I've noticed a string of weird articles in the 'quality' press lately: people raving about their meds, rubbishing mindfulness and it's 'dangers' but this is something special:

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/meditation-is-touted-as-a-cure-for-mental-instability-but-can-it-actually-be-bad-for-you-10268291.html

Yes, it's the ego.

about as convincing as DMT bust reports.

at least the comments are resonable

NO MIND?! WHAT THE F*** DO YOU MEAN, A**HOLE? YOU BRING MY F***IN' MIND RIGHT BACK HERE, RIGHT NOW, OR ELSE...!

As Cartman might have said

Although the article has a sense of alarm about it I do think Meditation isn't for everyone, both of the first 2 accounts were people predisposed to mental illness and as such I think it could be the same as for psychedelics, they are powerful intitiators of change, both biochemically and cognitively.
Someone with serious mental trauma may have it rapidly exposed and it could be too much to bare. Its been proven meditation alters neurological structures so for some people I would think it could be a harm rather than a help.

A trustworthy dead man whose writings never steered me wronf[Israel Regardie] once said anyone trying to get into a serious spiritual practice [yogas, meditation, entheogens, magick, etc.] should do ALOT [5+ years] of psychotherapy with a trustworthy analyst first, or atleast alongside the spiritual work.

Psychotherapists are often chided for being shills but I can see the value in this prescription ESPECIALLY for those with possible mental illnesses. Bringing stuff up from the sub and unconscious before your self work brings it up could be very helpful.

I don't know how the author of the Guardian article can possibly claim that we are culturally opposed to psychiatric medication when the pharmaceutical industries biggest sellers are all psych meds, a record number of people are taking some form of psychiatric medication, and people with non-neurotyptical brain and behavior types are forcibly treated with mild-altering drugs against their will.

As for the second article...it's dismally bad reporting, but all things can be dangerous, especially in excess. It doesn't surprise me that when people who've spent their whole world steeped in Western culture go off and immerse themselves in constant meditation, that they might have some adverse effects. It would probably be better if they were being trained by responsible, knowledgeable people who knew how to handle the change from a highly egoic state of being to an egoless one.

The problem is, the author seems to be saying that that's a problem with meditation, not our culture.


Blessings
~ND

Based on that I should have seen a psychiatrist since I was a toddler! (Or if alongside, since before I was 10)

I agree that there are people who could use guidance to their meditation and other work involving their consciousness/subconscious/mind, especially some people with deep seated/complex mental issues, but I don't think everyone needs the guidance, and I don't believe psychotherapy can help someone with meditation more than I believe a heart surgeon can help with your stomach cancer. While there might be some overlap, I find that psychotherapy limits itself to completely different areas from meditation. Where there is any overlap it's because meditation, not psychotherapy, is so all-encompassing. Often where there is overlap it's minimal because psychotherapy rejects anything but certain kinds of techniques and goals.

I agree with the above posters, "the ego is afraid" Ego death is healthy! Perhaps the really useful tactic in curbing "diseases of the mind" would be to stop touting the importance of the ego and individuality? Just a thought (But do so seeking a balance between ego and individuality and ego death and complete surrender to the collective?)

hahahaha lol.....that picture...you know.... .....and now this

Meditation removes layers.

There's no guarantee that what's underneath those layers isn't hideous.