I really don't have anything definitive to offer other than my own personal experience as an elderly soul who has practiced both philosophies for many years. I do meditate at least once each day -- and I am always being delighted by the way my thoughts result in manifestations.
As for your first item -- when meditating, aren't we striving to put ourselves into the present moment -- the now? Even when we are successful in achieving that goal we aren't necessarily shutting down the mind -- it still functions -- it just isn't in the past or the future -- it's more quiet -- but it is in the now. If we have channeled our thinking into the present -- into the now -- perhaps we are in a better "location" for communication with the Universe -- where the Universe can act upon those thoughts we have in the present moment.
Of course, the conundrum here is that when we are putting out thoughts out for the Universe to act upon them, we are told to see the desire as already done. Does that force us into the future and out of the present?
I personally don't feel that way, but it should be interesting to see what others have to say.
Shanti,
Ron |