Comments on: Can Meditation Be Harmful?

By: andrew

andrew — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:26:48 +0000

Meditation is challenging. At present, I do it as a matter of duty to myself, my dependents (I am a father, and I need to keep my mind in a good state), and to Life itself. It is, however, the most challenging thing I have to do all day. That is because of my habitually overactive mind, and my tendency to live ‘half-asleep’ much of the time, ‘lost in thought’.
I would encourage anyone to do it, but as was mentioned above, to seek out informed guidance. A knife can heal (as in surgery), or it can harm (if used incorrectly). We do indeed live in an age of the ‘spiritual supermarket’, where many practices formerly only given to initiates who were deemed to be ready (usually for good reason!), are now available at any good bookstore. Be careful with your mind, it is the most precious thing you have. So if you are a beginner, it is good to try some of the more peace-inducing meditations to begin with, like breath meditation (I just did this myself, and I’m not a beginner…just someone who needs peace!).

By: Ray Baskerville

Ray Baskerville — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:40:52 +0000

Thanks for your comment Kara.

It might be helpful to other readers if you could share a little more of your experience. I ask this to ensure there is contextual understanding of what you are saying and therefore people will not feel scared off, but informed of how to proceed and what to avoid.

Thanks & Blessings
Ray

By: Kara-Leah

Kara-Leah — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 22:17:03 +0000

Yep – it’s true, and it happened to me, big time.

At the same time, I wouldn’t want people to be scared off meditation because they think it’s too “dangerous”.

There really is no substitute for studying under a knowledgeable and wise teacher, who can help one avoid the perils and pitfalls of the spiritual path.

Namaste,
KL