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Contemplation vs. Meditation — What's the Difference?

Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 31, 2024
Contemplation involves deep reflective thought, often on spiritual matters, while meditation is a practice of focused attention to achieve mental clarity and emotional calm.
Contemplation vs. Meditation — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Contemplation and Meditation

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Key Differences

Contemplation is a mental activity characterized by prolonged, thoughtful consideration of a subject, concept, or problem. It often involves a reflective, introspective process aimed at gaining deeper insights or understanding, sometimes with a focus on spiritual or philosophical themes. Meditation, in contrast, is a more structured practice that involves techniques designed to promote a state of awareness and focused attention. These techniques can include breath control, specific postures, and the repetition of sounds or phrases, with the goal of achieving inner peace, mental stability, and an enhanced state of mindfulness.
While contemplation allows for an active engagement with thoughts and ideas, often leading to analytical or critical thinking about complex subjects, meditation seeks to transcend thinking by focusing the mind on a single point of reference. This focus aims to quiet the mind, reduce stress, and enhance personal and spiritual growth. Meditation practices can vary widely, from mindfulness meditation, which involves paying attention to thoughts as they pass through the mind without judgment, to concentrative meditation, which focuses on a single point, such as breathing or a mantra.
Contemplation can be seen as a more cognitive approach to understanding life’s mysteries, ethical dilemmas, or spiritual doctrines, allowing for a broad exploration of thoughts and questions. In contrast, meditation is more about the experiential process of disciplining the mind to achieve silence or a deeper state of consciousness, often beyond intellectual reasoning. Both practices, however, share the goal of fostering a deeper connection with the self and, in many traditions, with the divine or the universe.
In the context of spiritual or religious practices, contemplation is often associated with the contemplative prayer or the act of seeking a closer relationship with the divine through reflective thought and mental silence. Meditation, while also central to many spiritual traditions, is often prescribed as a method for developing concentration, mindfulness, and emotional equilibrium, as well as a deeper understanding of the nature of reality according to specific philosophical or theological beliefs.
Despite their differences, both contemplation and meditation are valuable tools for personal development, spiritual growth, and the enhancement of mental health. They offer complementary pathways to understanding oneself and the world, with contemplation providing a route through intellectual exploration and meditation offering a path through experiential practice.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Deep reflective thought, often on spiritual or philosophical themes
Practice of focused attention for mental clarity and emotional calm

Goal

Gain insights or understanding
Achieve inner peace and mindfulness

Process

Engages with thoughts and ideas
Focuses on quieting the mind

Techniques

Reflective thinking, introspection
Breath control, specific postures, mantra repetition

Outcomes

Enhanced understanding, insight
Stress reduction, enhanced mental stability

Spiritual Aspect

Often involves seeking connection with the divine through thought
May include seeking spiritual growth beyond intellectual reasoning

Compare with Definitions

Contemplation

The act of thoughtful observation or study.
His contemplation of nature led to profound ecological insights.

Meditation

A practice of concentrated focus to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
Morning meditation helps him start his day with clarity and peace.

Contemplation

A method of prayer or meditation focusing on spiritual truths.
In her daily contemplation, she sought a deeper connection with the divine.

Meditation

A spiritual practice to develop concentration, awareness, and a deeper understanding of the self or the divine.
His meditation practice is central to his spiritual journey.

Contemplation

Reflective thinking on a specific topic, often spiritual.
Contemplation of one's place in the universe is a humbling experience.

Meditation

A disciplined practice to train the mind for increased focus, calmness, and cognitive clarity.
Through meditation, he has improved his ability to concentrate under stress.

Contemplation

The application of the mind to philosophical or ethical questions.
The philosopher's contemplation on ethics contributed to modern moral theory.

Meditation

Techniques including mindfulness or focusing on a particular object, thought, or activity.
She uses meditation techniques like focusing on her breath to manage anxiety.

