Meditation is a temporary escape from the self. Many people do the same thing with a few beers, or experimenting with drugs. Do you see a difference?
2006-10-25 18:10:36 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Meditation is not an escape from reality--its accepting reality and dealing with it--it's stepping back from day to day--sucking in a deep breath, thinking, relaxing, and deciding what to do. Then taking in another deep breath, relaxing and taking care of your own self to deal with it all.
2006-10-25 18:17:27 · answer #1 · answered by fallingstar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah I see a big difference. Meditating will probably haelp you live longer by reducing stress and blood pressure. Alcohol and drugs damage the physical body in which we move through this lifetime. Meditation should not be depended on or used solely for "escape". Meditation is a way to get in touch with the deeper self and temporarily shed the sufferings and pains of the body so not to be distracted on the spiritual quest for enlightenment. I doubt we'll find Meditation Anonymous groups popping up anytime soon...
2006-10-25 19:09:18 · answer #2 · answered by Jeff 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Meditation is hardly an escape from reality. Psychological defense mechanisms (denial, projection, etc.) are escapes from reality. Meditation provides the resources to live happily in reality no matter what that reality may be. Drugs and alcohol inevitably wear off and lead to a withdrawal. Meditation practice leads to peace of mind that allows ever improving functioning in the world. Which means that there is a world of difference.
2006-10-25 18:14:46 · answer #3 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No I use meditation to ground or center myself. It is not an escape from the self it's an escape into the self. You can not do the same thing with a few beers or drugs. That is medication that deadens the seances, shuts down the mind and the ability to think clearly.
2006-10-25 18:18:38 · answer #4 · answered by Nora Explora 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't experience meditation as an escape from reality. You can never escape from yourself. Transcendental meditation takes years to perfect and know that you are where you are and feel tired when you get back. You actually stop doing it. The spirit cannot escape the soul. What type of meditation are you using?
2006-10-25 18:19:52 · answer #5 · answered by Diddle 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's how I see it: Meditation is, yes, an escape from the world. However, it is also an experience that heightens your sense of being and feeling of "realness," and reality in general. You become more aware of who you are.
With drugs, it's takes you away from the real world and concept of finding yourself.
Besides, drugs and beer are a temporary solution, whereas meditation is more long-term.
2006-10-25 18:15:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Meditation is a natural way to relax and calm the mind and body. Alcohol and drugs artificially alter the body and can have harmful side effects.
2006-10-25 18:16:13 · answer #7 · answered by just me 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of difference. Mediation is not an escape from self, but rather a means to get in touch with the Deity inside you or your higher self. It is s spiritual experience.
2006-10-25 19:00:02 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Meditation (correctlly done) is exactly the opposite of what you propose. It´s purpose is to awaken from all ignorance: to perceive things as they really are. At least, that´s what buddhism is.
2006-10-25 18:19:45 · answer #9 · answered by juamps 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
lots of things are escapes from reality, video games, television, mowing the lawn, listening to music, playing pretend, sleeping, the list goes on and on, so the reality of it is that any method of ignoring that which is all around is an escape from reality.
2006-10-25 18:15:39 · answer #10 · answered by Solomon Dump 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