Significance of Meditative practice
Meditative practice is a significant element across various spiritual traditions, emphasizing the refinement of the heart and mind through focused contemplation and discipline. In Buddhism, it involves methods to counter hindrances and achieve spiritual insights. Jainism highlights techniques to enhance awareness essential for spiritual growth. Tibetan Buddhism underscores disciplined concentration and mindfulness to deepen understanding. Additionally, other traditions like Vaishnavism and Yoga emphasize devotion and contemplative techniques as pathways to spiritual enlightenment. Overall, meditative practice is crucial for achieving mental clarity, insight, and a deeper connection with the divine across multiple philosophies.
Synonyms: Mindfulness practice, Contemplation, Meditation, Mindfulness meditation, Spiritual practice, Attentiveness, Mindfulness, Reflection, Introspection, Concentration, Thoughtfulness
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 encompasses various disciplined exercises focusing on mindfulness, concentration, and insight. It aims at achieving spiritual awakening, understanding, and detachment from worldly suffering through deep contemplation and engagement in meditation techniques.
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: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The acts of focusing and reflecting in order to attain deeper spiritual understandings and experiences within Buddhism.[6]
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.[7] (2) Techniques employed by bhikkhus to cultivate concentration, mindfulness, and insight, essential for spiritual progress.[8] (3) The act of focusing the mind during meditation, which was requested by Meghiya in relation to the mango grove.[9] (4) The methodologies employed by Revata to cultivate mindfulness and achieve enlightenment during his ascetic life.[10]
From: A Manual of Abhidhamma
(1) The act of engaging in meditation, which can involve focusing on specific signs or concepts.[11]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The discipline of deep contemplation that fosters insight and tranquility, leading to spiritual liberation.[12]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Mental exercises prescribed by the Buddha to cultivate insight and detachment from worldly suffering.[13]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The method of focusing the mind, required to counteract the hindrances posed by obscurations.[14]
From: Bodhinyana
(1) The ongoing effort by practitioners to refine their heart and mind through repeated contemplation and discipline.[15]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The intentional engagement in mindfulness and focus to develop spiritual understanding and compassion.[16]
Hindu concept of 'Meditative practice'
Meditative practice in Hinduism encompasses spiritual disciplines that foster deep contemplation, connection with the divine, and inner peace through various techniques, including mantra recitation, visualization, and focused thought, ultimately guiding practitioners toward understanding the self and Brahman.
From: Skanda Purana
(1) Spiritual exercises aimed at cultivating focus, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the divine.[17] (2) Spiritual exercises aimed at achieving mental clarity, relaxation, and deeper connection with the divine.[18] (3) Spiritual exercises aimed at attaining higher consciousness and connection with the divine.[19]
From: Agni Purana
(1) The introspective act of contemplating and connecting with the deity during temple worship.[20] (2) Techniques involving focused thought and visualization to connect with the divine during worship.[21] (3) The discipline of focusing the mind, often through repeating mantras or prayers, to achieve spiritual goals.[22]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The focus and discipline exhibited by lord Shiva in his spiritual endeavors, indicative of his yogic proficiency.[23] (2) A routine of focusing the mind and spirit in devotion or contemplation of the divine.[24]
From: Padma Purana
(1) The rituals and contemplations performed by a brahmana associated with the placement of the mark on their body.[25]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The act of meditating and reciting mantras, which is believed in the text to provide protection and healing.[26]
From: Linga Purana
(1) The disciplined approach to meditation that leads one closer to understanding the true nature of the self and existence.[27]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The activities aimed at quieting the mind and connecting with the Soul, significant in the Yoga philosophy.[28]
From: Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
(1) The techniques and exercises aimed at achieving union with Brahman, often involving the syllable Om.[29] (2) Methods and techniques aimed at connecting with the divine essence through concentrated thought and action.[30]
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.[31]
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.[32]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) Spiritual exercises undertaken by the brahmana, focusing on the contemplation of the Lord’s forms.[33]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The focused and intentional approach adopted by the gopis to deepen their connection with Krishna.[34]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) Devotional activities that encourage mindfulness and connection to God, essential for spiritual growth.[35]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Activities such as meditation, recommended within Buddhist teachings for promoting physical and mental health.[36] (2) Techniques and teachings associated with meditation in Buddhism, contributing to healing and well-being.[37]
From: History of Indian Medicine (and Ayurveda)
(1) Techniques aimed at fostering deep thought, mindfulness, and spiritual awareness.[38]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) Techniques in Buddhism aimed at gaining insight and awareness of the flow of experiences.[39]
From: Lakulisha-Pashupata (Philosophy and Practice)
(1) Ritualistic activities conducted by aspirants to invoke higher awareness and spiritual experiences.[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]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Activities performed to cultivate mindfulness, awareness, or spiritual insight.[44]
Jain concept of 'Meditative practice'
Meditative practice in Jainism involves techniques aimed at enhancing focus, calmness, and awareness, crucial for spiritual growth and development within the faith. This practice fosters deeper insights and a connection to the spiritual self.
From: Yogadrstisamuccaya of Haribhadra Suri (Study)
(1) The act of engaging in techniques to improve focus, calmness, and awareness, which are essential for spiritual development.[45]
The concept of Meditative practice in scientific sources
Meditative practices encompass various meditation methods that promote spiritual health and well-being, playing a significant role in personal renewal and contributing to overall mental and emotional balance.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) Meditative practices involve techniques aimed at cultivating mindfulness and awareness, best performed in the tranquil hours of Brahma Muhurta.[46] (2) Techniques involving focused thinking or awareness aimed at improving mental well-being and relaxation.[47] (3) Techniques focused on stilling the mind and emotions, part of the broader Yoga practices that enhance self-awareness and inner peace.[48]
From: AYU (Journal of Research in Ayurveda)
(1) Methods of meditation that can contribute to achieving spiritual health and well-being, as referenced in the context of personal renewal.[49]
From: International Ayurvedic Medical Journal
(1) Techniques such as yoga and pranayama that promote physical and mental well-being.[50]