Meditation

[kdet]

In the courses I am taking right now "The Spirit Helps Us Pray" the text discusses meditation. I am curious as to how exactly a Christian meditates. All I know of meditation is sitting cross legged while humming "ommmmmmmm"
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Kathy

[LynneClomina]

eastern meditation and christian meditation are entirely different species. :D

eastern meditation's goal is to EMPTY your mind so as to become devoid of yourself and be an open door to whatever.

Christian meditiation is the exact opposite - we meditate ON God and His word, we FILL our mind with all that is good, pure, holy, etc.

christian meditation is simply to fix your eyes on Jesus, and the Word of God. :hug:

[kdet]

eastern meditation and christian meditation are entirely different species. :D

eastern meditation's goal is to EMPTY your mind so as to become devoid of yourself and be an open door to whatever.

Christian meditiation is the exact opposite - we meditate ON God and His word, we FILL our mind with all that is good, pure, holy, etc.

christian meditation is simply to fix your eyes on Jesus, and the Word of God. :hug:
Thanks, Lynne :)
I downloaded and printed out some text on Christian meditation and showed it to my pastor. I explained to him that there were others probably like me that had heard him preach on meditating on God's word but aren't sure how to go about it...he agrees and now wants me to print him out some copies. I'm excited about learning this new way (for me anyway) to commune closer with God.

[Asar'el]

One of the (dictionary) meanings of meditate is:

To think or reflect, especially in a calm and deliberate manner

That is what I mean when I speak of meditation; and while meditation is good for all sorts of things, meditation and prayer is better, and fasting, meditation and prayer best (imho) when seeking answers on the Christian walk.

[Mimi]

In eastern philosophy you do not empty your soul, you empty it of materialistic needs.......emotions that bring you pain and sorrow. Through meditation you reach enlightenment: Respect love and compassion for ALL life on earth and beyond........

Meditation for me is praying. It calms my mind, makes it open and I can let all my pain out in that one moment....

[Knight]

eastern meditation and christian meditation are entirely different species. :D

eastern meditation's goal is to EMPTY your mind so as to become devoid of yourself and be an open door to whatever.

Christian meditiation is the exact opposite - we meditate ON God and His word, we FILL our mind with all that is good, pure, holy, etc.

christian meditation is simply to fix your eyes on Jesus, and the Word of God. :hug:
In a word...... Bingo.

This is exactly right.

[BarbB]

kdet - what text did you download? Will you post the address? Thanks! And I want to hear how you are doing with the meditation.

Mimi, I don't believe that eastern meditation has any place in a Christian's life. Sorry!

[kdet]

kdet - what text did you download? Will you post the address? Thanks! And I want to hear how you are doing with the meditation.

Mimi, I don't believe that eastern meditation has any place in a Christian's life. Sorry!
Here it is Newlamb
http://web.wt.net/~wayne/meditat.html
The meditation went pretty well actually. I'm going to try and be real disciplined about meditating and doing my bible study and praying FIRST thing in the morning. So wish me luck with that!

[Mimi]

kdet - what text did you download? Will you post the address? Thanks! And I want to hear how you are doing with the meditation.

Mimi, I don't believe that eastern meditation has any place in a Christian's life. Sorry!
No problem:hug: .

I wish I could really meditate the Eastern way. I am too nervous and I can't sit still for a long while. HAlf an hour good meditation is ike one good night of sleep....:)

[LynneClomina]

In eastern philosophy you do not empty your soul, you empty it of materialistic needs.......emotions that bring you pain and sorrow. Through meditation you reach enlightenment: Respect love and compassion for ALL life on earth and beyond........

