Answer by Suminda Sirinath S. Dharmasena for Is observing the start-middle-end of breath a correct practice in Anapanasati meditation?

He trains himself thus: "I shall breathe in experiencing the whole body (of breath)",

He trains himself thus: "I shall breathe out experiencing the whole body (of breath)",

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Just as a skilled turner or his apprentice, when making a long turn, understands that he is making a long turn, or in making a short turn, understands that he is making a short turn, so, too, a monk

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He trains himself thus: "I shall breathe in experiencing the whole body (of breath)",

He trains himself thus: "I shall breathe out experiencing the whole body (of breath)",

Source: Mahā Sati’patthāna Sutta

Experiencing the whole breath is sometimes interpreted as being aware of the start-middle-end of the breath. Also the skilled tuner passage seems to imply such as cited by some in support of this interpretation.

See: How is the Pali Phase "Sabbakayapatisamvedi Assasissami... passasissamiti sikkhati..." Interpreted as per Different Linage?

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