I just thought I'd mention that the breathless state I advocate, Lloyd, is the complete non-existence of breath at the highest level of attainment. There is no urge to breathe at all, and there is no pulse.
I relate it to our topic by exemplifying that what is normally thought to be required for a particular existence to function can be transcended, and that is my interpretation of the absolute universe.
The breadth and breath of the space, and the pulsating of matter is the lowest form of existence, eternally functioning according to the dictates of an imbalanced and imperfect mind. Whereas the absolute state is the gateway to gain control of what is normally thought to be out one's reach. Sort of like merging consciousness and subconsciousness through unconsciousness.
The spontaneous cessation of breath has healed many illnesses and, to me, is tied in with the universal model - sort of like accidently tapping into what makes the universe "tick."
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At that instant, he attained a profound realization, and he penetrated deeply into the ultimate nature of life.
He said to Cariapa when they were leaving the mountain, "I was watching the clouds, and suddenly I felt myself thinking nothing . . . however, I did not hear any Voice."
"Well done, you’ve heard the Voice at last."
"What do you mean?"
"The Voice of Heaven is a voiceless voice--absolute stillness."
"I see . . . well, I have another question. What will happen, if you hear the Voice?"
Cariapa simply answered, "Your life will now be filled with an infinite and natural life energy."
"Natural life energy?"
"Some day soon the signs of its presence will be clearly evident to you."
Tears welled up in Saburo’s eyes and fell down his cheeks. He thought, "I studied medicine at university, but I could not see this truth. Now the universe, trying to save a fool such as me, whispers such precious words to me through this old man."
And he cried in joy. It was 1912, and he was 36 years old. In this way, Saburo experienced satori, or spiritual realization. His illness was gone.
http://www.senninfoundation.com/tempu.html