“Meditation as contemplation” - Marco M.

Meditation as contemplation

Behind this term lie many different facets. Leaving aside the more popular meanings like 'I meditate on it,' which actually just means 'I think about it carefully,' in the East too there are all kinds of different paths and goals.

In Patanjali's Classical Yoga, meditation is an altered state of consciousness reached through concentration. In this sense, even a beginner or a teacher who hasn't experienced the meditative state can use concentration techniques; they will still relax and train their focus, gaining several benefits from the practice and effort.

In a deeper sense, though, meditation is not concentration but contemplation. It’s about going deep within yourself without any goal. This path, which actually combines Jnana and Karma Yoga, is only attempted by those who seek the unknown. It’s not very popular because it doesn’t offer immediate benefits or goals, and besides, only someone who knows it can point it out to others.

m.m.