We know that we are to meditate or think about the Scriptures, study and learn them.
For some the concept of meditation takes it beyond that. Meditation becomes a mental discipline of going into a deep state of relaxation or awareness, often with the focus of a single point of reference. While the goal varies by the person or religious background, for this discussion we should look at those who are advocating the 'higher state of consciousness", "greater focus", 'promoting self awareness" and relaxation and thereby acquiring peace, breathing exercises, using beads, etc. The phrase has been used interchangably with contemplation or contemplative prayer, for enlightenment, spiritual exercises etc. It is found used in Hinduism (yoga); buddhism; catholicism; Islam, etc in most religions
Some begin using mantras or repetitive statements or thoughts. It causes an altered state of consciousness. And that is part of the new age beliefs.
For Christians:
Psa 119:15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
Strong's H7878 > meditate
שׂיח
śîyach
see'-akh
A primitive root; to ponder, that is, (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence aloud) or (transitively) utter: - commune, complain, declare, meditate, muse, pray, speak, talk (with).
Psalms 77:11-12 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
H1897 > meditate
הגה
hâgâh
haw-gaw'
A primitive root (compare H1901); to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication to ponder: - imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter.
What do you think about these things?. 
i THINK THAT MEDITATE AND MEDITATION ARE 2 DIFFERENT CONCEPTS.
MEDITATE IS GOOD.
MEDITATION IS EMPTY YOURSELF, YOUR MIND.GO TO NOTHINGNESS.
EMJE
If you empty your mind, then Satan will find a way to fill it.
I couldn't help but think about emptying one's mind being contrary to being filled with the Spirit, which gives us wisdom and understanding of the Scriptures. Our mind cannot be empty if we are understanding things. The act of studying, or thinking about things, does not allow for the emptying of one's mind.
study G4704
σπουδάζω
spoudazō
spoo-dad'-zo
From G4710; to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest: - do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.
think G3539
νοιέω
noieō
noy-eh'-o
From G3563; to exercise the mind (observe), that is, (figuratively) to comprehend, heed: - consider, perceive, think, understand. 
As far as mantras and repetetive phrases, Jesus taught us to pray, and He showed the pattern to the disciples and we see how He prayed in the garden. None of that indicated mantras, or emptying one's mind. 
I agree that emptying one's mind leaves one open to having it filled with satans junk.
How can we guard our minds if dumping the things that protect us in order to "meditate" by emptying one's mind? 
2 Peter 3:1-2 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2. That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Matthew 6:6-7 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Romans 12:2-3 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. 3. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Nowhere do we see the suggestion of emptying one's mind and not thinking about the things of God. 
Ephesians 3:14-21 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15. Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16. That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21. Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
A mantra is an incantation, i.e. a spell cast by singing/chanting. The word "enchant" has the same etymology (from Latin via French) as "incantation".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchantment The fact that the mantra chanter doesn't realize he is calling on Hindu false gods and other evil spirits
, won't prevent the spirits from attacking and/or invading him. In fact, the demons would probably prefer their victim not to realize that what he is actually doing is invoking evil spirits.
(03-05-2009 09:45 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote: [ -> ]A mantra is an incantation, i.e. a spell cast by singing/chanting. The word "enchant" has the same etymology (from Latin via French) as "incantation". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enchantment The fact that the mantra chanter doesn't realize he is calling on Hindu false gods and other evil spirits , won't prevent the spirits from attacking and/or invading him. In fact, the demons would probably prefer their victim not to realize that what he is actually doing is invoking evil spirits.
Very interesting stuff. I am wondering about mantra as associated with the tongues in the charismatic movement in comparison. For they are a mantra also used to evoke "God" to give revelation [by "words from the Lord, visions & dreams], enrich spirituality, heal, deliver, cast out demons, move God's hand to stop disasters, get people saved, etc.
As someone who has come out of that movement and having spoken in tongues for about 7 years [around the clock], it is very obvious to me that it was not of God - it's too "magical" - as if tongues is the incantation to force God's hand.
What are your thoughts?
I was invited to a Pentecostal church and the stuff I saw and heard literally scared the Hell out of me. The tongues sound to me like people channeling spirits who speak Hindi, and I know these poor people are not knowingly practicing Hindu religion. Any "God" or spirit which can be channeled or summoned is a demonic spirit. Angels of God are sent by God, not summoned by humans. The Pentecostals I have met are very loving and kind, and I wish all of them could be brought out of "occultic Christianity" since they have NO idea that they are chanting mantras and experiencing demonic manipulation and possession. If they had any idea what was going on they would probably run from the charismatic church.
