This talk will explore the practice of meditative breathing in the Yogavāsiṣṭha through the story of Bhuṣunda, a wise crow that instructs sage Vasiṣṭha in the art of observing one’s own breath to transcend sorrow and attain liberation. It will look at the difference between the practice of awareness of the breath (prāṇacintā) in the Yogavāsiṣṭha and other breathing yoga techniques (prāṇāyama) as described in haṭha yoga manuals and in the Yogasūtra of Patañjali. Finally, it will propose a reflection on the philosophical meaning and relevance of paying attention to one’s own breath in the manner done by Bhuṣunda, particularly on the practice of “holding the breath within”.