How can i meditate without feeling like im conforming to a religion?

Question

im new to meditating and i keep rejecting the idea that meditating is going to work for me because i feel like it itself is part of religion or wishful thinking... and that i have to believe in buddhism (which i don't) in order for it to work.

Answer 1

Try yoga. Meditating is meant to give you peace of mind, just to calm all your nerves and senses, not to make you become the "enlightened one" like Buddha. It's a relaxation that really does make you feel good once done.

Answer 2

Meditation is a physical and mental discipline, not a religion.  The fact that it is used in certain religions means nothing.  

  Would you think that learning Kung Fu was religious?

  It's just meditation, trying to advance your mind and body through concentration and visualisation; to quote Nike - just do it.

Answer 3

Yes.

Im an atheist.  However, through meditation I understand my inner strength.  People make fun of that, but its true.

Meditation has nothing to do with God, Religion, or the like.  At least it shouldn't.  Meditation is designed for you to reflect inwards.  Not outwards toward whatever your faith is.

Hope that helps.

Answer 4

Meditating is not going to give you eternal life or supreme happiness, it just allows you a brief period of time to examine life.. You take it from there.

Answer 5

Vipassana do not belive in religion

Answer 6

what are you meditating to achieve?

I meditate simply to relax. It makes me feel better. I simply pick a spot that feels nice, sit, close my eyes and try to empty my mind.

Sometimes music helps, other times it doesn't. there's no one right way. just do whatever makes you feel relaxed and peaceful. It doesn't even have to be sedentary. Some people achieve clarity while running, or other physical tasks.

Answer 7

Some religions may include some sorta of meditation BUT, in essence, meditation has NOTHING to do with religion.

Meditation is just about trying to lengthen the gaps between thoughts; that's it.

Now some people might attach all sorts of other c**p to it but all you're doing is relaxing mind and body.

The end.

I have been meditating for almost thirty years - I have NEVER believed in any brand of invisible sky critter.

~

Answer 8

It's the devils playground I'm telling ya...

Answer 9

Meditation is simply focused attention. You can focus on anything you like. My suggestion is to focus on a Christian symbol like a rose opening w/in your heart (or the rosy cross) or you can ask for the angels to show you a Christian symbol in your mind. All religions have a meditation tradition. Find one that suits your belief system.

The link below had CD's that help to entrain your brainwaves. The ones I have are strictly soft music, no words or prayers. They are like training wheels for  meditation. (I wish I got a fee for how many times I recommend them but I don't)

Answer 10

Is all meditation is to me is slowing down the mind and letting all thoughts slip away.  It is a good way to calm down or just get into a state of relaxation.  I am an atheist and reject all religious superstition, so I would never do it if it was conforming to a religion.  Your mind goes into a meditative state every time you are doing something monotonous, such as driving or going for a long walk.