and slowly descend.

Beneath the sea, sunlight pierces the water, creating magical shimmering rays. He walks on white sand, each step firm and grounded. When he spots a large fish hiding behind a coral reef, he does not rush. His heart beats rhythmically, and his lungs function efficiently under the guidance of mindfulness. He raises his spear, aims precisely, and fires. The arrow pins firmly into the fish’s body, pulling the line taut. He retrieves his catch, then slowly rises to the surface, breaking the stillness to welcome the first fresh breath of air.

Witnesses exclaim that this ability defies ordinary laws. But in truth, it is the result of mastering the breath. When the mind is still, the body minimizes oxygen consumption, extending endurance. This is clear proof of ancient teachings: breath is not merely biological life support, but a gateway to the extraordinary.

The Meaning of the Story

The tale of the African fisherman reminds us that breath is the bridge between body and mind. By learning to breathe with intention and keeping the mind still, we can surpass limits that seem impossible for the physical form. In Buddhism, breath is considered a fundamental practice to gather the scattered mind, eliminate delusions, and bring the practitioner closer to enlightenment and purity. Learn to listen to your own breath, for within each inhalation and exhalation lies miraculous power that helps you master your life.

Compiled from a dharma talk by Venerable Thich Chan Quang