Breath As A Refuge For The Digital Age With Jacques Rutzky

In this fourth episode of the anapanasati series, I welcome meditation teacher Jacques Rutzky for a deep, personal conversation on mindfulness of breathing (anapanasati) and its role in daily life. Jacques shares his 50+ year journey into meditation—starting at age 16 in Detroit, discovering the Pali Canon, a pivotal 1974 retreat with Joseph Goldstein, and 45 years under Thai teacher Dhiravamsa (formerly Phra Bhikkhu Dhammasuddhi). He emphasizes practical, individualized breath practice over rigid methods, adapting to where students naturally feel the breath (nose, chest, abdomen).

The discussion explores modern challenges like screen addiction and fragmented attention, hindrances (craving, aversion, etc.), and using breath as both anchor and refuge. Jacques advocates experimentation, slowing down, and viewing the mind as one tool among many—not the only one.