Mangla, Divay. Meditation is not free from side-effects. Article available from Dr. Ananda Balayogi Bhavanani, ICYER, yognat2001@yahoo.com. *

Some of the negative effects of meditation that have been noted in different scientific studies:

Boredom, impaired reality testing

Less motivation in life

Relaxation-induced mild-to severe anxiety

Paradoxical increases in mental tension

Confusion and disorientation Feeling of being “spaced out”

Depression, increased negativity, being more judgmental

Feeling addicted to meditation

Psychosis-like symptoms

Appearance of hidden memories from the past, such as incest, rejection and abandonment

Other adverse effects are uncomfortable bodily sensations, feelings of guilt, grandiosity, elation, destructive behavior and suicidal feelings