In religion , meditation is often mentioned in the same breath as prayer , but it is in fact distinct from it, although prayer, especially mantras and the constant repetition of formulas such as the 'Jesus Prayer' or 'Ave Maria', may be used to prepare the mind and spirit.
Meditation usually involves intense concentration and oblivion to external distraction.
As a form of spiritual discipline and a path to enlightenment it is found in all the great religious traditions. Jackson, E M, Dr. EMJ Bloomsbury Guide to Human Thought 2. Prayer Bloomsbury Guide to Human Thought 3. Free Association Bloomsbury Guide to Human Thought 4. Jainism Bloomsbury Guide to Human Thought 5.