You mean the Buddhist type meditation where you empty your mind and do nothing else but empty your mind? Christian meditation is an engagement of thought - not an emptying out of thought.
2007-06-25 09:21:11
·
answer #1
·
answered by Brief Boxer 3
·
1⤊
1⤋
Most of the preceding answers are very funny!
But seriously, if you sit for too long and you're not used to it, AND you IGNORE your body's messages of protest, THEN you could hurt yourself. Your body, that is. Knees, ankles, back, etc.
Some meditations that require you to generate and move life-force energy around the body in specific ways--like a lot of the Taoist systems do--can also be harmful if you don't do them EXACTLY as instructed. When I was a monk, I got overconfident and "creative" in this way, and injured myself in this way. Payoff for being a dumbass!
You could also get unreasonably addicted to the peaceful or pleasurable--or even downright blissfull--sensations that arise during your sit; becoming guilty of what's aptly called the "flight to light" syndrome. Which isn't likely to happen unless you've got really strong concentration, and have an addictive personality.
There can also be feelings of disorientation and weirdness that can arise during the early phases of training. These feelings are generally only problematic proportionally to the degree that we're control freaks or self-obsessed narcissists, and have trouble letting go and relaxing, and allowing our worldview to be expanded.
Weirdnesses such as--for lack of a better word--hallucinations, can also occur. These generally reflect the depth of our trance state, combined with our general emotional state and psycho-spiritual orientation. Thus, one could have a vision of Jesus on the Cross in a blaze of glory, with angels floating about...Or one might simply imagine that a monster mosquito is sucking away on your left thumb: but open your eyes--nothing there, not even a welt! But get settled back into trance..and voila! the mozzie returns.
This isn't to say all that pops up in the mind during a deep sit isn't mind-created; there's lots of ESP stuff that can arise. Like seeing uncle Norbert lose his glass eye in Topeka hours before it actually happens. Some folks get really creeped out by this sort of thing. While others find it extremely entertaining indeed!
For folks suffering from PTSD--post-traumatic stress disorder, settling down into a deep meditative state can trigger the release of hidden, repressed and otherwise unwelcome memories. If you're properly trained and equipped, this can can be a wonderful opportunity to release lots of emotional garbage. But if you're not ready, or dredge up too much at once, it could be harmful.
Which is why it's often a good idea to study with a teacher. Especially if the method you're practicing has a rep for providing super-quick results.
Generally speaking though, the benefits usually far outweigh the risks, even if one is extremely stiff or an emotional wreck!
2007-06-26 14:15:58
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Actually some people have blown out their knees, broken hips, and gotten concussions (in some sects, they agressively prostrate themselves after meditation.) In Zen meditation, or zazen, you are in an uncomfortable position for an extended period of time, so you've got to be careful and listen to your body.
2007-06-25 09:24:37
·
answer #3
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Yes. It's been empirically proven that meditating while driving causes accidents.
2007-06-25 09:27:00
·
answer #4
·
answered by Shawn B 7
·
1⤊
0⤋
There aren't any test results because nobody but you would even begin to think that concentrating on your breathing could make you senile!!! I think you are already there!
2007-06-25 09:23:17
·
answer #5
·
answered by wish I were 6
·
0⤊
1⤋
Every study done involving transcendental meditation (TM) has shown only positive effects, from lowering blood pressure and increasing circulation to easing chronic pain. I have never seen or heard of it causing dementia; I should think it would prevent it!
2007-06-25 09:23:24
·
answer #6
·
answered by boogeywoogy 7
·
0⤊
1⤋
I actually think this is a joke so........if you've been living under a rock the scientific evidence it out there that it helps with physical and mental health issues. Maybe you should give it a try........
There's nothing wrong with emptying the mind if it decreases suffering which in the end is the reason why we become sick in the first place. Emptiness doesn't equal stupidity.......it's too difficult to explain here.
2007-06-25 09:21:16
·
answer #7
·
answered by Yogini 6
·
0⤊
2⤋
Ask URSELF?::::::
When you "open your mind" during meditation, and yoga type activities....Do you KNOW "who" you are opening your mind wide open to?
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood; but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]".~~Ephesians 6 :12
There really IS a being who hates you; who will DO ANYTHING to deceive you; as he has deceived the masses down through history, those who know not Christ YESHUA (Jesus)....Satan is REAL. When you play around with any "New Age" meditation activities, you are opening yourself WIDE to demonic activity; demonic attack.
IMO; Leave it ALONE! IMO only, all who disagree with me can just calm down; for God's Word is the final authority....and your opinions do not matter one miniscule bit.
In Yeshua, I pray that you understand fully the implications before you begin playing with fire.
<><7><>
2007-06-25 09:42:50
·
answer #8
·
answered by º§€V€Nº 6
·
0⤊
1⤋
I held my breath while thinking of flying elephants last night, and after losing consciousness, I woke up to see Dumbo!
2007-06-25 09:20:41
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
1⤊
0⤋
Huh?
If being at peace with yourself and accepting all that you are without judgement or anger is dangerous - then stay away from it.
FP
2007-06-25 09:22:01
·
answer #10
·
answered by F. Perdurabo 7
·
0⤊
1⤋