Meditation: meaning, definitions and examples

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meditation

 

[ หŒmษ›dษชหˆteษชสƒษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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.

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • She practices meditation every morning to start her day with a clear mind.
  • Meditation can help reduce stress and increase focus.
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.

  • His contemplation of the artwork showed his deep appreciation and understanding.
  • After hours of contemplation, she finally made her decision.
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.

  • The end of the year is a good time for reflection on what has been achieved.
  • After the meeting, he took some time for reflection on the feedback received.
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.

  • Practicing mindfulness can help you stay calm and focused in stressful situations.
  • She incorporates mindfulness into her daily routine to stay balanced.

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 | Noun

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.

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Word Description / Examples
meditation

General term suitable for various contexts when referring to the practice of focusing the mind and achieving mental clarity or relaxation.

  • She practices meditation every morning to start her day with a clear mind.
  • Guided meditation can help reduce stress.
dhyana

A specific term used in the context of Hinduism and Buddhism, referring to a deeper and more focused level of meditation.

  • In yoga, dhyana is one of the eight limbs and represents deep meditation.
  • Practicing dhyana helps in achieving spiritual growth.
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.

  • Reaching samadhi is considered the peak of meditative practice in yoga.
  • During samadhi, the mind is completely absorbed in the object of contemplation.
zen

A form of meditation practiced in Zen Buddhism, emphasizing simplicity, mindfulness, and direct experience.

  • Zen meditation involves sitting in a specific posture and focusing on your breath.
  • She follows Zen practices to achieve mindfulness in her daily life.

Examples of usage

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

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.

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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.

  • She practices meditation daily to help manage her anxiety
  • Meditation can bring a sense of peace and calm to your mind
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.

  • She incorporates mindfulness practice into her daily routine to stay grounded
  • Mindfulness practice can significantly improve your emotional well-being
mental training

Appropriate when discussing building mental skills like concentration, memory, and problem-solving; often used in sports and cognitive development contexts.

  • Athletes often engage in mental training to enhance their performance
  • Regular mental training exercises can improve cognitive functions
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.

  • During his time in solitude, he engaged in deep self-reflection
  • Self-reflection is crucial for personal development and understanding oneself better

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น meditaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคงเฅเคฏเคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Meditation

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ meditasi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะตะดะธั‚ะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ medytacja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็ž‘ๆƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mรฉditation

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ meditaciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท meditasyon

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ช…์ƒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุชุฃู…ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ meditace

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ meditรกcia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ†ฅๆƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ meditacija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hugleiรฐsla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะตะดะธั‚ะฐั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ”แƒ“แƒ˜แƒขแƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ meditasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,846 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.