Transcendental meditation (TM) refers to a specific form of silent mantra meditation first taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in India in the 1950s. The Maharishi brought TM to the West in the 1960s, and it gained popularity as celebrities like The Beatles began practicing it. At its core, TM involves the use of a mantra – a word or short phrase – that is repeated silently during meditation.
TM is considered a concentration technique, as it focuses the mind on the repetition of the mantra. The goal is to reach a state of relaxed awareness and inner calm by detaching from thoughts and distractions. According to TM practitioners, regular meditation can reduce stress, improve health, enhance creativity, and promote inner fulfillment.
While TM has roots in Hinduism, its proponents say it is not a religious practice and can be beneficial for people of any faith. However, some Christians have concerns about potential incompatibilities between TM and biblical teachings.
Potential Areas of Concern for Christians
Here are some potential issues Christians may have with transcendental meditation:
- Origins in Eastern Religions – TM comes from Hindu traditions and was brought to the West by a Hindu guru. This could conflict with teachings to avoid pagan influences (Deuteronomy 18:9-12).
- Use of Mantras – The repetition of mantras during TM could contradict Jesus’ warning against using meaningless repetitions in prayer (Matthew 6:7).
- Goal of Altered Consciousness – Seeking a different state of consciousness conflicts with biblical calls to sobriety and self-control (1 Peter 5:8, Titus 2:6).
- Connection to the “New Age” Movement – TM is associated with New Age teachings that can conflict with Christian doctrine.
- The Expense – Receiving a mantra and training in TM can be quite costly, which raises questions about the Maharishi organization’s motivations.
Due to concerns like these, many Christians argue that TM is incompatible with biblical Christianity. They say practices like meditating on scripture, prayer, and worship are more appropriate for believers.
The Case for Compatibility
On the other hand, some Christians don’t see TM as being in conflict with their faith. They offer counterpoints such as:
- TM is Not a Religion – It requires no belief system and is simply a mental technique, not a religious practice.
- Mantras are Meaningless – The mantras have no meaning attached to them, so they are not “vain repetitions.”
- Benefits Mind-Body Connection – Like exercise or counseling, TM can benefit physical and mental health as part of a God-given capacity to thrive.
- Furthers God’s Work – Being centered and less stressed may help people better do the work God calls them to.
These Christians argue that TM simply prepares the mind for deeper prayer and communion with God. As such, it can aid spiritual growth for believers who view and use it appropriately.
What Does the Bible Say about Meditation?
To gain a biblical perspective on transcendental meditation, it is helpful to see what the Bible says about meditation overall. Here are some key verses:
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise (Psalm 119:148 ESV)
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands (Psalm 143:5 ESV)
But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:2 ESV)
These verses portray meditation as focused on Scripture, God’s works, and spiritual truths. Other passages connect meditation and prayer (Psalm 5:1, Philippians 4:8). Overall, the object of Christian meditation is meant to be God’s truth and righteousness.
Guidelines from Scripture
Given the biblical evidence on meditation, Christians could evaluate TM based on criteria such as:
- Is Christ the focus? (Colossians 3:2)
- Does it renew the mind? (Romans 12:2)
- Does it fill the mind with truth? (Philippians 4:8)
- Does it produce godly fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23)
Some would say that TM falls short on these points. Others argue TM provides physical and mental benefits that support a Christian’s spiritual journey.
Dangers of Syncretism
One concern some raise about TM is that it may represent a form of syncretism. Syncretism refers to the blending of different religions, philosophies, or practices. Some Christians warn against combining beliefs from non-Christian religions like Hinduism with biblical faith:
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14 ESV)
They argue TM’s Hindu roots make the practice inappropriate for Christians, as it bridges two different belief systems. Even if practitioners don’t consider TM religious, detractors contend the origins remain.
Issues of Discernment and Conscience
Given the different perspectives on TM, Christians may have to wrestle with personal conviction and discernment. Romans 14 addresses issues of conscience within the church:
Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4 ESV)
This suggests Christians should be careful not to judge one another on debatable matters like meditation techniques. However, the passage also says not to put a “stumbling block or hindrance” in a brother’s way by enticing them to go against their convictions (Romans 14:13).
So whether TM is an appropriate spiritual practice may come down to personal conscience. Christians should thoughtfully consider if it conflicts with their beliefs or draws them away from God. And they should not pressure others if there is no agreement.
Guidance from the Holy Spirit
Since TM involves spiritual questions, Christians can also look to spiritual resources. Namely, guidance from God through Scripture and the Holy Spirit:
I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth (John 16:12-13 ESV)
With an issue like TM, believers can pray for wisdom to understand God’s perspective. This may involve researching TM, consulting mature Christians, studying the Scriptures, and listening for the Spirit’s direction.
