JoShik, means “controlled breathing”, when directly translated. Because life energy travels through the body on trails of the breath, we can control the flow of energy, including its strength and underlying character, by regulating our breath.

The fact that we are able to control the flow of Ki-energy indicates that we can control the currents of our thoughts and emotions. This being the case, not only are we immune to the winds of thoughts and emotions, we are able to control the direction and strength of such winds. Through a simple thing like breathing, we are able to increase health of body and peace of mind, regulate flow of Ki-energy, and even control the mind according to our will.

However, the possibilities of the breath do not stop here. With continuous, deep, and sincere breathing, we will eventually meet deeper aspects of breathing, the cycle of the harmony of life. Breath is a concrete and immediate expression of life, an endless in… and out, that defines the harmonious cycle of life. With each breath we inhale, we are one with our body, ever grateful for this vessel of life. With each breath we exhale, we become one with the enveloping atmosphere, imbued with intense appreciation for the heavens. As we immerse ourselves deeper in our breathing, we become breath itself, neither inside nor outside, and without boundary. Although we breathe naturally from the moment of birth, the meaning of breath becomes deeper, without limitation, once we understand its significance.

Ilchi Lee breath respiration books.