Sri Lanka, April 21 -- Following are excerpts from an interview with Theravada bhikkhu Ven. Ajahn Suchart Abhijato Maha Thera of Thailand. The Maha Thera is well known across the globe for his effective Dhamma teaching methods and meditation practice.

Q: How long should a beginner focus on his/her breath during meditation?

A: It's not the length of time you should worry about; it's the quality of your meditation - how long can you remain absorbed, calm, and peaceful? So if you can become peaceful, you'll likely stay in meditation longer than when your mind isn't calm. The factor that determines your mind's calmness is your mindfulness. If you want to achieve better calmness from your meditation practice, you have to practise mindfulness...