Kosher Meditation

Is Meditation kosher? This question depends upon the kind of meditation that one practices. Meditation itself is parve (neutral). It is no different than singing or dancing in this respect. Singing and dancing are activities that are neutral. However, if one sings and dances around idols, words and movements that are part of a tradition of avoda zara (idol worship), then the activity is not kosher. The activities of singing and dancing are very powerful. They can be used to create ecstatic states of mind. The playing of music was used to induce states of prophecy. Music, singing and dancing are all very powerful activities and they can be used for either kosher or non-kosher purposes. The Torah teaches us how to use the activities and materials of life for holy purpose. We dance at wedding celebrations to do the mitzva of bringing joy to chatan and kala. We sing at the Shabbat table to honour the Creator and the day He chose to rest from all His work. The Torah and the Sages teach us to use the discipline of meditation for holy purposes.