Meditation consists in concentrating on an object or a religious symbol for a considerable period of time. It requires some techniques as well for its smooth execution. The techniques of meditation are taught by the spiritual guru or teacher to the disciple or the student. Meditation forms a very important part of Ashtanga Yoga. In fact, it is one of the eight limbs of Yoga.
Meditation is aimed at perfecting the art of Yoga. It is aimed at spiritual absorption of the mind. In other words, Meditation results in emancipation. Contemplation, however, is different from meditation. Now let us examine the characteristics of contemplation to identify the difference between the two.
