Meditation has long been praised for its mental and physical health benefits, but recent research and historical Buddhist texts suggest it may not be universally safe or beneficial. A scholar of Buddhist medicine has explored the relationship between Buddhist practices and well-being since the late 1990s, uncovering that concerns about meditation’s risks were noted by psychologists as early as 2020. These concerns culminated in the 2026 publication of Meditation Sickness: A Sourcebook on the Dangers of Buddhist Practice, a comprehensive work that includes religious texts, personal accounts of practitioners, and guidance from contemporary teachers across Asia. While scientific studies have shown that mindfulness and other forms of meditation can reduce stress and improve mental health, some researchers are now questioning whether these practices are universally safe. Starting in 2017, a team led by psychologist Willoughby Britton and religion scholar Jared Lindahl at Brown University conducted a study titled The Varieties of Contemplative Experience. They interviewed nearly 100 Western Buddhist practitioners and teachers who reported negative effects, such as fear, anxiety, panic, and paranoia. Other studies have found that between 5% and 65% of people who engage in meditation may experience harmful side effects, depending on the practice and individual differences. Asian Buddhist traditions have long acknowledged the potential risks of meditation, with terms like "meditation sickness" – "chanbing" in Chinese or "zenbyō" in Japanese – used to describe difficulties that can arise. These challenges are sometimes linked to imbalances of "wind" – referred to as "loong" in Tibetan and "lom" in Thai – a concept that describes physical and emotional disturbances. Historical Buddhist texts also mention the Buddha’s own struggles with meditation, such as headaches caused by overconcentration. In a Pali text called the Great Discourse to Saccaka, the Buddha recounts experiencing physical symptoms from intense meditation. Similarly, a fifth-century scripture from the Silk Roads kingdom of Khotan describes meditators who "went mad" when startled by loud noises during deep practice. Buddhist texts also mention the potential for spiritual practitioners to be affected by "demons," whether interpreted as external forces or internal psychological challenges. Some accounts describe monks who experienced severe distress or even committed suicide after practicing meditation techniques taught by the Buddha, leading him to adjust his instructions. Despite these challenges, Buddhist traditions emphasize that meditation side effects are not inherently the fault of the practitioner or the practice itself, but rather part of the risks involved in engaging with powerful transformative practices. Many texts also provide guidance on how to manage these difficulties, including counterbalancing meditations, visualization techniques, chanting, acupuncture, and herbal remedies. One common approach involves "grounding" – redirecting attention to the lower body or visualizing energy flowing downward from the head to the feet. Asian Buddhist traditions also highlight the importance of distinguishing between the expected challenges of spiritual growth and actual medical crises. They stress that encountering deep psychological issues, such as trauma or fear, is a normal part of the process and can also be deeply rewarding. However, what is considered a crisis can vary across time and culture. What was seen as a manageable challenge in ancient India or medieval China might be viewed differently in modern Tibet or 18th-century Japan. Likewise, what is acceptable for monks in intensive meditation practice may not be suitable for everyday people seeking stress relief. As meditation continues to grow in popularity worldwide, especially through apps and wellness programs, the need to understand both its benefits and risks becomes more urgent. While Western meditation teachers and researchers are only now beginning to address these concerns, Buddhist traditions have long discussed them. Some experts now advocate for informed consent, better training for meditation teachers, and clearer warnings about potential risks, much like with any medical treatment. As Buddhism continues to adapt to modern contexts, it offers valuable insights into how to balance the transformative power of meditation with the need for safety and care.