Meditation for me is praying. It calms my mind, makes it open and I can let all my pain out in that one moment....
the point is, mimi, that yu empty your MIND (i didnt say soul). you "turn off" all thoughts, and if something comes to you you let it drift off... you just accept it and move on... if something wicked comes into ourminds, we just driftit off, let it pass by, instead of rejecting and rebuking it. if something questionable comes into our mind we just drift it off instead of examining it, or examining it's source. if something pleaseing comes into our minds, we just let it drift off instead of wondering at the source. we are not THINKING. to not think is bad. and to not think is the polar opposite of what thebible says: what ever is good, lovely etc, THINK on these things.

and it's not just easter "philospophy" - it stems from a demonic religion and world view. there is SOOO much murder in buddhist/hindu countries, do you now why? becuase the dog on the street is "god" or equal to humans. we eat, kill, and maim dogs. ( i mean as humans we are cruel to animals of all sorts). so if it's ok to eat kill or maim a dog, then it is ok to eat kill or maim a human. buddhist in the east will often stare at pictures of dead people or dead bodies on the street or in morgues in order to de=sensitize themselves from death and violence. death is not a once time transition to them, it is part of a cyclical pattern of birth and rebirth. so what does it hurt if someone gets killed? they'll just get re-born, over and over again.

now, the next part i havnet read that i recall, but it could get to the p9oint, i'm sure, where family will kill themselves or other family members to get them out of being destitute in hopes that they will be rich int the next life....

eastern "philosophy" devalues human life, and i think it's no coincidence that the abortion rate has sky rocketed since the 60's since eastern religions got popular in the west. (among other contributing factors, too, of course.)

it's dangerous.

[Mimi]

Demonic?....nah, His Holiness the 14the Dalai Lama for instance is not demonic in my book...:)

[Eusebios]

I would like to point out that there are in fact two distinct types of "eastern" meditation. There is the one that is widely or popularly thought of in the west, that being a transcendental type meditation which has been mentioned here, and which does it would seem potentially open one up to a "spiritual" experience that is contrary to Christian belief. There is an excellent book by the late Fr. Seraphim Rose, entitled "Orthodoxy and the Religion of the Future" (http://www.christianity-books.com/Orthodoxy_and_the_Religion_of_the_Future_188790400X.html) which gives an excellent overview of the influence these ideas have had in the west.
On the other hand there is eastern Christian meditation, focused on The Jesus Prayer, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner" that is not only entirely Christian, but a powerful tool in overcoming the passions that so easily control us and a tremendous aide in our theosis. An excellent book on this subject is "The Way of the Pilgrim" (http://shop.personal-home-page.com/?Mode=books&SortBy=%2Bsalesrank&Search=The+Way+Of+A+Pilgrim%3A+And+The+Pilgrim+Continues+His+Way) centered on this topic.
His unworthy servant,
Eusebios.
:prayer:

[BarbB]

Thanks, Eusebios, for your post describing the differences between the meditations.

Mimi, I hope you will investigate the history of eastern meditation, the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist monks, etc. The demonic is definitely involved.

There is a story that during the 1930's the Buddhist Monks were grief stricken that their "gods had left them". At the same time, Hitler came to power and gave himself over to Satan. Please beware. I'm praying for you.

[wonder111]

actually Buddhism is based on compassion and love, it's nothing to be afraid of. I find that I have peace in my life that is beyond my understanding and that comes from Christ. I actually feel God's spirit a lot more than I live in my head thinking all of the time. God's love and power is so far beyond our understanding. I think that Buddhism is trying to gain that peace by getting rid of the thoughts, although I have found that peace through Christ. They are different attempts to achieve the same goal, heaven

[Mimi]

Thanks, Eusebios, for your post describing the differences between the meditations.

Mimi, I hope you will investigate the history of eastern meditation, the Dalai Lama, the Buddhist monks, etc. The demonic is definitely involved.

There is a story that during the 1930's the Buddhist Monks were grief stricken that their "gods had left them". At the same time, Hitler came to power and gave himself over to Satan. Please beware. I'm praying for you.
Thanks for the prayers....:hug:

But what has Hilter in cmmon with Buddhist monk....I don't see the link here????

[BarbB]

Thanks for the prayers....:hug:

But what has Hilter in cmmon with Buddhist monk....I don't see the link here????

The link is that the monks lost their gods (demons) when Hitler rose to kill the Jews! I am most serious about this.

