Significance of Meditative practice
Meditative practice is a central theme across various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it entails mental focus to overcome hindrances, ongoing refinement of heart and mind, and disciplined exercises aimed at spiritual awakening. Jainism emphasizes techniques for improving focus and calmness, while Tibetan Buddhism highlights deep concentration and reflection for insight. Vaishnavism and other beliefs, like Ayurveda, explore meditative practices for spiritual growth, mental clarity, and healing. Overall, meditative practice is essential for cultivating mindfulness and achieving deeper spiritual understanding across these traditions.
Synonyms: Mindfulness practice, Contemplation, Meditation, Reflective practice, Mindfulness meditation, Spiritual practice, Attentiveness, Mindfulness, Reflection, Introspection, Concentration, Thoughtfulness
In Dutch: Meditatieve praktijk; In Finnish: Meditatiivinen harjoitus; In Spanish: Práctica meditativa; In German: Meditative Praxis; In Malay: Amalan meditasi; In Swedish: Meditativ praktik; In French: Pratique méditative; In Polish: Praktyka medytacyjna; In Portugese: Prática meditativa; In Italian: Pratica meditativa; In Dutch: Meditatieve beoefening
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Meditative practice'
Meditative practice in Buddhism emphasizes the significance of meditation for spiritual growth, involving disciplined mental exercises aimed at fostering insight, mindfulness, and tranquility, ultimately leading to deeper understanding and liberation from worldly suffering.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) This concept emphasizes the importance of meditation over mere study in spiritual development, as advised by sangs rgyas yar byon to those pursuing their education.[1] (2) A disciplined approach to meditation that entails deep and focused concentration.[2] (3) Spiritual exercises established by the boy for his students and monks, enhancing their growth.[3] (4) Disciplined exercises in meditation aimed at achieving insight and realization of the nature of the mind.[4] (5) The regular practice of meditation that ‘khon phu ba engaged in during his life.[5]
From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas
(1) The engagement in meditation focusing on upekkha as a means of achieving higher states of jhana.[6] (2) Techniques employed by bhikkhus to cultivate concentration, mindfulness, and insight, essential for spiritual progress.[7] (3) The act of focusing the mind during meditation, which was requested by Meghiya in relation to the mango grove.[8] (4) The methodologies employed by Revata to cultivate mindfulness and achieve enlightenment during his ascetic life.[9]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The act of engaging in meditation, which can involve focusing on specific signs or concepts.[10]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The discipline of deep contemplation that fosters insight and tranquility, leading to spiritual liberation.[11]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Mental exercises prescribed by the Buddha to cultivate insight and detachment from worldly suffering.[12]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) Meditative Practices of Shravakas and Bodhisattvas are discussed by Nobuyoshi Yamabe in Acta Asiatica: Bulletin of the Institute of Eastern Culture.[13] (2) These are practices figured as a tool or technique by which young countercultural devotees will transform American society, as seen in the 'Houseboat Summit'.[14] (3) This is what Tiantai is rooted in, along with ritual performance, and the interpretation of the Lotus Sutra, and at most, Madhyamaka sources provide the philosophical bedrock for the elaborate system-building seen in the texts attributed to Zhiyi and his followers.[15] (4) Meditative practice is the practice of training the individual minds through, to achieve liberation.[16]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The method of focusing the mind, required to counteract the hindrances posed by obscurations.[17]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The ongoing effort by practitioners to refine their heart and mind through repeated contemplation and discipline.[18]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The intentional engagement in mindfulness and focus to develop spiritual understanding and compassion.[19]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The act of the yogin engaging in the process of dhyana, samapatti, and the successive absorptions, which is the focus of the text.[20]
Hindu concept of 'Meditative practice'
Meditative practice in Hinduism encompasses various devotional activities and spiritual exercises aimed at fostering mindfulness, deepening the connection with the divine, and achieving higher consciousness through techniques like contemplation and focused thought.
