In Chinese, Anapanasati (mindfulness of breathing) is most commonly referred to as:

安那般那 (Ānnàbānnà)

This is a phonetic transliteration of the Pali/Sanskrit term. While it doesn't carry a literal meaning through the characters themselves, it is the standard technical name used in Buddhist texts.

Common Translations & Variations

Depending on the context—whether it's a formal sutra or a practical meditation guide—you will see it described in a few different ways:

• 數息觀 (Shùxīguān): Literally "Contemplation of Counting Breaths." This refers to the specific practice of counting breaths, which is often the first stage of Anapanasati.
• 出入息念 (Chūrùxīniàn): Literally "Mindfulness of Out-breath and In-breath." This is a more descriptive, literal translation of the term.
• 阿那波那 (Ānàbōnà): An older transliteration often found in early Chinese translations of the Agamas.

Key Scriptural Reference

The primary text discussing this is the 《安那般那守意經》 (Ānnàbānnà Shǒuyì Jīng), translated by An Shigao. In this context, 守意 (Shǒuyì) means "guarding the mind" or "keeping the focus," which explains the goal of the breathing practice.