Question
Do you draw a distinction between meditation and contemplation and if so how would you describe that difference?
Answer
No I don't really. But I do find that the term I use often depends on whom I'm talking to. For instance, if I'm talking to a strict Catholic, the term "meditation" may make them uneasy, rightly or wrongly bringing up all sorts of New Age and "pagan" associations in their minds. When this happens, people throw up walls and meaningful communication becomes difficult. So I usually use the term that I feel will work best in a given situation.
Often when Christians use the term meditation, they're referring to a passage of scripture. They try to visualize and feel emotions associated with the entire scene described (for instance, Christ's passion).
http://www.catholicmeditations.com/cathmedblog/cathmedblog.html
Other paths tend to see meditation as turning the inner eye on oneself... seeing our biases, complexes, ancestral/developmental roots, etc., with a view toward not allowing these to unduly influence thought and action.
But the two terms ? meditation and contemplation - are often used interchangeably.
