Meditation — Questions & Answers
A general knowledge section covering meditation terminology and major approaches found in Indian spiritual traditions. Practice and health claims should be supported by appropriate sources.
Questions & Answers
What is meditation?
Meditation is a broad term covering practices that cultivate sustained attention, contemplation, remembrance, observation or absorption. Different traditions define meditation differently.
What is Dhyana?
Dhyana is a Sanskrit term commonly translated as meditation. In Patanjali's system it refers to sustained meditation on an object.
What is mantra meditation?
Mantra meditation uses repeated recitation, remembrance or contemplation of a sacred sound, word or phrase. The meaning and method vary among traditions.
What is Bhakti meditation?
Bhakti meditation can involve remembrance of the Divine, sacred names, forms, qualities, teachings or devotional narratives.
What is Vipassana?
Vipassana is a meditation tradition associated particularly with Buddhist practice and insight into experience. Its terminology and methods should be explained according to the relevant Buddhist tradition.
What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is a term used by different traditions for particular spiritual or yogic practices. A page should identify the specific lineage or teacher being discussed rather than assuming all Kriya Yoga systems are identical.
What is the difference between concentration and meditation?
Concentration generally emphasizes directing and maintaining attention on a chosen object. Meditation can include concentration but may also refer to broader forms of observation, contemplation or absorption.
What is the difference between Dharana and Dhyana?
In Patanjali's framework, Dharana is concentration and Dhyana is sustained meditation. They are successive concepts within the eight-limbed framework.
Which scriptures discuss meditation?
Meditation is discussed in sources including the Bhagavad Gita and Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, as well as many other Indian spiritual and contemplative texts.
How should meditation practices be compared?
Compare the stated goal, method, object of meditation, lineage, source text and instructions rather than assuming that practices using the same word have identical meanings.