MS writes: “Is all mindfulness related to the Buddhist practice that is so popular today? I am a Catholic and I have been devoted to the practice of the presence of God and the sacrament of the present moment – which is also a kind of mindfulness. Are these Catholic versions related in any way to the Buddhist version?”
Category Archives: Prayer/Meditation
Experts Caution About Meditation Risks
Even though Eastern-style meditation techniques such as transcendental meditation and mindfulness are taking the country by storm, researchers at Brown University are sounding the alarm about the very real risks associated with these practices that are getting far too little publicity.
What is the Status of Christina Gallagher?
CM writes: “Do you have any information on Christina Gallagher from Ireland?”
Can Catholics Practice Mindfulness?
We have had so many questions about whether or not a Catholic can become involved in the practice of mindfulness that we embarked on a months-long study of this trendy new practice that has resulted in a lot more than just another blog. It became a new book entitled, A Catholic Guide to Mindfulness.
Catholics Should Avoid True Life in God Prayer Groups
CM writes: “Is it okay for Catholics to join True Life in God prayer groups and can you tell me if there’s anything New Age about them?”
Meditation Retreat Blamed for Woman’s Death
A 25 year-old Pennsylvania woman committed suicide after attending an intense 10-day meditation retreat at the Dhamma Vipassana Meditation Center in Claymont, Delaware that left her psychotic and suicidal.
Should Catholics Practice Mindfulness Meditation?
We have had numerous questions about the use of mindfulness meditation techniques by Catholics and I came across an excellent video on this subject by EWTN’s Dan Burke.
Problems with the International House of Prayer
JC writes: “What do you know about the International House of Prayer, aka IHOP, that is based in the Kansas City Area? This came up in a Catholic book group discussion last night, and I expressed my uneasiness about this organization based on the very little reading I have done. I haven’t found anything definitive from the Church regarding this group, and was looking for any information that might be out there that is more objective than what I have come across.”
Is Centering Prayer Catholic?
A new book by Catholic author Connie Rossini dispels some of the most common arguments used to defend centering prayer by comparing it to the teachings of the great mystical doctor of the Church, St. Teresa of Avila.
What’s Wrong With Praying in Color?
DB asks: “I recently had a person ask me a question that I need a bit of help with. I do believe its New Age. She states that a woman she knows told her when she prays she sees colors. The woman who brought this to me said it sent up a red flag to her that this woman may have participated in New Age.”