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The act of meditating and reciting mantras, which is believed in the text to provide protection and healing.[21]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The activities aimed at quieting the mind and connecting with the Soul, significant in the Yoga philosophy.[22]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) A beneficial tool for alleviating stress by promoting non-judgmental awareness and helping individuals look at things as they are.[23] (2) Techniques aimed at calming the mind, enhancing focus, and promoting mental clarity, often used to reduce stress and improve concentration.[24] (3) A randomized feasibility study of these in hospitalized cancer patients.[25] (4) These are exercises included in Yoga that enhance overall well-being and reduce stress.[26] (5) Techniques to train attention and awareness, part of yoga's holistic approach to wellness and overall health.[27]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Activities such as meditation, recommended within Buddhist teachings for promoting physical and mental health.[28] (2) Techniques and teachings associated with meditation in Buddhism, contributing to healing and well-being.[29]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Meditative practices, including Dhyana, are described as a way to modify acts performed by the body, mind, and speech for preventive and therapeutic effects, as mentioned.[30] (2) Meditative practices are a subject of comparison within the text, specifically comparing vajrayana and theravada, highlighting their neurophysiological and cognitive aspects.[31]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Techniques aimed at fostering deep thought, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness.[32]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The techniques and exercises aimed at achieving union with Brahman, often involving the syllable Om.[33] (2) Methods and techniques aimed at connecting with the divine essence through concentrated thought and action.[34]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The act of focusing and contemplating on specific objects, which in this text outlines the challenge presented by Brahman as a meditation subject.[35]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The practice of concentrating on the syllable ‘Om’ as a form of meditation to cultivate spiritual awareness and connection with the Supreme Self.[36]
From: Brahma Sutras (Shankaracharya)
(1) The methods and approaches used to meditate upon the relationship between the self and the divine, including various forms of contemplation.[37]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Spiritual exercises undertaken by the brahmana, focusing on the contemplation of the Lord’s forms.[38]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The focused and intentional approach adopted by the gopis to deepen their connection with Krishna.[39]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Devotional activities that encourage mindfulness and connection to God, essential for spiritual growth.[40]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) The process of contemplating the letters on the petals of the Adhara Lotus, which is recommended to be done in a circular motion from the right.[41]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A form of spiritual discipline, akin to the 'knowledge' that involves deep contemplation and meditation.[42]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) Techniques such as contemplation and worship that refine the mind and lead toward greater spiritual realization.[43]
Jain concept of 'Meditative practice'
The concept of Meditative practice in local and regional sources
Meditative practice involves techniques like breathing, visualization, mantras, and deity practices. Buddhism regards these practices as vital therapeutic tools, emphasizing the connection between meditation and health, viewing it as a holistic approach to wellbeing.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) These are practices that involve meditation, and Buddhism places a strong emphasis on medical issues and extends medicine to these practices, viewing it as the most exceptional form of therapy.[44] (2) Meditative practices employ breathing techniques and visualisations of various life channels in the body in combination with mantras and deity practices.[45]
The concept of Meditative practice in scientific sources
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Such attributes strongly indicate that these structures were specifically purposed for a kind of this activity, specifically mindful pacing.[46] (2) The reference to light seems to call back to ancient ascetic experiences around the world as well as to the same meditative practices that are believed to be of ancient tradition.[47] (3) Meditative practices are often considered a primary means of achieving divinisation, involving contemplative techniques to foster a connection with the divine, although this perspective may overlook the corporeal elements present in some rituals.[48] (4) ´Sakta Tantrism concerns the meditative practices ( sadhana ) and rituals which are centered on the worship of ´Sakti, the dynamic power underlying creation.[49] (5) An activity that involves connecting meaningfully with oneself, others, and the land, using all senses to experience the present moment fully.[50]
From: South African Family Practice
(1) These are techniques used to focus the mind and promote relaxation, which are often employed in spiritual quests and for mental well-being.[51]
From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (MDPI)
(1) Meditative practices are activities that may mitigate the effects of hemispheric specialization by enhancing inter-hemispheric coherence, leading to a potential improvement in hemispheric balance.[52] (2) Meditative practice, specifically Non-dual Meditative Practice, is examined from an enactive perspective by Meling, highlighting a specific approach to meditation.[53]