Meditation: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ง
meditation
[ หmษdษชหteษชสษn ]
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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meditation |
This term refers to a practice where an individual uses techniques such as focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
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contemplation |
This term is used when someone is deep in thought, often pondering something thoughtfully for a long time. It suggests intense and prolonged mental consideration or observation of a subject.
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reflection |
This term is used when someone is thinking carefully and deeply about something, often in the context of self-examination or reviewing past experiences.
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mindfulness |
This term is often used in the context of being fully present and engaged in the moment, paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment. It's closely related to meditation but emphasizes the present moment.
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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.
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
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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meditation |
General term suitable for various contexts when referring to the practice of focusing the mind and achieving mental clarity or relaxation.
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dhyana |
A specific term used in the context of Hinduism and Buddhism, referring to a deeper and more focused level of meditation.
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samadhi |
Advanced stage of meditation where one reaches a state of intense concentration and unity with the object of meditation, often used in religious or spiritual contexts.
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zen |
A form of meditation practiced in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing simplicity, mindfulness, and direct experience.
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Examples of usage
- The monk spent hours in meditation each day.
- Meditation is one of the Noble Eightfold Paths in Buddhism.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
meditation |
Suitable for general use when referring to the practice of sitting quietly and focusing the mind, often used for stress reduction and mental clarity.
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mindfulness practice |
Perfect for describing the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment; commonly associated with techniques to increase awareness and reduce stress.
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mental training |
Appropriate when discussing building mental skills like concentration, memory, and problem-solving; often used in sports and cognitive development contexts.
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self-reflection |
Used when referring to the process of reviewing and evaluating one's own thoughts, actions, and motivations; often related to personal growth and self-improvement.
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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:
๐ต๐น meditaรงรฃo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคงเฅเคฏเคพเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Meditation
๐ฎ๐ฉ meditasi
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะตะดะธัะฐััั
๐ต๐ฑ medytacja
๐ฏ๐ต ็ๆณ
๐ซ๐ท mรฉditation
๐ช๐ธ meditaciรณn
๐น๐ท meditasyon
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ช ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุชุฃู ู
๐จ๐ฟ meditace
๐ธ๐ฐ meditรกcia
๐จ๐ณ ๅฅๆณ
๐ธ๐ฎ meditacija
๐ฎ๐ธ hugleiรฐsla
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะตะดะธัะฐัะธั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแขแแชแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ meditasiya
๐ฒ๐ฝ meditaciรณn
Etymology
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.