(03-06-2009 09:10 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote: [ -> ]I was invited to a Pentecostal church and the stuff I saw and heard literally scared the Hell out of me. The tongues sound to me like people channeling spirits who speak Hindi, and I know these poor people are not knowingly practicing Hindu religion. Any "God" or spirit which can be channeled or summoned is a demonic spirit. Angels of God are sent by God, not summoned by humans. The Pentecostals I have met are very loving and kind, and I wish all of them could be brought out of "occultic Christianity" since they have NO idea that they are chanting mantras and experiencing demonic manipulation and possession. If they had any idea what was going on they would probably run from the charismatic church.
That's what I thought 
and, when I found out - I ran like you know what in the opposite direction 
Praise God He pulled me from the fire 
Let me ask another question - this refers to the healing phenomenon - what is your take on it? If the venue is filled with that much demonism, can there be any credibility at all?
IMO charismatic faith healing and "exorcism" are fake at best, and at worst extremely hazardous both physically and spiritually. Healings from genuine psychic healers are only temporary and the victims are vulnerable to demonic invasions at the hands of the "healer". Read The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen for an account of the author working with a real psychic healer. Readers familiar with the occult will recognize the works of the "Christian" witch doctor Pachita as occultic and not of God. The same goes for charismatic "exorcists" like Bob Larson. The stuff that charismatic exorcists do looks more as though it would conjure demons rather than get rid of them.
I've been to at least three "deliverance ministries" whose work was occultic, e.g. the people who run an anti-Left Behind site and cast a dome of protection (spell) over their house, and a Messianic Jewish healer associated with Fuller Theological who leads guided imagery including visualizing "Jesus", and has a hexagram on the office wall. These people are sincere, but their practices are occultic and the sad thing is they don't realize it.
(03-07-2009 02:19 PM)YYZ Skinhead Wrote: [ -> ]IMO charismatic faith healing and "exorcism" are fake at best, and at worst extremely hazardous both physically and spiritually. Healings from genuine psychic healers are only temporary and the victims are vulnerable to demonic invasions at the hands of the "healer". Read The Beautiful Side of Evil by Johanna Michaelsen for an account of the author working with a real psychic healer. Readers familiar with the occult will recognize the works of the "Christian" witch doctor Pachita as occultic and not of God. The same goes for charismatic "exorcists" like Bob Larson. The stuff that charismatic exorcists do looks more as though it would conjure demons rather than get rid of them.
I've been to at least three "deliverance ministries" whose work was occultic, e.g. the people who run an anti-Left Behind site and cast a dome of protection (spell) over their house, and a Messianic Jewish healer associated with Fuller Theological who leads guided imagery including visualizing "Jesus", and has a hexagram on the office wall. These people are sincere, but their practices are occultic and the sad thing is they don't realize it.
I would totally agree that charis adherents do not comprehend that what they are doing is "magic". After years of observing manifestations, I was convinced it was God. It's amazing, when you come out of it, that you actually believed it to begin with, but satan does blind our eyes.
It's interesting that you refer to the "dome of protection". One of the major teachings in charis [now infiltrating "normative" christianity] is the idea of "pleading the blood" over everything - yourself, your kids, your house, your car, your health, your finances. Putting a "hedge of protection" around your property [with pleading the blood], etc is a particularly icky incantation. There is nothing in the Bible that says to do this, so the demonic source of this is not too hard to grasp.
The thing that troubled me, is the amount of people who appeared to be healed. Many of them with cancers that disappeared [dr tests before and after] - so it confused me for years how they could be healed when it was obvious to me [after I came out] that this is a demonic movement. I believe now, that satan does signs and wonders to deceive people and I really do wonder how many of those "healings" actually were life long ones.
My experience with demon deliverance was also as you stated - the demons always came back after a certain time. Often times the same people had to return over and over again to go down front and have the demons rebuked. ugh.
One of my "pet peeves" are "demon warriors" who go about screaming and commanding demons to leave people. These "demons" are of every known sin imaginable, as if satan was forcing them to sin. I guess they forgot to read James 1 
.......... oops
James 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.