Another fundamental distinction is between contexts for meditation, whether religious or non-religious. Historically, most kinds of meditation originate from religion, for example from Hinduism, Buddhism, Catholicism or a guru cult. Today, however, meditation is generally understood in terms of psychology rather than religion and is often practiced without commitment to a particular faith. Some people argue that religion subtly introduces a goal orientation to support the tenets of its belief system, and that deep psychological insight and growth can therefore only be attained in a neutral, non-religious context.

Some versions of yoga and of zen meditation are practised outside a religious context nowadays, but Transcendental Meditation is strongly associated with the cult and cosmology of (Maharishi) Mahesh Yogi. In this respect it differs significantly from Acem Meditation, which is not connected to any particular set of religious beliefs.