The Spectrum of Meditation: Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practice - Part 8

Contemplative Meditation - Vedantic Approach, Ramana Maharshi method

Links to all articles in this series

1. Five Types of Meditation and Their Roots in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and Hatha Yoga
2. Concentrative vs. Focused Attention Meditation: Exploring the Nuances of Intensity and Awareness
3. Examples of Concentrative Meditation
4. Examples of Focused Attention Meditation: Chakra Meditation & Kriya Yoga
5. Passive Observation Meditation: Embracing Awareness Without Control
6. Analytical Meditation Methods
7. Art of Living and Inner Engineering
8. Contemplative Meditation
9. A Look Back at the Series
10. Meditation as Envisioned by Madhvacharya
11. The Integration of Contemplative & Analytical Meditation in Brahmasutras

Contemplative meditation (CM2)is a profound practice that bridges reflection and experiential awareness, allowing practitioners to delve deeply into spiritual or existential truths. It encompasses two distinct approaches: active contemplation and passive contemplation. While both seek to foster wisdom and insight, they differ in methodology and focus. Active contemplation involves deliberate engagement with philosophical or spiritual questions, often using structured reasoning or guided reflection to uncover deeper understanding. In contrast, passive contemplation emphasizes resting in stillness, allowing insights to arise naturally without active mental effort. This division recognizes the spectrum of human cognitive and spiritual exploration, offering practitioners tailored pathways to cultivate introspection, awareness, and transformation.

Passive Contemplation

Core Description: Passive contemplation focuses on allowing awareness to settle naturally on the deeper aspects of existence or reality without active intellectual engagement. The practitioner remains a silent observer, letting insights arise spontaneously.

Examples: Self-Inquiry (Atma Vichara): Inspired by Ramana Maharshi, this involves tracing thoughts and experiences back to their source.

Methodology:

1. Settling Awareness:

• Begin in a calm and quiet posture.
• Allow the mind to relax without attempting to direct thoughts actively.

2. Observation of Experience:

• When a thought or sensation arises, ask gently, “Who is aware of this?” or “To whom does this occur?”
• Observe thoughts and sensations as transient phenomena without attachment.

3. Returning to Source:

• Trace all perceptions and thoughts back to their origin (the sense of “I” or pure awareness).

4. Resting in Awareness:

• Once the thought process subsides, remain in the stillness of awareness itself.

Goal:

• Realize the underlying awareness that transcends thoughts and emotions.
• Dissolve identification with transient experiences, fostering a sense of equanimity and clarity.

Effort Level: Minimal; emphasizes allowing awareness to unfold naturally.

Impact:

• Promotes inner stillness, self-awareness, and detachment from egoic patterns.
• Encourages deep relaxation and insight without active mental effort.

Active Contemplation

Core Description: Active contemplation involves deliberate engagement with philosophical or existential questions, often grounded in structured inquiry or reflection. The practitioner uses logic and reasoning to arrive at deeper insights about reality.

Examples: Vedantic Meditation (Brahma Jijnasa): Inquiry into the nature of existence and ultimate reality, grounded in intellectual and meditative exploration, within the scriptural framework.

Methodology:

1. Structured Inquiry (Reflective Engagement):

• Begin with a central question, such as:
• “What is the nature of reality?”
• “What underlies my sense of self?”
• Reflect systematically on the implications of these questions.

2. Guided Reasoning (Manana):

• Use rational analysis within the scriptural framework to challenge assumptions and deepen understanding.
• Explore concepts such as permanence, change, identity, and perception.
• Explore the facets of almighty, nature of Brahman, and self based on Brahmasutras and Upanishadic tenets

3. Meditative Absorption (Nididhyasana):

• Transition from reasoning to meditative stillness, focusing on insights derived from inquiry.
• Rest in the understanding or realization that emerges without forcing conclusions.

4. Integration:

• Reflect on how the insights apply to daily life and refine understanding through ongoing practice.

Goal:

• Attain a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of existence.
• Integrate intellectual clarity with meditative stillness for holistic insight.
• Effort Level: High; requires sustained mental focus and analytical engagement.

Impact:

• Develops clarity, self-awareness, and detachment from superficial concerns.
• Encourages intellectual rigor and fosters spiritual or existential growth.

Comparison: Passive vs. Active Contemplation

Applications of Passive and Active Contemplation

Passive Contemplation:

• Best suited for practitioners seeking a natural, non-conceptual approach to self-awareness.
• Helpful for reducing stress and cultivating detachment from egoic identification.

Active Contemplation:

• Ideal for individuals drawn to philosophical inquiry and intellectual exploration of existential questions.
• Enhances cognitive clarity, critical thinking, and spiritual integration.

Key Brain Wave Activity

Conclusion

Contemplative meditation, with its dual pathways of active and passive approaches, offers a comprehensive framework for exploring profound truths and nurturing inner growth. Whether through deliberate reflection or quiet receptivity, these practices guide practitioners toward greater self-awareness, emotional clarity, and spiritual wisdom. By acknowledging and embracing the diversity within contemplative meditation, individuals can find a practice that resonates with their unique temperament and spiritual aspirations, enriching both their inner and outer lives.