Meditation and contemplation

Meditation is often equated with contemplation. Is there a difference between the two? Are the effects the same? Do they both promote mental health and peace of mind? Could we perhaps say that the two terms are inter-changeable? Let us analyze both terms and see if meditation can be correctly used to denote contemplation and vice versa.Contemplation as practiced by the Catholic clergy involves thinking about religious subjects very often centered around Jesus Christ and His passion. Popular topics or subjects of contemplation are also the lives of the Saints. The object of contemplation is to elevate the mind by directing one's thoughts to higher ideas and attempting to raise the consciousness.

One of the effects of contemplation or meditation is lower blood pressure and slower heartbeat. These have the effect of attaining better physical health and peace of mind. Anxiety and stress are associated with high blood pressure and increase heart rate. If left unchecked it can cause damage to the heart and other vital organs. It is therefore observed that in the Monasteries of Contemplative Orders in the Catholic clergy there is an atmosphere of peace and calm that pervades their monastery. This is caused by the mental vibrations of a higher nature caused by meditation and contemplation being done by monks on a daily basis.

Thoughts can have external effects. This is easily demonstrated. Take an angry man tormented by angry thoughts. He begins to shout and berate somebody for whatever reason there may be to trigger his anger. People around him can feel or sense his emotional energy bursting from within him. In much the same way, a child or a baby gurgling with happiness brings smiles and feelings of joy to those nearby. Emotions are not passive things that affect one person alone. They are powerful energies which reach beyond the source to affect others in the vicinity.