Not all Christians believe that meditation is correct. It is sometimes seen as taboo in Christianity, given the form or type of meditation performed. We often see meditation practice within non-Christian religions like Buddhism and Hinduism, possibly why “conflicting beliefs” exist. But did Jesus meditate? We explore this concept in today’s article.
Whether Jesus meditated has long been the topic of discussion for Christian groups. This is more so since the act of meditation is primarily practiced in non-Christian religions. Meditation brings you closer to the divine (to God). Still, the concept contradicts the fundamentals of the Christian faith.
Can Christians Meditate
There is also the question about meditating in Christianity. The question occurs because the only way to God is through His son, Jesus, not by looking within. Looking within is what meditation helps you achieve, and this process gets you closer to God, according to other religions that use meditation.
Because of this, there is a constant back-and-forth clash in faith regarding meditation practice. Especially in the Christian faith.
Some recordings note that Christ visited places in the East where people meditated as part of their faith and religion and that he observed their practices. These countries possibly included India, Tibet, and other Eastern regions. While this is so, there isn’t clear evidence that Jesus also meditated as the Bible speaks of Him praying. Still, we cannot rule out that He had also practiced meditation.
Is Meditation A Sin
There are bible verses that speak of meditation by the disciples of Christ. For instance, Genesis 24:23 “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening….”
Another text about this same occurrence says that Isaac went out to pray. This makes one intrigued but also confident that meditation is not an act of sin but instead a way to get you closer to God.
Joshua 1:8 reads, “This book of the law must not depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in everything you do”.
There are also accounts that Jesus spent time on the mountain to pray, instructing his disciples to keep watch. This occurred before his capture and crucifixion. We don’t know if Jesus meditated there too.
Did Jesus Meditate In India
The Torah mentions that Jesus spent time with the great sages and other meditators during his estimated 13-30 years. Eastern religions like Hinduism describe the star that the wise men followed to see the Christ child as not an actual star but a spiritual guided wisdom. This wisdom was said to have been accessed from their third eye chakra through meditation.
The father of yoga, Hindu monk, yogi, and guru Paramahansa Yogananda is said to have brought about some ground-breaking revelation regarding Jesus’ time spent with the Hindus and in India and the teaching of Christ.
For example, one of Yogananda’s revelations of Christ says the only way we can get to the Father (God) is through accepting Christ as savior. But is possibly misinterpreted that only Christians can connect with God, not non-Christians.
Instead, Yogananda explained that Christ meant by connecting with God through meditation and yoga, everyone could connect with God. In doing so, we may become Christlike and be as he was. The Los Angeles Times published a piece covering Yogananda’s interpretation of Christianity.
It’s understood that many of the original scriptures of the Christian Bible have been lost or changed throughout the years. Those scriptures of other religious books have maintained many of the original worded recordings. This finding gives more insight into the happenings and why some things may be the way they are.
Scholars of religion also believe that Jesus may have meditated during the 40 days and 40 nights that he fasted in the wilderness. Christ prayed and often communicated with his Father, but many believe he also meditated during that difficult experience.
What’s The Difference Between Prayer and Meditation?
In short, prayer is the act of speaking to God, while meditation is listening to God. Some scriptures mention listening. Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”.
While it doesn’t directly say meditate, it does instruct that we ought to “be still” which is one of the essential parts of meditation practice.
More interpretations for meditation
Another teaching mentioned in the scriptures includes the fact that our bodies are the temple of God. Corinthians 3:16-17 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” “If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person.”
Again, in Romans 12:1-2 “…I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy to offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. This is your true and proper worship.”
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing and perfect”.
When we meditate, we renew and transform our minds and no longer think like the world or materialistically to some extent. We in turn, grow spiritually and get closer to God.
How Meditation Benefits Your Mind and Body
When you practice meditation, you can benefit in many ways. You will grow spiritually and get closer to God, and your body will feel a lot better and less stressed.
- It lowers stress levels and helps you manage stressful situations more efficiently.
- Eases anxiety and worry about the world and its struggles.
- It helps you learn to be in the present.
- Meditation improves your focus.
- It can improve blood pressure
- It could improve heart rate.
- You could enjoy better sleep.
FAQs
Is meditation allowed in the Bible?
Biblical meditation took place more frequently in earlier scriptures. The Bible mentions meditation many times. In some instances, it refers to specific people meditating. The Old Testament, more than the New Testament, speaks of meditation.
Does the Bible say anything about chakras?
While the Bible has been changed through the years, we cannot be sure if the original scripture spoke of chakras. Still, it is possible that God, our Creator made us in a way to have energy flow through us and for many bodily functions to occur as a result.
Conclusion
So, did Jesus meditate? Perhaps he did, in addition to prayer.
Meditation is such a sacred practice as it draws people nearer to God and separates them from the busy distractions of the world. In many instances, people experience that certain styles of meditation even influence the chemicals in the brain and cause reactions like healing and deeper spirituality.
Meditation is not a sin, and it is not a bad practice. If anything, it will benefit your life; in turn, you can benefit and be a blessing to those around you.
