In Breathe! You Are Alive, Thich Nhat Hanh outlines the methods of conscious breathing Taught by the Buddha and offers exercises for practicing them today. Nhat Hanh's commentary gives the reader access to the profound nourishment available when we slow down and get in touch with our breath along with each act of daily life."I am breathing in and making my whole body calm and at peace." It is like drinking a cool glass of lemonade on a hot day and feeling your body become cool inside. When you breathe in, the air enters your body and calms all the cells of your body. At the same time, each "cell" of your mind also becomes more peaceful. The three are one and each one is all three. This is the key to meditation. Breathing brings the sweet joy of meditation to you. You become joyful, fresh and tolerant and everyone around you will benefit." Along with the Sutra on the four establishments of Mindfulness and the Sutra on Knowing the Better Way to Live Alone, the Sutra on the Full Awareness of Breathing is one of the three most essential teachings of the Buddha.