[RobbyS]

Tom Merton was engaged in dialogue with Buddhists in Thailand(?) when he was accidentally electrocuted. His comments, however, that the two forms of contemplation were incompatible.

[Mr. Silverback]

There are people who say a lot of things are compatible with Christianity, that doesn't make them right.

[D-fendr]

His comments, however, that the two forms of contemplation were incompatible.

Not incompatible, IMHO, but different. Christian contemplation (=meditation in buddhism) has an intent. A striving. Buddhist meditation does not. (Some would argue with this saying you cannot be meditating at all unless you have some striving.)

However, the basic preparations are quite similar. Purity (basically identical), discipline (the same), concentration (very helpful in both.) Compassion at the center of reality (very similar in both).

But, there is the emphasis on intent in Christian contemplation. And also in Christian contemplation, hopefully, there is the constant realization that while your presence is required, God's reaction is His alone.

In buddhism this is lacking, the existence or non-existence of a diety is left open (at least in many branches).