Soapbox Comment by Ann
I recently changed my mind and now think that meditation is a good thing. I used to think that it was some stupid new age crap created by charlatans to be different and “enlightened” but now I believe it has some benefit. Basically, I think meditation is just another way to let you rest your mind and refresh it. I think that a catnap is just as good. Or a jog in the park, or playing with your children. If people enjoy sitting by themselves and resting or “meditating”, then great. Let them do it. In fact, let’s encourage it. But let’s call it what it is… a REST. You are simply RESTING and RESTING is good because they promote endorphins and endorphins are good.
Cynical Comment by Ann
“The most reasonable hypothesis is that there is something about conscientious Buddhist practice that results in the kind of happiness we all seek,” Flanagan said in a report in New Scientist magazine.
That is not the most reasonable hypothesis. The study is freaking flawed! I’m sure that these Buddists in Dharamsala, India are happy and serene people. Afterall, what do they have to worry about for Christ sake? They aren’t in normal society so do they have to worry about budget cuts, subway delays, increases in the cost of their children’s day care/education or their nagging Chinese mother? NO! Plus, they believe that their afterlife is pretty much guarenteed so there’s no emotional strain to question existence. No stupid group is going to blow up 2 giant buildings across the street from where they live. The only thing that has happened to them is that their leader has been kidnapped, the neighboring nation has taken their independence and young liberals around the world are trying to free them with bumper stickers and silly chants. Plu-lease!
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