The Atma Jyoti Blog

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Is Meditation Helpful for the Mentally Ill?

December 19th, 2007  •  By Swami Nirmalananda Giri

Q: Is Yoga also helpful for mentally ill people (people living with paranoid schizophrenia, etc.)?

A very adept Indian yogi once told me that crazy people should not be taught to meditate, for they will meditate in a crazy manner and make themselves crazier–and usually claim crazy experiences and revelations. He did, however, recommend that mentally ill people learn deep relaxation, and had cured a number of them in that way.

Author: Swami Nirmalananda Giri Tags: Q & A