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Meaning of the word
1.
v.i.
Exercise the mental faculties in (esp. religious or spiritual) thought or
contemplation. (Foll. by on, upon, over.)
2.
v.t.
Muse over, reflect on; consider, study, ponder. Also, plan by turning over in
the mind, conceive mentally, (a thing, to do).
3.
Fix one's attention on;
observe intently or with interest.
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Etymology
: Latin - meditari
1.
a
: to reflect on or muse over : contemplate
b : to engage in contemplation or
reflection
2.
intend : purpose
Meditation
: “the act or process of meditating :
serious contemplation or reflection”
Other meanings and aim
:
1.
Private devotion or
mental exercise
2.
Techniques of
concentration,
3.
Contemplation, and
4.
Abstraction,
these thought to be conducive for spiritual
awareness or somatic calm.
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Tradition and forms of meditation-practices
:
Meditation in some form has been systematized in
most great religions of the world. Some of the Name and School of Meditation Practices
and techniques are :
|
S.no |
Religious Traditions |
Name |
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1.
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Hindu philosophical school |
Yoga : Dhyana |
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2.
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Buddhism
- (Pāli) |
Jhānas |
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3.
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China as |
Ch'an |
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4.
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Japan |
Zen |
Names
of the Practices :
Meditation may also be said to be a kind or
process of spiritual purification. This is sought through Various practices in
different traditions :
|
S.no |
Religious Traditions |
Technique / Practices |
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5.
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Hindu and Buddhist |
Mantra |
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6.
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Islām |
dhikr |
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7.
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Christian |
Jesus prayer |
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8.
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Tantric Buddhists of Tibet |
Mandala |
Mantra - the verbal or mental repetition of a prescribed efficacious syllable,
word, or text
Mandala (circle) diagram as a collection point of universal forces, accessible
to man by meditation.
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