Meditation and Prayer?
After yoga class yesterday a new student came up and asked what the difference between prayer and meditation are, or if they are the same. I get asked questions like this quite often by new students. I am not a specialist in this subject matter by any means, but from observation and my understanding there is a difference. Pray and meditation are not the same thing but there are similar aspects to them.
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The definition of mediate is to think deeply or focus one’s mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. The definition of pray is to address a solemn request or expression of thanks to a deity or other object of worship.
There is obviously a crossover between mediation and prayer. Both prayer and meditation are an inward contemplative state, silent and in solitude. Many people have different approaches to prayer and meditation though, there is goal and/or outcome in mind.
Prayer deals with the sympathetic part of the mind. It is asking a high pow
er to help influence the future of something or someone. It is the belief that thoughts can alter reality and influence outcomes of life that normally humans have no conscious control over.
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Prayer and meditation are similar but can be isolated from each other. Different religions use meditation as a way to connect with a higher power, making it more of a meditative prayer. I have also spoken to students who, through yoga and meditation, have found some sort of spirituality either in themselves or in a religion from using the basics learned in. It depends on your take of meditation and prayer, and how you chose to have it affect your life.
I use mediation to focus on the outcome and energy of myself. I stay present and don’t think about specific aspects, only the person I am and how to improve myself. I believe it is possible to improve mindsets and how you react in situations through meditation.
To me, prayer and meditation are not the same thing. Meditation helps one understand the difference between knowing what you can change and what you cannot. I use meditation to focus my mind and relax.
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By working to remain still through meditation and letting thoughts help shape a better reality we are able to use meditation to better oneself. Use meditation as a way you be with yourself and give you satisfaction in the way you want it to.
Namaste.
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