Meditation

[PunnyProtestant]

I have been meditating for quite a while now. I never really believe in much Hindu philosophy, like chakras, third eye, kundalini, etc…

But after doing further research on this and hearing many many convincing statements about certain sensations achieved and felt, i wanted to try this, as an experiment to test it.

So i started and have been meditating on my chakras and bringing energy into them. I mainly focused on my third eye. So its been about 3 weeks of this, and now, i get these sensations. Every time i meditate i feel a sort of pressure on my forehead where my third eye is. Through out the day i randomly feel this pressure again, or if the subject comes up about it, i feel it again. I really now have no choice to accept the idea of chakras, unless someone can provide another explanation.

So what i want to know is the christian perspective of this. What started out as a test, is starting to become real to me. Also is the against christian culture? If it is against it, why?

 

[Julian0404]

The bible contains many stories of JESUS removing demons and evil spirits from people, and when the spirits were remvoed they knew WHO it was that removed them, so the world does contain demons and devils who “…prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls…”
I have not heard of what you are meditating upon, but clearly you are open to “spirits” and are opening your self to knowing the “spirits” more. From a Christian prespective I think you are entering into dangerous waters and exposing yourself to accepting the habitation of evil spirits.

 

[runningdude]

Prayer and meditation, if done correctly, are complementary, if meditation is taken to be relaxation techniques used to improve health or concentration.

I’m not familiar with the concept of a “third eye”, but if you are concentrating on a single point on your forehead, chances are your just causing muscles to be tightened. This talk of bringing “energy” to this spot on your forehead might be running slightly afoul of Christian doctrine. That you feel the need to ask might be a sign you know you probably shouldn’t be exploring this .

Would you be interested in Christian meditation?

 

[CB_Catholic]

I have been meditating for quite a while now. I never really believe in much Hindu philosophy, like chakras, third eye, kundalini, etc…

But after doing further research on this and hearing many many convincing statements about certain sensations achieved and felt, i wanted to try this, as an experiment to test it.

So i started and have been meditating on my chakras and bringing energy into them. I mainly focused on my third eye. So its been about 3 weeks of this, and now, i get these sensations. Every time i meditate i feel a sort of pressure on my forehead where my third eye is. Through out the day i randomly feel this pressure again, or if the subject comes up about it, i feel it again. I really now have no choice to accept the idea of chakras, unless someone can provide another explanation.

So what i want to know is the christian perspective of this. What started out as a test, is starting to become real to me. Also is the against christian culture? If it is against it, why?

It doesn’t sound like the sort af thing a Christian should pursue. In the first place, we don’t meditate upon something for sensations or feelings. Meditation is a tool to bring us closer to Christ. We may grow spiritually as a result of meditation and gain a deeper understanding of God and deepen our prayer life, but we don’t look for or try to achieve any sensation or feeling. The focus of our meditation is God, and God alone.

What you are experiencing could be physical or psychological in nature, or, if you are not careful, even demonic. I would advise you to stop it at once, lest your faith be damaged and you be led away from Christianity. Hinduism has no place in the life of a Christian. It is a false and polytheistic religion. We have the Truth in Jesus Christ and should not be trying to mix the two. If you were Catholic, I’d tell you to go to Confession, as it is a sin against the First Commandment.

Find yourself a good, solid, Christian spiritual director to help you in your spiritual growth, rather than floundering around experimenting with things that are dangerous to your soul and even to your mental health. Learn to meditate in the Christian tradition, which has produced so many saints and holy people. Pick up your Bible and carefully read and ponder on the Scriptures, praying while you do so, for insight and wisdom. Forget about feelings and sensations. Put yourself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit of God.

I don’t think you are going to get any support in these forums from solid Christians, for what you are doing.

 

[MtnDwellar]

Let’s see. You were concentrating on your forehead for three weeks and now you feel pressure in that area…

Your experiment means nothing. Chakras do not exist.

 

[Rolypoly]

The Christian perspective is that this stuff is extremely dangerous and needs to be avoided at all costs by Christians because it is demonic. There is a lady named Moira Noonan whose ministry is to speak out on the dangers of the occult. She was formerly very active in the occult and is very knowledgeable about it. If you do a web search on “Moira Noonan” you may learn more about her and the occult and you may even want to contact her because she will probably have more info and help for you than most people if you are willing to accept it.

 

[dconklin]

I attended a talk for Catholic Parish Catechetical Leaders a few years ago. The speaker showed us some meditation techniques with a Christian spin. He used a Tibetan singing bowl as a way of centering yourself for prayer. He included the use of mantras like repeating “Jesus” and deep breathing.

 

[Dorothy]

Christian meditation brings us closer to the Lord.

Hindu style meditation would be misleading and harmful to us. Evil spirits use every and any opportunity to draw Christians away from the Lord. Concentrating on energy within sounds very much like Reiki. It is not of God.

