What do you understand contemplation to be? What does “contemplation” actually mean?
We are now entering into the second half of my 8 week online meditation and contemplation online program, and thought it might be helpful to share this handout on the definition of contemplation more widely...
I love definitions – within their limitations. What strikes me in the field of meditation and contemplation is people use these words, along with others like mindfulness and awareness, to cover a wide variety of meanings. This has led me to be keen to be more precise with how I do use the words; hence the pre-occupation with definitions.
As an aside, the next Meditation Teacher Training is only a couple of months away and will focus more particularly this time on meditation itself. For Meditation in the Forest, the 7 day meditation retreat in June, we will explore both meditation and contemplation – a great combination :) and now close to fully booked...
So this week, the definitions of contemplation, but first
Thought for the day
Put aside the intellectual practice
Of investigating words and chasing phrases,
And learn to take the backward step
That turns the light and shines it inward.
Body and mind of themselves will drop away,
And your original face will manifest.
Dogen - Zen master
Contemplation - a general definition from the Oxford Dictionary
Contemplation: The act of thinking about or pondering over a thing continuously, musing, meditation.
The action of viewing as a possibility or as a purpose; taking into account, prospect, intention.
Contemplate: Be occupied in contemplation, ponder, view mentally, consider in a particular aspect.
Look at with continuous attention, observe thoughtfully, regard as possible, expect, take into account as a contingency.
Have in view as a purpose, intend.
The author, Ian Gawler’s working definition:
Contemplation is a process of thinking about a particular matter over and over in a meditative fashion. Contemplation has the intention of thinking that matter through clearly, as well as developing creativity and insight. There is also the real possibility that through contemplation one may access intuition and come to more fully embody one’s own personal truth.
Contemplation in Greek Philosophy
Contemplation was integral to Plato’s philosophy. Plato stated that through contemplation, the soul may ascend to knowledge of the Form of the Good, or other divine Forms. Here, Forms are defined as perfect, eternal, and changeless concepts existing outside space and time; the Form of the Good is the mysterious highest Form and the source of all the other Forms.
Contemplation in a religious context
The practice of contemplation seeks a direct awareness of the divine which transcends the intellect, often in accordance with religious practices such as meditation or prayer. Some examples:
Christianity
In Catholicism, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote: "It is requisite for the good of the human community that there should be persons who devote themselves to the life of contemplation."
One of his disciples, Josef Pieper commented: "For it is contemplation which preserves in the midst of human society the truth which is at one and the same time useless and the yardstick of every possible use; so it is also contemplation which keeps the true end in sight, gives meaning to every practical act of life."
In Eastern Christianity, contemplation literally means to see God or to have the Vision of God.
Judaism
Contemplation has been a central part of Jewish tradition throughout history, and is a focus of the growing Contemplative Judaism movement - a new, more universalist theology that sees God as a force/consciousness/Presence known through experience, and recognized through a wide range of practices including traditional liturgy and commandments, but also through meditation, experience in nature, and art.
In Judaism, contemplative practices include silence, quieting the mind, concentration, and cultivating ethical and spiritual qualities.
Islam
It is said Muhammad would go into the desert, climb a mountain known as Mount Hira, and seclude himself from the world. While on the mountain, he would contemplate life and its meaning.
A good example is the contemplation of the four foundations of mindfulness, where one trains in contemplating the human body as impure, contemplating all sensation as suffering, contemplating the mind as impermanent and contemplating all phenomena as without the self.
The aim is to arrive at a direct perception of the truth - the truth on both a relative and an absolute scale.
Bahai
Baha’u’llah and Abdu’l-Baha wrote about contemplation and meditation in regard to reflecting on beauty, the Kingdom of God, science, and the arts. Abdu'l-Baha stated that "the sign of the intellect is contemplation, and the sign of contemplation is silence... he cannot both speak and meditate".
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation
11am Monday 12th to 3.30pm Friday 16th May, 2025
The Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation module will cover all the essentials of how to present a meditation course in-person or online. (Yes we do help you with how to present online as we recognise so many people are requesting this for actual meditation programs). This module details a comprehensive approach to meditation that covers preparation, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, awareness and stillness. An approach to meditation that goes to the very essence… Theory, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges and needs of online courses, and more…
Developed for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further.
Both trainings provide wonderful peer support and networking...
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Imagery
11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)
So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.
Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon guided imagery.
As a feature, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa for people who have completed one or more of our trainings.
Additional information is available via this link
1. The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.
2. Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the trainings offer, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you.
3. Once accepted for the training(s), you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.
4. Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.
ALSO – ADVANCED NOTICE for our Two Meditation Retreats in 2025
MEDITATION in the FOREST June 2025
Join us for the very popular Meditation in the Forest 7 day meditation retreat.
Open to and suitable for both those newer to meditation, and those more experienced.
Relaxation, mindfulness, stillness and awareness.
Ruth and I will be joined by the wonderful Melissa Borich…
For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.
You can simply let go, and let be…
TIMES: Monday 2nd June starting at 11am to 2pm Friday 8th June (after lunch) 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
DEEP NATURAL PEACE Long weekend mini retreat November 2025
Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.
TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