Contemplation

Prolonged consideration of an idea or event.
Contemplation of historical events can provide understanding of current issues.

Meditation

The act of engaging in contemplation or reflection as a spiritual or religious exercise.
Daily meditation is part of her path to enlightenment.

Contemplation

Whilst in the life of the intellect 'contemplation' refers to thinking profoundly about something, in the religious life contemplation is a kind of inner vision or seeing, transcendent of the intellect, facilitated by means of practices such as prayer or meditation.

Meditation

Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. Scholars have found meditation elusive to define, as practices vary both between traditions and within them.

Contemplation

The act or state of contemplating.

Meditation

The act or process of meditating.

Contemplation

Thoughtful observation or study.

Meditation

A devotional exercise of or leading to contemplation.

Contemplation

Meditation on spiritual matters, especially as a form of devotion.

Meditation

A contemplative discourse, usually on a religious or philosophical subject.

Contemplation

Intention or expectation
Sought further information in contemplation of a career change.

Meditation

A devotional exercise of, or leading to contemplation.

Contemplation

The act of contemplating; musing; being highly concentrated in thought

Meditation

A contemplative discourse, often on a religious or philosophical subject.

Contemplation

Holy meditation.

Meditation

A musical theme treated in a meditative manner.

Contemplation

The act of looking forward to a future event

Meditation

Careful and thorough thought.

Contemplation

The state of being considered or planned.

Meditation

The act of meditating; close or continued thought; the turning or revolving of a subject in the mind; serious contemplation; reflection; musing.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight.

Contemplation

The act of the mind in considering with attention; continued attention of the mind to a particular subject; meditation; musing; study.
In contemplation of created things,By steps we may ascend to God.
Contemplation is keeping the idea which is brought into the mind for some time actually in view.

Meditation

Thought; - without regard to kind.
With wings as swiftAs meditation or the thoughts of love.

Contemplation

Holy meditation.
To live in prayer and contemplation.

Meditation

Continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature;
The habit of meditation is the basis for all real knowledge

Contemplation

The act of looking forward to an event as about to happen; expectation; the act of intending or purposing.
In contemplation of returning at an early date, he left.

Meditation

(religion) contemplation of spiritual matters (usually on religious or philosophical subjects)

Contemplation

A long and thoughtful observation

Contemplation

A calm lengthy intent consideration

Common Curiosities

How does contemplation benefit the mind?

It enhances understanding, insight, and the ability to engage deeply with philosophical, ethical, or spiritual questions.

What is the main difference between contemplation and meditation?

Contemplation is focused on deep, reflective thought, often about complex subjects, while meditation is a practice aimed at quieting the mind and achieving mental and emotional calm.

What are the physical benefits of meditation?

Meditation can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve sleep, and contribute to overall physical well-being.

Can contemplation and meditation be practiced together?

Yes, many individuals and traditions integrate both practices for spiritual growth and personal development.

How do different cultures and religions practice meditation?

Meditation practices vary widely across cultures and religions, incorporating a range of techniques and philosophies tailored to different spiritual and philosophical beliefs.

Is contemplation a form of meditation?

While contemplation can be considered a meditative practice due to its reflective nature, it is distinct in its focus on engaging with thoughts rather than seeking to transcend them.

What role does contemplation play in decision-making?

Contemplation allows for a deeper exploration of options and consequences, leading to more informed and thoughtful decisions.

Can meditation improve relationships?

Yes, by fostering greater emotional balance and mindfulness, meditation can improve one's patience, empathy, and communication in relationships.

How do beginners start practicing meditation?

Beginners can start with simple techniques, such as focusing on their breath or practicing mindfulness for short periods, and gradually increase the duration and complexity of their practice.

Are there specific places best suited for contemplation or meditation?

While these practices can be done anywhere, quiet and comfortable spaces free from distractions are often recommended to facilitate deeper engagement.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Maham Liaqat
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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