The Dark Roots of Eastern Mysticism and Why It Opposes the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Eastern Mysticism Exposed: A Christian Warning Against Deceptive Spiritual Practices
What Is Eastern Mysticism?
Eastern mysticism is a broad term used to describe spiritual and religious practices originating from the East, particularly India, China, and other parts of Asia. This includes Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, and related esoteric teachings. These systems emphasize achieving enlightenment, divine union, or spiritual power through meditation, yoga, energy manipulation, reincarnation beliefs, and consciousness expansion.
Today, Eastern mysticism is often rebranded under New Age terminology—think of yoga studios, mindfulness apps, kundalini awakenings, and chakra balancing. Though they are marketed as tools for peace and personal growth, the spiritual roots are anything but harmless.
Who Founded This Modality?
Unlike Western religions with a single identifiable founder, Eastern mysticism emerged over centuries. Two of its most influential figures include:
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Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) – The founder of Buddhism (circa 5th century BC), who rejected the concept of a personal Creator God. He taught that enlightenment comes through personal effort and detachment.
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Sages of the Vedas and Upanishads – Hinduism’s foundational texts were compiled over time by Indian priests and mystics who claimed to receive divine knowledge through meditation and spirit contact.
These founders were spiritual figures who encountered “divine beings” during mystical experiences, but these beings were not the God of the Bible. Their spirituality was centered on impersonal energy forces, reincarnation, karma, and the pursuit of godhood within.
Cultural Roots and Core Beliefs
Eastern mysticism came out of pagan and polytheistic cultures—specifically Hindu India, Buddhist Tibet, and Taoist China. These systems share overlapping themes:
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Pantheism – God is everything and everything is god.
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Reincarnation – Souls are reborn endlessly to atone for karma.
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Meditation for enlightenment – Emptying the mind to connect with cosmic consciousness.
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Gods and goddesses – Hinduism alone has millions of deities, including Shiva (the destroyer), Kali (goddess of death), and Vishnu.
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Occult practices – Chanting mantras, third-eye activation, astrology, and energy healing.
Though cloaked in serenity and balance, these beliefs replace the biblical God with spiritual counterfeits.
Who Are Their Gods?
The gods of Eastern mysticism are not symbolic—they are spiritual entities. Scripture calls them “devils” or “demons” masquerading as gods (1 Corinthians 10:20). These include:
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Shiva – The Hindu “destroyer god” often worshipped in yoga.
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Kali – The bloodthirsty goddess of death and power.
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Buddha – Revered not as a mere teacher but as an enlightened being, whose followers venerate him in temples.
These gods receive offerings, chants, incense, and worship. In God’s eyes, this is idolatry—the worship of created beings or spirits instead of the Creator.
Why Eastern Mysticism Opposes Christianity
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It Denies Jesus Christ
Eastern mysticism teaches self-realization, not salvation through Jesus. It promotes a works-based path to enlightenment, not grace through faith. -
It Embraces Idolatry
Worshiping or invoking any other god or spiritual entity violates the first two commandments (Exodus 20:3–5). Yoga, mantras, and meditation rituals often call on these false gods. -
It Opens Doors to Demonic Spirits
Engaging in Eastern practices often leads to spiritual manifestations—tingling, visions, voices, or paralysis. These are signs of demonic intrusion masquerading as “spiritual awakening.” -
It Promotes Doctrines of Demons
Paul warned that in the last days, people would follow “doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1), turning away from biblical truth to seductive philosophies.
What the Bible Says
Old Testament Warnings:
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“There shall not be found among you any one that… useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch…” (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
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“They provoked him to jealousy with strange gods… They sacrificed unto devils, not to God…” (Deuteronomy 32:16–17)
New Testament Truths:
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“What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14)
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“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2) — not through mystical mind-emptying but through God’s Word.
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“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)
Real Consequences: Demonic Torment and Deception
Many ex-New Age believers report horrifying experiences after practicing yoga, kundalini awakening, or Eastern-style meditation:
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Sleep paralysis and night terrors
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Hearing voices or seeing entities
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Panic attacks, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
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Feeling energy surges or uncontrollable movements
These are not psychological phenomena—they are signs of demonic activity. By engaging in spiritual practices rooted in idolatry and occultism, people unknowingly invite torment and bondage.
Deliverance is possible through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ—but it’s far better not to open those doors in the first place.
Why Christians Must Stay Away
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to worship the one true God and have no fellowship with darkness. Engaging in Eastern mysticism is not just a harmless hobby—it is spiritual adultery. It opens the door for deception, oppression, and destruction.
The enemy is subtle. He packages ancient sorcery and idolatry into trendy self-help tools, yoga classes, and peaceful mantras. But Christians must stay rooted in Scripture and recognize that not every spiritual practice is of God.
Final Warning and Encouragement
Dear Christian, guard your heart. Do not be deceived by the peaceful exterior of Eastern mysticism. Underneath is a spiritual system hostile to Christ, empowered by demonic forces, and crafted to lead souls into darkness.
If you've participated in these practices, repentance is your first step. Renounce all involvement, ask Jesus to cleanse you, and seek deliverance through prayer and spiritual support.
Only in Jesus is there true peace, truth, and eternal life.
By Teresa Morin, President of Touch of God Int'l Ministries of Healing and Deliverance.
See list of occult practices.
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