If you
look around on the net or read some research papers, it seems that some forms
of meditation can be harmful. Some of my doctor friends have confirmed the
harmful effects of some meditative practices. Is that really the case?
Lot depends on what you do and how you do. If you are doing
time tested Yogic meditation as that described by Patanjali, I see no reason
why it should be harmful. The same cannot be said about myriad mystic processes
propagated by modern teachers for which there is neither scriptural evidence,
nor a logical explanation, nor a long history.
But yes, prolonged meditation can take you to a state that
can be interpreted as ‘abnormal’. Typical effects could be withdrawal from
worldly affairs, lack of interest in mundane activities and ‘normal’ human aspirations
and pursuits, tendency to be aloof, lack of sensitivity, and so on. It is also
believed that prolonged meditation can alter the hormonal balances in the body,
especially the gender related ones.
In a way, these changes are natural for a person who has
‘seen’ beyond sense pleasures, who has experienced an identity beyond the
limited confines of the body and mind. If that is what you intended, then there
is nothing to worry.
But most ‘normal’ people would like to continue their
routine worldly affairs and ‘enjoy’ the world in a better way with less stress
and better health and better mental focus. For such people, prolonged
meditation is not recommended. But a short practice, say, once a day for a few
minutes should cause no problems.
I generally recommend adherence to Yama and Niyama – to the
extent possible - , some simple focusing techniques for short duration of time,
or even devotional singing. These provide a right balance. See my book “How andwhy of Yoga and Meditation” for a more detailed discussion.
In this series of posts, I seem to have equated mind to
brain. Some ‘smart’ people may question that. Many Gurus say “mind is not brain
and it is something beyond” Most of the time these people have no clear idea –
neither about the brain, nor about ‘that something beyond’ They just keep
playing with words.
In the next post I will try to explain my own views on this.
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