Dhyana
Two words in English that are often used (wrongly) whilst describing meditation are:
Concentration: Which is a
narrowing and focusing the mind on one object. It is a forced state and not one
associated with meditation. Concentration is working through the mind
Contemplation: Comes from
the root “temple” -i.e., to become a temple, becoming prayerful and working
through the heart.
Both concentration and contemplation are “activities”-
either of the head or the heart.
Meditation instead, is a state of no activity,
neither thinking nor feeling. Its origin is from “medicine”. Meditation is a
medicine to take care of the Soul, just like medicine is to take care of the
body.
The word meditation comes closest to the Sanskrit word:
Dhyana”
Dhyana is to do nothing, just sitting quietly. It is an
absolutely relaxed state of consciousness.
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From “The Shadow of the Whip” page 70

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