A somewhat formal or literary term for a thought or idea that occupies one's mind, often with a nuance of persistent or deep contemplation.
That thought never left his mind.
この絵は、作者の深い想念を表している。
This painting expresses the artist's deep conception.
Composed of 想 (concept, thought) and 念 (sense, feeling, attention). The combination suggests a thought or idea that is deeply felt or persistently held.