What is the Difference Between Meditation and Contemplation?

The main difference between meditation and contemplation is that meditation focuses on clearing the mind, while contemplation is a more analytical and reflective practice that involves thinking deeply about a particular topic or concept. Here is a point-by-point comparison between meditation and contemplation:

• Meditation:
• Involves letting go of thoughts.
• Often used as a foundation for the contemplative life.
• Can be secular or religious, depending on the form.
• Aims to cultivate a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment.
• Contemplation:
• Involves lingering on thoughts to understand them more deeply.
• Sometimes involves reflection on a religious text.
• Focuses on exploring a topic or feeling in more depth.
• In Christian context, it is a form of wordless prayer in which mind and heart focus on God's greatness and goodness in affective loving adoration.

While both practices share some similarities, they serve different purposes and involve different approaches to quieting the mind and reflecting on thoughts or concepts.

Comparative Table: Meditation vs Contemplation

Here is a table comparing the differences between meditation and contemplation:

Both meditation and contemplation are spiritual practices that offer significant benefits when practiced regularly. While they share some similarities, they also have distinct differences in their focus and approach. Meditation is about clearing the mind and cultivating awareness, while contemplation is about exploring thoughts or topics in more depth to gain a deeper understanding.