Contemplative Prayer In Christian Religion

Within the Christian tradition, meditation falls under the broader category of contemplative prayer. A Christian approach to contemplative prayer is based on the understanding that each person is created in the image and likeness of God. In other words, we should live our life the way God would want us to. Within each person is found something of the Divine essence. Contemplative prayer is also a process of going inward to be present to the essence of Divinity that is at the heart of each person. Another way of putting could mean how an individual goes inward for example a prayer that comes from the heart. Through contemplative prayer, one moves toward a deeper union or communion with God while laying aside those things that limit such a deep

They were both founded by Spiritual Master who accepted disciples. Both were taught through the use of simple parables. Jesus Christ and the Buddha sought to reform existing social / religious practices. Christ criticised the money lenders while Buddha criticised the caste system and hypocrisy of the Brahmans. Both religions stress ethical living, compassion / love to other people as well as to overcome the forces of hate through the power of love. The Buddha ‘hatred cannot be overcome by hatred’The Christ ‘Love your enemy. Like Buddhism, Christianity also encourages followers to take steps to improve their well being. Like Christianity, Buddhism has a strong devotional aspect. This is characterized by faith in the Buddha. This is especially marked in traditions such as Pure Land Buddhism, which stresses prayer to the Buddha. Both religions encourage its followers to be charitable towards the poor because the same person that abusing money could become poor as well. Both aspire to greater spiritual perfection because of their strong belief in the one they serve. Though they may have different approaches they are both seeking a higher spiritual perfection because the one that they serve depends