[Kelly]

Try just sitting for 10-15 minutes, clearing your mind...don't pray, try not to think about your day, ...just sit and wait on a word from the Lord. That could be a form of meditation.

[wonder111]

Try just sitting for 10-15 minutes, clearing your mind...don't pray, try not to think about your day, ...just sit and wait on a word from the Lord. That could be a form of meditation.

or like the verse in my signature "be still and know that I am God"

[The Lord is my banner]

Last weekend I went to a seminar on Biblical Meditation as a method of Bible study, enabling deeper understanding of a passage and greater understanding of the God behind it.

The speaker explained how to set aside a time to be apart with God over His word.

First read through a passage, several times over aboutfive minutes. You may want to read just a short paragraph, or an incident from the life of Jesus, or a psalm for instance.

Note whether anything "leaps out" at you. Ponder the words and maybe read aloud.

Then begin to ask God questions about the passage;
she suggested a number of "W" qestions:
Who, What, Why, Where, When, How, then, very important; So What now?

Eg. John 10:11 has Jesus saying;
"I am the good shepherd."
So we should ask
Who is the good shepherd?
What does He mean by this?
Why the good shepherd?
What does a good shepherd do?
Who are His sheep?
Where has he led/fed/protected me recently?
When have I known Him as my good shepherd?
Who are bad shepherds?
When and How did I become a sheep of this good shepherd?

So What does this mean to me today? Think about how good it is to be in His care, pray for those in need of Him.

Then also maybe pick a few words from it to keep in mind through the day, jot them down and carry them in your pocket or pin them up somewhere.

She also suggested letting god lead us in reading - you may plan to read a chapter, but He may stop you on the first line if that's where He wants you to be for that day.

There was a lot more, but that was an example to get us going in the right direction.

She definitely supported the idea of FILLING the mind with good things from God's word - not emptying it as in other kinds of meditation.

I find it very difficult to do, but just occasionally I have done something like it in the past, and God has used it very powerfully.

I had a very hard time in a number of ways last year, and looking back I realised God had given me a word during Lent when I was meditating on the Bible. It was a bit scary at the time, but it sustained me all through the year and into this year, reassuring me that He had known before all this happened that I would question why.

I recommend it, and I will try it again myself!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
Phil. 4:8

God bless, Susana

[kdet]

Last weekend I went to a seminar on Biblical Meditation as a method of Bible study, enabling deeper understanding of a passage and greater understanding of the God behind it.

The speaker explained how to set aside a time to be apart with God over His word.

First read through a passage, several times over aboutfive minutes. You may want to read just a short paragraph, or an incident from the life of Jesus, or a psalm for instance.

Note whether anything "leaps out" at you. Ponder the words and maybe read aloud.

Then begin to ask God questions about the passage;
she suggested a number of "W" qestions:
Who, What, Why, Where, When, How, then, very important; So What now?

Eg. John 10:11 has Jesus saying;
"I am the good shepherd."
So we should ask
Who is the good shepherd?
What does He mean by this?
Why the good shepherd?
What does a good shepherd do?
Who are His sheep?
Where has he led/fed/protected me recently?
When have I known Him as my good shepherd?
Who are bad shepherds?
When and How did I become a sheep of this good shepherd?

So What does this mean to me today? Think about how good it is to be in His care, pray for those in need of Him.

Then also maybe pick a few words from it to keep in mind through the day, jot them down and carry them in your pocket or pin them up somewhere.

She also suggested letting god lead us in reading - you may plan to read a chapter, but He may stop you on the first line if that's where He wants you to be for that day.

There was a lot more, but that was an example to get us going in the right direction.

She definitely supported the idea of FILLING the mind with good things from God's word - not emptying it as in other kinds of meditation.

I find it very difficult to do, but just occasionally I have done something like it in the past, and God has used it very powerfully.

I had a very hard time in a number of ways last year, and looking back I realised God had given me a word during Lent when I was meditating on the Bible. It was a bit scary at the time, but it sustained me all through the year and into this year, reassuring me that He had known before all this happened that I would question why.

