Meditation: meaning, definitions and examples

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meditation

 

[ ˌmɛdɪˈteɪʃən ]

Context #1

practice

The act of focusing one's mind for a period of time, usually in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes. It is often used for relaxation, stress reduction, and enhanced self-awareness.

Synonyms

contemplation, mindfulness, reflection

Examples of usage

  • Her daily meditation helps her stay calm and centered.
  • Meditation is a key part of his mindfulness routine.
  • The practice of meditation has been shown to have numerous health benefits.
Context #2

Buddhism

A core practice in Buddhism, involving techniques to develop mindfulness, concentration, tranquility, and insight. It is often used as a means to achieve enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Synonyms

dhyana, samadhi, zen

Examples of usage

  • The monk spent hours in meditation each day.
  • Meditation is one of the Noble Eightfold Paths in Buddhism.
Context #3

psychology

A mental exercise that trains attention and awareness, often used to reduce negative emotions and improve overall well-being. It can involve mindfulness, visualization, or other techniques.

Synonyms

mental training, mindfulness practice, self-reflection

Examples of usage

  • Healing meditation techniques are often used in therapy.
  • The benefits of meditation on mental health are well-documented.

Translations

Translations of the word "meditation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 meditação

🇮🇳 ध्यान

🇩🇪 Meditation

🇮🇩 meditasi

🇺🇦 медитація

🇵🇱 medytacja

🇯🇵 瞑想

🇫🇷 méditation

🇪🇸 meditación

🇹🇷 meditasyon

🇰🇷 명상

🇸🇦 تأمل

🇨🇿 meditace

🇸🇰 meditácia

🇨🇳 冥想

🇸🇮 meditacija

🇮🇸 hugleiðsla

🇰🇿 медитация

🇬🇪 მედიტაცია

🇦🇿 meditasiya

🇲🇽 meditación

Word origin

The practice of meditation has a long history, dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in India and China. It has been an integral part of various religious and spiritual traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, and Yoga. The concept of meditation spread to the West in the 20th century, gaining popularity for its mental and physical health benefits. Today, meditation is widely practiced around the world for stress relief, relaxation, and spiritual growth.

See also: meditative, meditatively, meditativeness, meditator, premeditated.