How is christian meditation different from Buddhist meditation?

Answer 1

It is different because it is Buddhist meditation not christian I Know it seems stupid but its true.

In most meditation techniques, there are two components - concentration and equanimity. The concentration element always has an object of focus. Buddhist mindfulness meditation practitioners focus on the breath. Christians focus on Christian prayers, thoughts of Jesus, images of Jesus, etc.

The object of focus is generally what differs from culture to culture. The similarity is that the practitioner becomes increasingly absorbed in the object of focus, relaxing into it and merging into it. Meditation is about absorption.

When thoughts come up, the practitioner often takes note that thoughts and emotions are occurring, without judgment. The thoughts are allowed to be like clouds moving through the sky. Afterward, the attention goes back to the object of focus. This is the equanimity element of meditation.

Different cultures have different objects of focus and different ways of centering themselves to prepare for meditation.

Some Christians claim that their approach is more special because they focus on something while "eastern" approaches require you to focus on nothing. This is a false claim. There is typically an object of focus in most traditions.

There is no best way to meditate. You just have to find what you are compatible with. If you're Christian, I would recommend using Christian symbolism and objects of focus such as a line of a prayer, the concept of Grace, a visualization of Jesus, etc.

For more info, you can Google "object of focus meditation tips". If you're Christian, you can Google "Christian meditation" or "contemplative Christianity".

Answer 2

Christian meditation is different from buddist meditation because you have to say a different word. ;)