I recommend it, and I will try it again myself!

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
Phil. 4:8

God bless, Susana
Good Word....I'm going to save this post so I can refer to it again,thanks!

[BarbB]

Good Word....I'm going to save this post so I can refer to it again,thanks!

Me, too! :clap:

[Mimi]

The link is that the monks lost their gods (demons) when Hitler rose to kill the Jews! I am most serious about this.
Sorry newlamb....but LOL. So you say that their other Gods...they are called just Demons????? So this says that buddhists have a religion nomatter it is good or bad. That makes two true religions ;)

God bleess you, newlamb:hug:

[LynneClomina]

when they worship their gods, they are actually worshipping demons. yes, they have religion. of course it's religion. what it is NOT is RELATIONSHIP with the One, True, Living God. so it is a FALSE religion, becuase they are worshipping FALSE gods, becuase they are not GOD. they are fakers and satan's kingdom has always been one that tries to usurp God's kindgom. :sigh: buddhism is a REAL religion, but not a TRUE one.

[wonder111]

Buddhists don't believe in a God though

[Mimi]

Buddhists don't believe in a God though
True...Buddhism is not a real religion it is a way of life;)

[Mimi]

when they worship their gods, they are actually worshipping demons. yes, they have religion. of course it's religion. what it is NOT is RELATIONSHIP with the One, True, Living God. so it is a FALSE religion, becuase they are worshipping FALSE gods, becuase they are not GOD. they are fakers and satan's kingdom has always been one that tries to usurp God's kindgom. :sigh: buddhism is a REAL religion, but not a TRUE one.
How do you know that for sure? Maybe they are right and we are wrong.......;)

[LynneClomina]

How do you know that for sure? Maybe they are right and we are wrong.......;)
i dont find that humorous.... :sorry:


anyhoo, a person doesnt need to believe in gods / the devil to be under their control and in the kingdom of darkness.....

[BarbB]

Mimi, I do not find you a fundamentalist and ask you what church you attend, what your Christian beliefs are. If you are not a Christian you are not allowed to post here. I have with sorrow reported your debating non-Christian posts.

[Mimi]

Mimi, I do not find you a fundamentalist and ask you what church you attend, what your Christian beliefs are. If you are not a Christian you are not allowed to post here. I have with sorrow reported your debating non-Christian posts.
Sheesh......Can't you handle a bit of serious discussion. I am a Christian period. We can disagree, what is the problem here? I think that is really weird. If ou can't handle a different opinon, why attend a Christian forum?

I am not ashamed of my opinions, but if they bother you, so be it.....we'll just have to agree to disagree.

[Mimi]

i dont find that humorous.... :sorry:


anyhoo, a person doesnt need to believe in gods / the devil to be under their control and in the kingdom of darkness.....
I wasn't joking. I merely questioned your opinion. That doesn't mean I do not respect them. LAst time I looked this was a discussion forum. I do not believe that because I am a Christian that I can't be wrong. We will know one day, but untill then I am allowed to respect other religions fully, I could be wrong and the buddhists right. WHy act so difficult about it and say they worship demons like they are the bad guys in the world. If there is one truly peaceful way of life it is the buddhistic way.......I admire these people. Just plain and simple.

[BarbB]

Good for you, but if you are not a fundamentalist Christian you are NOT allowed to DEBATE in this forum. You may ask questions and ask for clarification but that is the extent. Please check with flesh99 if you have any questions about this policy. Thank you.

[BarbB]

i dont find that humorous.... :sorry:


anyhoo, a person doesnt need to believe in gods / the devil to be under their control and in the kingdom of darkness.....

Too true, Lynne! :(

[Mimi]

Good for you, but if you are not a fundamentalist Christian you are NOT allowed to DEBATE in this forum. You may ask questions and ask for clarification but that is the extent. Please check with flesh99 if you have any questions about this policy. Thank you.Even not when you are searching? This is really being blind for other ways of thinking, newlamb. I can learn through discussion and how wonderful it is to learn that people have different thoughts and idea's. Would you not want to know more through your own church and believes about how other people experience their faith. Why aam I wrong and why are you right. If I can ask things, but not question answers....how will I learn anything about other cultural ways of thinking then?

