'WHY IS THERE A FOCUS ON THE BREATH IN MEDITATION?' - BEST ANSWER

One of the basic ways to settle both body and mind in meditation is to focus upon the breath.  Master Hsing Yun, offers this concise explanation:  "Rapid and short breathing signifies a flustered and unstable mind, and smooth breathing is indicative of a harmonized mind. Hence, the practice of counting breaths has always been emphasized repeatedly during meditation instruction. "