Variations of Meditation According to Religions

While most people would agree that meditation is a mental
practice, the objectives of different people and different
religions vary.

In this article, we will discuss the differences among
major religions on how they view the practice of
meditation.

1. Hinduism

- this religion probably has the oldest texts that deal
with meditation. While there are several types of
meditation in Hinduism, they generally focus on achieving a
calm state of mind.

This is one of the more popular perceptions of meditation.

2. Buddhism

- founded by Buddha in 500 BC, this religion’s take on
meditation is that which aims to attain enlightenment just
like its founder.

3. Christianity

- this religion treats meditation as a prayer. Thus
practices such as praying the rosary can be considered as
meditation in the Christian world.

Another form of meditation practiced by Christians is by
pondering upon a certain religious passage. It has a
striking difference against

Eastern religions since Christian meditation involves an
active mind while the opposite is true for Eastern
practices.

4. Judaism

- what is referred to as Jewish meditation is in fact a
collection of practices that revolve around practices such
as contemplation, visualization, analysis and gaining
intuitive insights.

5. Taoism

- while most religions practice meditation while remaining
still, Taoism takes a physically active take on this. It is
evident in the practice of Tai Chi wherein practitioners do
what is called ‘meditation in motion’.

As you see, there are basic differences among religions on
how they approach meditation. However, a common thread that
keeps them together is that they treat meditation as a
mental practice.