TM - Harmless Relaxation OR Introduction to the Occult?

Guess what? The left has finally caught on. Change begins within. In order to promote their brand of change – they are having a concert featuring singers like Paul McCartney – and Cheryl Crow.

The concert, according to the folks behind the event, “will raise funds to teach one million at-risk children to meditate - giving them life-long tools to overcome stress and violence and promote peace and success in their lives.” (The full story is at breitbart.com ) See the end of this article to learn the adverse effects of TM that 62.9% of these 'at risk' children can expect. It is a case of, 'PLEASE - Don't do me any favors! I got enough problems without you butting in!'

Funds will be administered through the David Lynch foundation – which pushes Transcendental Meditaion - the shortened term is TM.
TM is a form of Hindu/eastern mystic religion.
TM followers are given a mantra – likely a one syllable word – or even a non word – and they chant that in sort of a song. It has become a cliché on TV to see someone in the lotus position chanting ommmm ommmmm in a hypnotic voice or manner.
Anyway, it is aimed at putting the mind in neutral, or a trance like state, or possibly self-hypnotized. . An ‘altered state of conscience’ is the goal.

The roots of TM are in Hinduism. Hinduism is

‘a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and
based on a caste system;
it is characterized by a belief in reincarnation,
by a belief in a supreme being of many forms and natures,
by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth,
and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils.’ http://dictionary.reference.com/search?db=dictionary&q=hinduism

Don't be decieved into thinking that TM is harmless because it is not overtly Hindu in its practice. It is only a small part of Hindu, but it is fully connected to the whole, just like the rattles on a diamond back are attached to the fangs. Grab hold of the tail, and eventually you will get bitten.

Hinduism/TM teaches many things that are in total opposition to what the Bible says. For instance:

Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
The Caste system is totally un-Biblical.

Hebrews 9:27And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
There is no reincarnation. One life is all you get.

John 14:6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Jesus Christ is the answer. In Jesus Christ we have the way of salvation, the complete truth without error, and a way to gain an eternal life in heaven liberated from earthly evils.

Many Christians, myself included, believe TM is an introduction to the occult. Actually, anything apart from the teachings of the Bible are teachings of God's adversary the devil. They are not going to lead anyone anywhere except downward to the devil's domain.

The Bible DOES instruct us to meditate.
However, it is not mindless chanting or vain repetition.
It is meditation on the Word of God.
It is meditation on the meaning of scripture, and how to apply Godly teaching to personal actions.
It is meditation on the results of following the ways of God or the ways of the world.
Look at the list of those who meditated on God's Word.

Genesis 24:63And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.Genesis 24:62-64 (in Context) Genesis 24 (Whole Chapter)

Joshua 1:8This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.Joshua 1:7-9 (in Context) Joshua 1 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 1:2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.Psalm 1:1-3 (in Context) Psalm 1 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 63:6When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.Psalm 63:5-7 (in Context) Psalm 63 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 77:12I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.Psalm 77:11-13 (in Context) Psalm 77 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:15I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.Psalm 119:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:23Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes.Psalm 119:22-24 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:48My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.Psalm 119:47-49 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:78Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts.Psalm 119:77-79 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 119:148Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word.Psalm 119:147-149 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 143:5I remember the days of old; I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands.Psalm 143:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 143 (Whole Chapter)

Isaiah 33:18Thine heart shall meditate terror. Where is the scribe? where is the receiver? where is he that counted the towers?Isaiah 33:17-19 (in Context) Isaiah 33 (Whole Chapter)

Luke 21:14Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:Luke 21:13-15 (in Context) Luke 21 (Whole Chapter)

1 Timothy 4:15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.1 Timothy 4:14-16 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

biblegateway.com

Change does begin within the heart of the individual. However, change for the better begins with meditation on the Word of God.

Furthermore, the side effects of TM are harmful according to many easily available articles. Here is an example:

STUDY: Perez-De-Abeniz, Alberto and Holmes, Jeremy. Meditation: Concepts, Effects and Uses in Therapy. International Journal of Psychotherapy, March 2000, Vol. 5 Issue 1, p49, 10p. Abstract:

This article reviews 75 scientific selected articles in the field of meditation, including Transcendental Meditation among others.
It summarizes definitions of meditation, psychological and physiological changes, and negative side-effects encountered by 62.9% of meditators studied.
While the authors did not restrict their study to TM, the side-effects reported were similar to those found in the "German Study" of Transcendental Meditators:
relaxation-induced anxiety and panic;
paradoxical increases in tension;
less motivation in life;
boredom;
pain;
impaired reality testing;
confusion and disorientation;
feeling 'spaced out';
depression;
increased negativity;
being more judgmental;
feeling addicted to meditation;
uncomfortable kinaesthetic sensations;
mild dissociation;
feelings of guilt;
psychosis-like symptoms;
grandiosity;
elation;
destructive behavior;
suicidal feelings;
defenselessness;
fear;
anger;
apprehension;
and despair.
http://www.behind-the-tm-facade.org/transcendental_meditation-harmful-abstracts.htm