Subject: Re: Christian Responses to Martial Art and Meditation

Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 05:19:47 GMT

From: Bradley <>

Newsgroups: aus.religion.christian

In article <>,

Richard Kerr <> wrote:

> Bradley wrote:

> >

> > LJAllen <> wrote in message

> > news:

…

> [snip]

> > > To me mediation as a act is to calm the mind & is useful for relaxation.

> >

> > To the Eastern practitioner it is typically clearing ones mind – something

> > that can be a gateway to demonic activity. As Christians we are to fill our

> > minds with thoughts of God.

>

> If I spent my whole time pondering the mysteries of God I’d never relax.

>

> I’ve heard this “clearing your mind allows demons in” line before, but

> it doesn’t wash with me. It assumes that thoughts take up room in your

> head that demons would otherwise fill, and when you say it like that it

> just sounds silly. It’s certainly not biblical.

It does not open your mind to demons filling the gap where thought

inhabited.. it can open your life to demonic _influence_.
> It also assumes that meditation actually clears your head of thoughts.

> Anyone who has actually done much meditation will tell you that this is

> an astonishingly difficult thing to do, many people say that it is an

> impossible goal.
Hence why there are several steps in Yoga.. the ultimate goal (I

believe in Hatha Yoga) is the uncoiling of a serpent spirit from the

base of your spine to merge with another spirit in your forehead (can’t

remember the specific name). The goal is spiritual (Yoga is a religious

exercise) and encourages demonic influence.
> Most meditation techniques do not even attempt to “empty the head”

> anyway. They usually encourage concentration on something that will take

> away the constant whirl of thoughts that so many people find draining.

> These can be innocuous things like breathing, uplifting things like

> “compassion” or “lovingkindness” or slightly more controversial things

> like “death”.
But “clearing ones mind” is still a goal of many forms of eastern

meditation. In Yoga the typically chant the name of some god (demon).
Regardless of the method – the goal is spiritual.
> > > There needs be no religious connotations involved.

> >

> > No, but in Yoga etc. there are strong religious connotations. (Find out

> > whose name they were chanting in the class you attended).

>

> The classic meditation chant “Om mane padme om” (or however you want

> tranlisterate it) actually means “The jewel in the centre of the lotus”,
“Chanting, or Mantra Yoga, is more than just the Spiritual act of

singing or praying. It is also mental and physical discipline. Besides

being devotional, chanting excercises both the Nervous System and the

Body.” http://www.yogaclass.com/chant.html  
A chant in Shiva Yoga:
“Om Namah Shivaya” is a salutation, a salute to the inner self, Shiva.

(Shivalinga is an Indian god).
“The effect of the Mantras is not merely on the physical system but

also on the mental and spiritual being. Hence the aim of Mantrayoga is

threefold – health of the body, peace of mind and unfoldment of the

spirit.” http://www.2mp.com/shiva/mantyoga.htm 
> it’s not a name, it refers to the goal of the meditation which can be

> anything from inner peace to “nirvana” (which is a word with multiple

> meanings itself).
Which ever meaning “The jewel in the centre of the lotus” and the like

are not the goal of a Christian.
> But even if you were chanting a name, say “Bruce”, does that mean that

> you are inviting the spirit of Bruce to possess you? Doesn’t that sound

> like something out of Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
No, chanting the name alone won’t do anything.. it’s your attitude,

what you are seeking – if it is not God, then what?
> What gets me about this sort of thing is that it sounds a lot like

> superstition – that is the belief that words or actions have some sort

> of magical power. Christians believe in God, not magic. If you believe

> that your actions have magical power you are denying the power of God.
“If you believe that your actions have magical power you are denying

the power of God” – a good point as to why eastern meditation is wrong!
> —

> Regards,

>

> Richard
“The ultimate goal of yoga philosophy is complete detachment from

reality, as we understand it, and complete self knowledge or Samadhi”
The Paths of Yoga are:
JNANA YOGA- union by knowledge
BHAKTI YOGA- union by love
KARMA YOGA- union by service
MANTRA YOGA- union by speech meaning recitation of sacred syllables or

mantras.
RAJA YOGA- union by mental control meaning mastery of the mind and

senses
HATHA YOGA- union by bodily control including asanas, kriyas (

cleansing processes with water and cloths, pranyamas( these maintain

and channel the flow of energy) , bandhas( closing actions which

prevent energy loss)
No matter which path is followed there are eight essential practices or

limbs:
YAMA- abstention from evil, non-stealing, truthfulness, non-

destruction, moderation in eating and physical pleasures, non-desire

for possessions, of others
NIYAMA- observances, contentment,study,cleanliness of mind and body,

strength of character,self surrender to the Lord
[That aint Our Lord]
ASANA- postures
PRANAYAMA- breath control
DHARANA- concentration of mind on a particular point or object
DHYANA- meditation
PRATYAHARA- sense withdrawal from external world into the interior self
SAMADHI- self realization
———————————————————
Please tell me why this would not lead you to believe that by

practicing such things you would not be opening yourself up to demonic

influence?
Bradley