 

[RosalieM]

I’m reading St. Theresa of Avila’s “The Mansions” online in hopes of becoming more in tune with Christian meditation. It was recommended to me by my confessor after I mentioned to him that I had been on a meditation path.
I know what you’re talking about because I was on an eastern meditation path for many years. Whatever you think you’re deriving from it; it’s not of heaven and it’s very dangerous. I consider myself miraculously fortunate to have come home to Jesus Christ while I still have time on earth.
God bless and keep you.

 

[puzzleannie]

I
So what i want to know is the christian perspective of this. What started out as a test, is starting to become real to me. Also is the against christian culture? If it is against it, why?

the Christian perspective is that this is, at best a complete and total waste of time, and at worst, opening yourself up to evil influences.

why not try this as a test
Pray in with and through the Church founded by Jesus Christ who alone can save you–not buddha, not the multitude of hindu gods

pray the rosary daily
read sacred scripture-inspired by the Holy Spirit, protected and handed on by the Church–and meditate on the Word of God
have frequent recourse to the sacraments (confessing of course any dabbling in foreign religions) and receive communion frequently
attend Mass on Sunday

it is simply physiology–nothing mystical, nothing supernatural, nothing spiritual–that anyone who engages in certain physical postures, poses and actions is going to experience physical sensations. sense experience is not the goal of true meditation, nor is “finding one’s center or third eye”. The goal of meditation, as all prayer, is union with God. If your goal is anything other you need a crash course in prayer. I suggest section IV of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, last primer on prayer you will every need

 

[Bookcat]

Read:

ewtn.com/library/curia/cdfmed.htm

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Prayer and meditation, if done correctly, are complementary, if meditation is taken to be relaxation techniques used to improve health or concentration.

I’m not familiar with the concept of a “third eye”, but if you are concentrating on a single point on your forehead, chances are your just causing muscles to be tightened. This talk of bringing “energy” to this spot on your forehead might be running slightly afoul of Christian doctrine. That you feel the need to ask might be a sign you know you probably shouldn’t be exploring this .

Would you be interested in Christian meditation?

Exactly. When we focus on a particular part of the body, we’re sending bio-electrical singles to that part of the body through nerve endings.

I have found that in most things like Tai Chi, the energy is natural energy currently explained through science.

Jim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Let’s see. You were concentrating on your forehead for three weeks and now you feel pressure in that area…

Your experiment means nothing. Chakras do not exist.

Charkras are nothing more than pressure points, which indeed exist. These are various parts of the body where great numbers of nerve endings are. Acupuncturist know these spots and use their methods in these various regions of the body to stimulate nerves that trigger other responses in the body.

Beyond that, its wishful thinking Grasshopper.

Jim

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Read:

ewtn.com/library/curia/cdfmed.htm

Good point! We should take particular note to this section;

V. Questions Of Method

1. The majority of the “great religions” which have sought union with God in prayer have also pointed out ways to achieve it. Just as "the Catholic Church rejects nothing of what is true and holy in these religions,"18 neither should these ways be rejected out of hand simply because they are not Christian. On the contrary, one can take from them what is useful so long as the Christian conception of prayer, its logic and requirements are never obscured.

For anyone to suggest that Hindu or Buddhist forms of meditation are dangerous, is to suggest that the majority of Hindus and Buddhist are demonically possessed.

Such is not the case.

However, their method and focus of attention in their form of meditation, is far different than Christian Meditation. In Christian meditation, union with Christ is the focus of our intention, not self, or some out of body nirvana experience.

The Catholic Church has a great tradition of meditation, often using the Jesus Prayer.

We are Christians, so use Christian forms of meditation.

Jim

 

[Bookcat]

Good point! We should take particular note to this section;

For anyone to suggest that Hindu or Buddhist forms of meditation are dangerous, is to suggest that the majority of Hindus and Buddhist are demonically possessed.

Such is not the case.

However, their method and focus of attention in their form of meditation, is far different than Christian Meditation. In Christian meditation, union with Christ is the focus of our intention, not self, or some out of body nirvana experience.

The Catholic Church has a great tradition of meditation, often using the Jesus Prayer.

We are Christians, so use Christian forms of meditation.

