Significance of Contemplative meditation

Contemplative meditation, as described in Vaishnavism and Dharmashastra, involves a profound practice of reflection and mental focus on the divine. In Vaishnavism, it is seen as beneficial but lacks the immediacy of direct spiritual experience. Dharmashastra expands on this by highlighting two aspects: the practice by the Brahmana leading to a heightened spiritual state and a deeper meditation aimed at perceiving the subtle soul within oneself. Overall, contemplative meditation serves as a pathway to spiritual insight.

Synonyms: Mindful meditation, Reflective practice

In Dutch: Contemplatieve meditatie; In Finnish: Miettivä meditaatio; In Spanish: Meditación contemplativa

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Contemplative meditation'

Buddhism Books

Contemplative meditation in Buddhism is a reflective practice that seeks to attain profound understanding and inner peace through deep contemplation and mindfulness, fostering spiritual growth and insight.

Significance of Contemplative meditation in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):

Theravada Books

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) A reflective practice aimed at achieving deeper states of understanding and peace.^[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance of Contemplative meditation in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):

Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)

(1) A practice involving visualization of the male-female consorts in the heart-centre of the central deity for spiritual insight.^[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Hindu concept of 'Contemplative meditation'

Hinduism Books

Contemplative meditation in Hinduism involves profound reflection and focus, facilitating a heightened spiritual experience. It emphasizes mental concentration on the divine and inner self, though it may lack the immediacy of direct spiritual encounters.

Significance of Contemplative meditation in Dharmashastra (religious law):

Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A deep state of reflection and focus that leads to a heightened spiritual state, as practiced by the Brahmana.^[3] (2) A deep form of meditation aimed at perceiving the subtle soul residing within oneself.^[4]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance of Contemplative meditation in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) A practice of deep reflection and mental focus on the divine, which, while spiritually beneficial, lacks the immediacy of direct experience.^[5]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Last Updated: 19 October, 2024