Despite significant theological and cultural differences, several contemplative traditions share some structurally similar practice elements, which is worth understanding respectfully rather than flattening traditions into sameness.
Many traditions incorporate some form of focused-attention practice, whether through breath awareness, repeated sacred phrase, or visual focus — the specific object of focus and surrounding theological meaning differs significantly, but the structural mechanic of training sustained attention recurs widely.
Many traditions also incorporate some form of regular reflective practice — examining one’s actions, intentions, or state of mind on a recurring basis — again with very different theological frameworks and purposes behind the practice.
Recognizing these structural similarities can be a useful entry point for understanding an unfamiliar tradition, while still approaching each tradition’s specific teachings, history, and theological context on its own terms rather than assuming equivalence.