Types of Meditation

Meditation practices can be divided into two types: directive meditation, which uses outside-in processes to bring about inner change, and non-directive meditation, which relies on inside-out processes. They differ in meditation object (thematic vs. technical), mental attitude (concentrative vs. non-concentrative), and context (suggestive vs. non-suggestive). Most practices combine both elements but vary in emphasis. The essay argues that the common contrast between concentrative and insight meditation is problematic for non-Buddhist forms. Social constructivism in cultural history has favored directive explanations, overlooking the importance of non-directive processes.

Study at a glance

Abstract

This essay distinguishes between directive meditation, which seeks to bring about inner transformation by means of outside-in processes, and non-directive meditation, which builds on inside-out processes. The two types differ in terms of their meditation object (thematic vs. technical), mental attitude (concentrative vs. non-concentrative), and the context surrounding the practice (suggestive vs. non-suggestive). Most meditation practices include both directive and non-directive elements, but differ widely in their emphases, as illustrated by references to modern studies as well as traditional works on meditation. The suggested distinction differs from the widespread Buddhist-inspired contrast between “concentrative” meditation (or “focused attention”) and “insight” meditation (or “open monitoring”), which is shown to be problematic, especially when applied to non-Buddhist forms of meditation. The social constructivism that has long dominated cultural history tends to give preference to explanations based on directive working mechanisms and to disregard the equally important processes associated with non-directive meditation.