Meditation in Place of Religion

Discussion in 'Religion & Philosophy' started by SandyM, Dec 24, 2015.

  1. SandyM

    SandyM Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone thought of doing meditation in place of religion? I mean in deciding to take time out weekly for the practice of meditation , instead of attending a type of assembly every week. I know that a lot of religions have meditation as a major form of even worship, but I wonder if meditation in terms of contemplation can serve the same fulfilling purposes that a religion is supposed to. The reason I ask is that a lot of scientists and medical articles praise meditation as one of the best things you can do for you body and your brain. It seems to soothe all five senses and even improve health. And from a spiritual standpoint, it seems that if you believe in connecting with the larger universe in one way or another, meditation seems like a purposeful way to go.

    Has anyone committed to meditation regularly in this way (i.e. at least once a week, long term)? How has it benefited your life? I would also like to know suggestions for complete newcomers to meditation. If you were advising an absolute beginner, what tips, advice, books, and meditation music would you suggest? And of all the religions who practice meditation, I'd also like to know which advice you suggest in terms of schools of thought. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
     
  2. Corzhens

    Corzhens Senior Investor

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    My take on medication is actually a religious activity regardless if one has a religion or an atheist. The most effective form of praying is meditating, it is communing with God so it is the best way of telling God what you want to say. A priest once told me that when you pray, you are sending a message to God but when you are meditating you are chatting with God. So I guess meditating is a good replacement for religion and the best way of saying your gratitude to God... whether you believe in Him or not.
     
  3. Alex

    Alex Senior Investor

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    You don't have to be religious to meditate or even spiritual. Some people find it helps them, and others don't. I'm spiritual and I don't meditate, as it does nothing for me.

    Don't forget there are different types of meditation, but the ones you seem to be talking about are ones that clear your mind and allow you to focus on other things. It's no cure IMHO, but because the mind has so many distractions, what it does is to allow clarity.
     
  4. Susimi

    Susimi Senior Investor

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    I've recent looked upon religion, as in going to the church every week, or other religions versions, as a sort of social activity and a means to be together with others. Meditation is the opposite from what I can see. Meditation for me is being alone and putting yourself in your own "happy place" within your mind.
     
  5. Scooby Snack

    Scooby Snack Well-Known Member

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    I think meditation in some ways is like prayer, only it's more focused and actually has benefits.
     
  6. kgord

    kgord Senior Investor

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    I find it a chore to meditate. It is not so much that my mind is interruppted with other thoughts...but I am worried about my breathing and so forth...and the fact that I never get these awesome insights that everyone seems to be having. I know it is a practice...and takes time to develop...but to me it is neither fun nor relaxing..I guess..maybe if I worked at it..I could get there...but it seems kind of pointless to me.
     
  7. Corzhens

    Corzhens Senior Investor

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    Do you mean to say that your breathing should always be controlled? Yoga is one kind of meditation with its own discipline. But there is another kind of meditation that relaxes the body and strengthens the mind. It is a local version of yoga using the same lotus position. But it is actually communing with nature (or with God depending on how you look at it). The advocates say their kind of transcendental meditation can give you the mind power that can move objects.
     
  8. Susimi

    Susimi Senior Investor

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    I suppose you could say it's like praying to yourself, only this time your prayers will go answered that is if you chose to follow what you are telling yourself.

    Meditation has some great benefits for getting away from everyday life but it takes a lot of concentration to get into a state where you're peaceful.
     
  9. Scooby Snack

    Scooby Snack Well-Known Member

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    It definitely is a skill. I reached a point where I was meditating frequently and it became easy to sit and focus for intervals of 20 minutes or so. Now when I try it I can barely keep still. It's very frustrating.
     
  10. Alex

    Alex Senior Investor

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    Where I used to work there was a Buddhist teacher and he would not work on Mondays as that was he meditation day. It worked for him, but it's very removed from normal life. It does help some people, but it has to be part of a way of life and doesn't fit in with cell phones and emails.

    I don't think it can take the place of religion, because religion is a set of beliefs you follow.
     

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