Jim

One should read the whole doc of course

But yes there can be various dangers…and yes…demonic influences and even of possession for some who enter into for example certain esoteric practices (As the Exorcists will tell you…)

and another very important document: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html

Yes we recognize all that is true and good…

Catechism of the Catholic Church:

843 The Catholic Church recognizes in other religions that search, among shadows and images, for the God who is unknown yet near since he gives life and breath and all things and wants all men to be saved. Thus, the Church considers all goodness and truth found in these religions as "a preparation for the Gospel and given by him who enlightens all men that they may at length have life."332

and…

844 In their religious behavior, however, men also display the limits and errors that disfigure the image of God in them:
Very often, deceived by the Evil One, men have become vain in their reasonings, and have exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and served the creature rather than the Creator. Or else, living and dying in this world without God, they are exposed to ultimate despair.333

 

[JimR-OCDS]

Bookcat

and another very important document: vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/interelg/documents/rc_pc_interelg_doc_20030203_new-age_en.html

Keep in mind this document has to do with the New Age movement, as it was understood when it first came out. The New Age movement was pushing astrology, crystals and tarot cards as spiritual practices.

Some Catholics today try to paint anything they don’t understood as being New Age.

Hinduism and Buddhism are far from being New Age, they predate Christianity. Also, the masters of those religions have had problems with the way New Agers distorted the teachings of their traditions as well.

Pay attention to the first paragraph of the document you linked.

1. WHAT SORT OF REFLECTION?

The following reflections are meant as a guide for Catholics involved in preaching the Gospel and teaching the faith at any level within the Church. This document does not aim at providing a set of complete answers to the many questions raised by the New Age or other contemporary signs of the perennial human search for happiness, meaning and salvation. It is an invitation to understand the New Age and to engage in a genuine dialogue with those who are influenced by New Age thought. The document guides those involved in pastoral work in their understanding and response to New Age spirituality, both illustrating the points where this spirituality contrasts with the Catholic faith and refuting the positions espoused by New Age thinkers in opposition to Christian faith. What is indeed required of Christians is, first and foremost, a solid grounding in their faith. On this sound base, they can build a life which responds positively to the invitation in the first letter of Saint Peter: “always have your answer ready for people who ask you the reason for the hope that you all have. But give it with courtesy and respect and a clear conscience” (1 P 3, 15 f.).

This is different than what the OP is asking about.

Jim

 

[CB_Catholic]

Good point! We should take particular note to this section;

For anyone to suggest that Hindu or Buddhist forms of meditation are dangerous, is to suggest that the majority of Hindus and Buddhist are demonically possessed.

Such is not the case.

However, their method and focus of attention in their form of meditation, is far different than Christian Meditation. In Christian meditation, union with Christ is the focus of our intention, not self, or some out of body nirvana experience.

The Catholic Church has a great tradition of meditation, often using the Jesus Prayer.

We are Christians, so use Christian forms of meditation.

Jim

I don’t think anyone is saying that Hindus and Buddhists are demonically possessed. What they are saying is that a Christian belongs to Christ, and that the sole focus of meditation should be on Him. To practice forms of meditation that do not focus on God, but rather on physical sensations, altered states of consciousness, etc, is dangerous because it opens one soul to just about anything out there and can lead one away from Christ.

The great Saints and mystics never sought such things, and if mystical experiences happened to them, it was an action of God and nothing they did. I believe it was St. John of the Cross who specifically warned against seeking mystical experiences, ecstasies, etc. These things can easily be induced and imitated by the enemy.

 

[Bookcat]

Keep in mind this document has to do with the New Age movement, as it was understood when it first came out. The New Age movement was pushing astrology, crystals and tarot cards as spiritual practices.

Some Catholics today try to paint anything they don’t understood as being New Age.

I am well aware of the contents…and it does apply…for certain eastern non-Christian practices are promoted by new age etc

Hinduism and Buddhism are far from being New Age, they predate Christianity. Also, the masters of those religions have had problems with the way New Agers distorted the teachings of their traditions as well.

This is partly what new age does…takes from these practices…

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I don’t think anyone is saying that Hindus and Buddhists are demonically possessed. What they are saying is that a Christian belongs to Christ, and that the sole focus of meditation should be on Him. To practice forms of meditation that do not focus on God, but rather on physical sensations, altered states of consciousness, etc, is dangerous because it opens one soul to just about anything out there and can lead one away from Christ.

The great Saints and mystics never sought such things, and if mystical experiences happened to them, it was an action of God and nothing they did. I believe it was St. John of the Cross who specifically warned against seeking mystical experiences, ecstasies, etc. These things can easily be induced and imitated by the enemy.

Agreed!

Jim

 

[Impertinens]

Also, most people who try “Eastern” forms of meditation without being born in the culture do not really have much of a clue about what they are doing.

They do not belong to the tradition, they know not of the theological significance of these techniques, and they have no knowledge of the potential pitfalls: they are just playing with forms of spirituality that they do not understand, and they often delude themselves of having done great progress towards enlightenment when they have barely started, if at all - and by the way, the very traditions that they draw inspiration from are quick to point out that this is a very dangerous mistake.

So, I think, Hindu or Buddhist meditation as practiced by non-Hindus/non-Buddhists tends to be a significantly more dangerous, less spiritually profitable practice than the same form of meditation as practiced from people who bothered to study the religion.