As a Christian is it alright to meditate?

[Daniel Marsh]

I am thinking on trying it as I suffer from depression from time to time. Not hardcore depression but winter blues, etc..

Psalms 119:15 (King James Version)
I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.

 

[zoidar]

The danger is that the more you dig through eastern meditation the more empty you will become, and sooner or later you will feel meaninglessness, even suicidal thoughts may occur.

In a nutshell, eastern religion is about giving up to emptiness, Christianity is about giving up to Christ. Eastern religion is about let go of all attachments, Christianity is about being attached to Christ. In eastern religion you seek "to become God", in Christianity you seek to "find God". In eastern religion you want "christ-consciosness", in Christianity you want to know Christ. In eastern religion you want to be freed from suffering, in Christianity you want to be freed from sin. In eastern religion the goal is eternal death (nirvana), in Christianity the goal is eternal life (salvation).

 

[Meowzltov]

I am thinking on trying it as I suffer from depression from time to time. Not hardcore depression but winter blues, etc..

I have no problems with it. I have problems with mood swings, and doing deep breathing (which is a form of meditation) helps me. It certainly doesn't invite Satan in or any of the other extreme fears that some have.

 

[Wryetui]

Meditation, meaning thinking about God's salvation, about the patriarchs, about the prophets, about the apostles, about the saints and about their lives is indeed useful and needed, in order to achieve what they did, but meditation as the pagans (yogis, hindus, buddhists...) is sinful, indeed, it misses the mark, the objective, which is union with God. We have to understand that those kind of meditations were a product of people who did not have the revelation (not that it was their fault) and did not know the living God, but the Church has granted us enough paths to unite with Him already, which is the biggest achievement a human can make: the Eucharist, the Jesus prayer...

 

[zoidar]

Meditation, meaning thinking about God's salvation, about the patriarchs, about the prophets, about the apostles, about the saints and about their lives is indeed useful and needed, in order to achieve what they did, but meditation as the pagans (yogis, hindus, buddhists...) is sinful, indeed, it misses the mark, the objective, which is union with God. We have to understand that those kind of meditations were a product of people who did not have the revelation (not that it was their fault) and did not know the living God, but the Church has granted us enough paths to unite with Him already, which is the biggest achievement a human can make: the Eucharist, the Jesus prayer...

"We have to understand that those kind of meditations were a product of people who did not have the revelation (not that it was their fault) and did not know the living God"

So very true brother (or sister?)!

"meditation as the pagans (yogis, hindus, buddhists...) is sinful, indeed, it misses the mark, the objective, which is union with God."

I have written a 6 page essay about the difference between "christ-consciousness" and knowing Christ. I have it only in swedish right now, but I will translate it to english later. So if anyone is interested in reading it, send me a PM, and I will get on with the translation.

 

[Debp]

I find when you slowly read through the Scriptures, taking time for them to sink in, one experiences Christian meditation. You can meditate even on just a few Scriptures.
I especially recommend the Psalms for meditation.

 

[zoidar]

I have written a 6 page essay about the difference between "christ-consciousness" and knowing Christ. I have it only in swedish right now, but I will translate it to english later. So if anyone is interested in reading it, send me a PM, and I will get on with the translation.

The translation is done. If you are interested to know the core difference between the eastern teaching and Christianity you are free to read or download my essay from the link (see the signature).

Christ love,

P

 

[faroukfarouk]

I suppose the hangup comes from the word “meditation” itself and the images that come to mind, so it all depends on your reason behind doing it and how you plan to. It can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s exercise. For others, it’s part of a way of life. Meditation is finding focus, releasing tension, and fostering inner balance. It doesn’t have to be practiced in a pagan way at all. And since we are called to meditate on God’s word - that is, memorize it, apply it to our lives, and let it calm our soul, you COULD do THAT as your word association as part of your meditation mantra

For example, many Christians would be described as meditating upon the Person and Work of Christ during the Lord's Supper. This is vastly different from the pagan variety.

 

[faroukfarouk]

I find when you slowly read through the Scriptures, taking time for them to sink in, one experiences Christian meditation. You can meditate even on just a few Scriptures.
I especially recommend the Psalms for meditation.

Yes, good application of the term meditation.

 

[Natasha L. Polak]

For example, many Christians would be described as meditating upon the Person and Work of Christ during the Lord's Supper. This is vastly different from the pagan variety.

Exactly!