Meditation

[Gail]

What is the Biblical meaning of "meditation"?

Gen.24:63, Jos.1:8, Ps.1:2,19:14,63:6,77:12, Is.33:18, Lk.21:14, 1 Ti.4:15 (as examples)

There is a movement happening in some churches where meditation involves emptying the mind and breathing a "prayer word" such as "Jesus" over and over, thus reaching a state of no thought. The idea is that messages from God would thus be received

Such prayer is called, "contemplative prayer"

Thoughts?

[olger]

Sounds like old methods in a new package.

I am very leery of new ideas that borrow from Eastern mysticism.

Good question, Sister Gail.

[Dr. Shane]

This is from a post I made in another forum:

[:"blue"] The practice of meditation affirms the reciprocal relationship between mind and body. The context the above quote seems to be addressing meditation and the way to meditate. This is obviously referencing western mediation as opposed to eastern meditation. Western forms of meditation fill the mind with positive things such as prayers, uplifting songs, Scriptures, affirmations and constructive quotes.

In contrast, eastern meditation empties the mind... In a stressful world, the practice of emptying oneself in soletude and merging oneself with some Form of ultimate reality can be very benificial. Eastern meditation has been shown to reduce tension, increase contentment, slow disease, train the mind, and reshape the brain. [/]

[Gerr]

The meditation that I find in Scripture is not an emptying of the mind; it is filling the mind with the things of God. Jesus advised us against the vain repetitions (mantra?) of the pagans. See Ps 1:2, Ps 119:15,23, 63:6, Phil 4:8,9 NKJ

Gerry

[Gail]

Also- Eastern style of meditation leads to an altered state of conscienceness, ie alpha brain waves, which is connected to the "turning off" of the brain. I've learned about this somewhere else before when listening to a lecture about habitual television viewing

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

In academy I remember one of my Bible teachers telling us students that it was impossible for someone to be awake and not have some kind of *thought* in one's mind. Being the ever-questioning cynic, I decided to *try* that - empty out my mind and not think of anything. It is possible. It is also addictive. I would not recommend it.

BTW, I'm not referring to listening to relaxing music, or sitting in a beautiful nature setting and reflecting, or praying and then listening for God. Those are things you are choosing - inviting - to let into your mind. I'm referring to emptying your mind with no idea of what is waiting to enter it. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />