Meditation?

Question

If I'm a Catholic, would meditation be bad? I think I"d like to start it, because I need a quiet place to relax.

Please and thank you for your help.

Answer 1

It depends on what you mean by "meditation" but meditation practice is in no way contradictory to being a Catholic. One type of meditation practice that has a Catholic approach is to sit quietly, breathe evenly, hold an image of Christ in your mind, and mentally repeat the name of Jesus or a short prayer that goes with the rhythm of your breath. This was practiced by Christian ascetics (the so-called Desert Fathers) centuries ago. It is similar to Hindu forms of meditation that use a "mantra" (a short prayer that helps keep the mind focussed while meditating). Another form of meditation is to simply sit quietly. Sometimes this involves watching but not going into one's thoughts or else trying to suppress thoughts --but one usually has to do the first thing (watching thoughts) before one is able to do the other (sit quietly with the sense of being distanced from one's thoughts).

Sometimes images and thoughts from the subconscious emerge during regular meditation practice. This is a good thing but it is also a challening thing and needs to be approached in the right way. Because of this, it is sometimes a good idea to get guidance about one's meditation experiences from a more advanced meditator.

You might want to read the writings of a famous Catholic contemplative monk named Thomas Merton. He spent his time in meditation and also was very sympathetic to other religions that strongly focussed on meditation practice.

Answer 2

It depends upon what you mean by meditation. If quiet relaxation is what you are looking for, how can that be bad? I don't think your catholic church would frown on that. But I'm not catholic, so don't take my word for it. If relaxing once in a while is wrong, then maybe you picked the wrong religion.

Answer 3

Meditation is beneficial for all ages.
Meditation helps quiet and still the mind.
Meditation is not prayer.
A quiet and still mind is a prerequisite for effective prayer.
It helps a person gain clarity.
Decision making in life situations becomes much easier.
If I might make a suggestion, at first become still and focus on a small spot in front of you directly between the center of the eyes. It is a struggle at first, but be diligent in your efforts.

It's in your loving hands, give it a whole hearted effort and enjoy the benefits.

*footnote - I started meditation in 1960, and I am very alive.
"If someone asks you what work there is to do, light the candle in their hand." - Rumi

"May the Peace and Grace of God be always with you."

Answer 4

what way meditation related to catholics or any religion. Meditation is developed in India and Promoted in India very well long ago when even USA was not discovered. It's so ancient. You can approch me to learn meditation through even music also. Try to visit these sites nowpos.isha.com, http://www.aksharam.org/, learn meditation from swami akshra swamiji, http://isha.nowpos.com/login.php visit also. After meditation u get enlightened, further any qyuer u can call [phone]

Answer 5

What does being Catholic have to do with Meditation

Answer 6

Spirituality and meditation are two different things. Jesus himself meditated. Definitely try meditating. Here is a helpful info on meditation.

Answer 7

I, too, am RC.
I see no reason why meditation would be 'bad'. I meditate on a regular basis and as far as I know nothing negative has happened. ASAMOF, I feel better and I have not been as influenced by negative environments as before I started.
I see prayer as me talking to my "Higher Power".
And meditation as me listening to my "Higher Power".
How can this be "bad"?

Answer 8

If you're Catholic, you meditate every time you say the Rosary, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, or any other meditative prayer. Meditate on Christ and it is never wrong!

Answer 9

Not at all!

Supplementing your prayer life with meditation is great. I had a couple of spiritual advisers in the past who encouraged meditation. Just don't substitute it for your active prayer time.

Answer 10

Beloved!Meditation,is the ancient art of self healing taught to (us,sanyasins non-sanyasins!)by Osho and anyone that cared enough about ones inner growth!Whatching the mind such as jelosy, envy and all the tendencies that darkens the mind will grow into compassion,love and understanding first self, and others!«He who whatchs the breath watchs the mind,and he that whatchs the thaughts(`Tots´,as Osho´s pernunciation!) whatchs the breath»!Osho is showing humanity a new way to live more consciously,through meditation,(mental hygene!?)and creativity!Luf,amrit.