Meditation vs Contemplation
Meditation and Contemplation are two words that are often confused due the similarity in their meanings, although one can discern a difference between the two words. In order to comprehend the difference between the two first let us define the two words. Meditation consists in concentrating on an object or a religious symbol for a considerable period of time. On the other hand, contemplation involves serious thinking on a particular topic, or any other aspect concerned with our routine of work or ideas. This highlights that there is a key difference between their meanings and connotations. Through this article let us examine this difference in detail.
What is Meditation?
Meditation consists in concentrating on an object or a religious symbol for a considerable period of time. It requires some techniques as well for its smooth execution. The techniques of meditation are taught by the spiritual guru or teacher to the disciple or the student. Meditation forms a very important part of Ashtanga Yoga. In fact, it is one of the eight limbs of Yoga.
Meditation is aimed at perfecting the art of Yoga. It is aimed at spiritual absorption of the mind. In other words, Meditation results in emancipation. Contemplation, however, is different from meditation. Now let us examine the characteristics of contemplation to identify the difference between the two.
What is Contemplation?
Unlike meditation, contemplation involves serious thinking on a particular topic, or any other aspect concerned with our routine of work or ideas. Contemplation involves thinking, whereas meditation relates to the cessation of thoughts. Hence, it can be said that contemplation is exactly opposite to meditation in purpose.
Contemplation involves reflection of thoughts, the various ways of implementing those thoughts into action and the like. Contemplation results in bondage. Contemplation at times ends in strengthening spiritual knowledge too. If we contemplate on the nature of the supreme soul or the Brahman, then it amounts to moving closer towards spiritual growth. If we contemplate on personal ends, then it results in universal bondage according to philosophical truths.
Great sages have recommended meditation to achieve your goals of attaining liberation at the end of life. On the other hand, contemplation at the most can strengthen meditation procedures but it cannot directly lead us to liberation at the end of life. Contemplation involves study also. Mediation does not involve study for that matter. This highlights a clear difference between meditation and contemplation. The difference between the two can be summarized as follows.
What is the Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation?
Definitions of Meditation and Contemplation:
Meditation: Meditation consists in concentrating on an object or a religious symbol for a considerable period of time.
Contemplation: Contemplation involves serious thinking on a particular topic, or any other aspect concerned with our routine of work or ideas.
Characteristics of Meditation and Contemplation:
Thoughts:
Meditation: Meditation relates to the cessation of thoughts.
Contemplation: Contemplation involves thinking.
Aim:
Meditation: Meditation is aimed at perfecting the art of Yoga. It is aimed at spiritual absorption of the mind.
Contemplation: Contemplation involves reflection of thoughts, the various ways of implementing those thoughts into action and the like.
Result:
Meditation: Meditation results in emancipation.
Contemplation: Contemplation results in bondage.
Image Courtesy:
1. Meditate Tapasya Dhyana By RelaxingMusic (Flickr: Meditate) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Benjamin-Constant-Contemplation By Jean-Joseph Benjamin-Constant [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