Focusing on Christ
As the Colossians passage notes, Christians should ultimately focus their meditation on Christ:
Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:2-3 ESV)
So transcendental or other forms of meditation should be evaluated in light of their impact on a believer’s connection to Jesus. That relationship is the centerpiece of the Christian faith.
If TM or any other practice fosters distraction or attachment to “things on earth,” it may be detrimental. But practices that help focus on Christ could be beneficial. As with all spiritual matters, wisdom and maturity are needed to make sound judgments.
Warnings About Altered States of Consciousness
Some who object to TM have concerns about the altered states of consciousness it reportedly produces. The Bible speaks strongly against any practices that induce altered states:
When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. (Deuteronomy 18:9-12 ESV)
This and other passages forbid occult practices like fortune-telling, sorcery, and communicating with spirits. But some say TM’s mantra meditation produces similar subjective experiences that should also be avoided.
Proponents counter that TM is simply deep relaxation, rather than contacting spiritual forces. But critics argue that Christians should avoid any technique that creates an alternate state similar to drug use, hypnosis, or mystic trances.
Pursuing Holiness Over Experiences
Rather than seeking special experiences through meditation, Christians are called to pursue holiness:
Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14 ESV)
While practices like yoga and TM promise inner experiences, believers are already indwelt by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). By developing the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23), they can experience Christ’s presence and peace in daily living.
So Christians need not seek altered states of consciousness through TM. The Bible encourages mindfulness of God’s presence through practicing righteousness, not techniques for “transcending” normal consciousness.
Seeking the Kingdom of God
Rather than TM, Christians might consider biblical meditation focused on God’s Kingdom:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 ESV)
Kingdom-focused meditation dwells on scriptures about God’s reign through Christ and how to live as good citizens of heaven on earth (Philippians 3:20). It fills the mind with truths that illuminate God’s Kingdom and our role in it.
This meditation transforms thinking to align with eternal realities rather than momentary conscious states. That biblical approach may not provide the subjective experiences some seek through TM, but it does fulfill the ultimate purpose of life – seeking God’s Kingdom.
Pursuing God Through Prayer and Scripture
The Bible points Christians towards prayer and scripture rather than meditation techniques like TM:
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2 ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV)
Through conversing with God in prayer and studying His word, Christians connect with Him relationally. This fills the inner life with Christ’s presence in a way that focused techniques like TM cannot.
Regular discipline in prayer and scripture also transforms the mind and renews the spirit in a deep, holistic way. It equips believers for kingdom living far more effectively than any meditative practice could.
Replacing Eastern Practices with Biblical Spiritual Disciplines
For Christians feeling drawn to transcendental meditation, healthier alternatives exist in biblical spiritual disciplines:
- Fasting – Abstaining from food or other distractions can increase spiritual focus.
- Simplicity – Reducing life’s excess and busyness quiets the mind.
- Silence & Solitude – Setting aside undistracted time to hear God.
- Scripture Reading – Meditating on the Bible renews the mind in God’s truth.
- Prayer – Communing with the Lord directly engages His presence.
- Worship – Focusing fully on God’s glory realigns the soul.
Practices like these derive from Christian history and tradition, rather than Eastern religions. They represent holistic, Christ-centered ways of cultivating inner stillness and transformation.
Cautions Regarding Any Form of Meditation
Although practices like scripture meditation have biblical precedent, Christians should also exercise caution:
- Don’t view techniques as magic, but as tools for cooperating with the Holy Spirit.
- Remember that transformation comes through Christ, not methods.
- Avoid using meditation in place of prayer, worship, fellowship, or other spiritual disciplines.
- Don’t expect meditation itself to provide enlightenment or mystical experiences.
- Consider guidance from pastors and mentors about any meditation practices.
With discernment, meditation can support a deep spiritual life rooted in Christ. But no practice should become an idol or distraction from Him.
Conclusions
There are varied perspectives among Christians on issues like transcendental meditation:
- Some see it as dangerous and incompatible with Christian faith.
- Others believe TM can provide benefits that support a believer’s journey.
- Discernment, wisdom, and guidance from scripture and the Spirit are key.
- Meditation focused on Christ seems to be the biblical ideal versus techniques or altered states.
- Healthy alternatives exist through prayer, scripture, and other Christ-centered disciplines.
Given the differing views, humility, grace, and freedom of conscience on debatable matters are appropriate. But all Christians would likely agree believers should prioritize Christ-focused practices that immerse their minds in God’s truth and Kingdom purposes.