The Benefits of Meditation
Q: You're making some big claims for meditation. Where are you getting your information?
A: Meditation is being heavily researched in hospitals, universities and institutions such as the military and the correctional system. Strong evidence supports the value of meditation. While the vast majority of researchers are studying non-Christian forms of meditation, it seems reasonable to think their results would also apply to Christian meditation. Click here or see our blog for more information.
Nuts and Bolts
Q: I can't remember how to get back into the online course.
A: Go to myhaikuclass.com and sign in with the username and password you created.
Q: Can I access the course on my phone?
A: At this point the course is available only on computer, iPad or tablet. If you download the guided meditations to one of these devices, you can then transfer them to your phone and listen.
Q: What is the difference between the CD's and the online course?
A: The CD's offer twelve of the guided ten-minute meditations included in the online course.
The online course includes twelve lessons, twenty-four guided meditations and online support.
Q: I'm interested in your materials but I can't afford the tuition or
I'm interested in your materials but the people I serve can't afford your tuition.
A: Use our contact form to tell us more. Our materials are available at reduced or no cost for those with limited financial resources.
What do you mean by "Christian meditation?"
Q: Is this really Christian?
A: It is - and we understand the concern. Here's some context:
- Some forms of meditation taught today draw from Hinduism, which has a different understanding of God and can include a belief in many gods. Although we respect Hinduism, we do not draw from it.
- The mindfulness meditation now being taught in so many public institutions has its roots in Buddhism. Many people consider Buddhism a philosophy rather than a religion because most Buddhists do not believe in God. Many secular mindfulness teachers have skillfully learned from Buddhist meditation methods without bringing along Buddhist teachings. An example of a method would be using conscious breathing as a way of calming oneself. This method has been used by Buddhists for centuries and recently verified as effective by scientific research.
- Jesus took time away and alone to be with the Father. He is our first and best example.
- We all rely on science when we break a leg or get cancer, although we still pray for recovery. It makes sense to rely on science if it offers help in managing our brains when we are trying to bring our selves to God.
- This debate is not new. Peter and Paul struggled with the tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians, with what is essential and what can change. Sincere Christians disagree on these issues. We have studied widely and prayed deeply to find a method we believe is helpful and true to the Gospel. We believe our materials can help many and know that they will not serve everyone.
Q: Is this Christian Meditation as taught by John Main?
A: John Main teaches a wonderful form of meditation based in repeating maranatha, the Aramaic word for "Come, Lord Jesus." In contrast to Main's method of Christian meditation, we use a variety of methods to help us focus. See www.wccm.org for more information on John Main's work.