[The Lord is my banner]

Dear Mimi,

I think we're a little confused because you seemed to be saying you were a Buddhist a few posts ago, but are showing the Christian icon.
Have we misunderstood you?

If you are non-Christian and seeking to know Jesus, I'm delighted, but you would find more helpful advice on the Christian Apologetics or the Questions about Christianity forums. There you'll find Christians ready to explain and defend their faith, and others like yourself who are seeking.

If however you are a Christian who finds other religions appealing, then don't be surprised that the Fundamentalist wing you'll find here strongly disagree with you!

We are all utterly convinced that Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved, and that other religions, while often having attractions and advatages, nontheless will not give life. (I think that's roughly what the term "Christian fundamentalist" means to most people.)

We are not "against" Buddhists as people - we are to love all people with the love of Christ, but that doesn't mean agreeing with everything they believe.

Do please continue to explore in the forums dedicated to such questions, and I hope you find what you are seeking. Hope to see you there sometime! :)

God bless, Susana

[Mimi]

I am not a buddhist, but I have always lived sort of the 'buddhistic' way if you like. I do believe in Jesus and God. My rule of thumb sounds buddhist...."comapassion, love and respect for all life, that includes people of all faith but also none human life. Maybe that is not the Christian way...but I do believe that it is God's way. Like Mahatma Gandhi says: God has no religion.

[The Lord is my banner]

I am not a buddhist, but I have always lived sort of the 'buddhistic' way if you like. I do believe in Jesus and God. My rule of thumb sounds buddhist...."comapassion, love and respect for all life, that includes people of all faith but also none human life. Maybe that is not the Christian way...but I do believe that it is God's way. Like Mahatma Gandhi says: God has no religion.

Mimi,

I think your "rule of thumb" as you put it sounds very Christian!

Why, as a Christian, do you feel it necessary to ascribe such Christ-like attributes as:
compassion, love, respect for people of all faiths and for non-human life,
to a teacher from another religion?

I do realise that Christians do not have a monopoly on these qualities, and many of us are sadly lacking in them, but our Lord Jesus has them in abundance, and enables us to grow in them by His Spirit.

Many other religions may recognise that these are good things to strive towards, but the originator and sustainer of them is the God of the Bible.

I have respect for PEOPLE of all faiths. That is not the same as accepting their BELIEFS.

Ghandi was a very good man, and said he liked much about Jesus, but sadly did not accept him as his God and Saviour, (as far as anyone knows, unless he was silently converted on his deathbed.)

If someone you know sees these good qualities in you, and asks you why you are so loving and gentle, to whom will you give the glory? Who will you tell them is your guide and teacher in this?

Blessings, Susana

[Mimi]

Jesus, God and Buddha...that is what I always tell........Sounds weird, doesn't it? Buddha was a man, and maybe he had no idea about God, but he lived before Christ.....He is a sort of prophet who helped people to respect all life.....Buddhist live like that. I also don't see Buddhism as a 'real' religion but a way of life......

I know I sound cofusing. Heck, I even sound confusing to myself. I read the Scripture and see how much it opens my heart for God and Jesus. Buddha said similar things like Jesus. Like love thy enemies......You can only learn true compassion love and respect through that. Your enemies teach you a lot about yourself. The teachings may be different but the wisdom is the same to me. God is my guide and He is the glory of my life, but that doesn't mean that I learn more about God through other teachings...it broadens my horizone and opens my heart and soul to God.

I also believe that people like Gandhi and the 14th Dalai Lama are saved by God.....even if they don't convert. God is the only one who can see in our hearts and souls...No one can lie to Him. I strongly believe that someone who calls himself a Christian but doesn't live in that way will have a harder time at judgement day then Gandhi......Cause He knows who is honest and lives by His rules.....no matter what you believe in your earthly life. The heart and soul does not lie......:)