>>655433
>I'm still mostly unlearned about Yoga, but I'm a big fan of Zen (Japanese for meditation. I would consider syncretism being merging Buddhism and Christianity, but being a Christian that meditates is, I pray, not syncretism). I don't know about it bringing people closer to God, but I highly recommend it for its benefits in increasing self-awareness and mindfulness. Also there is some evidence Jesus meditated https://eocinstitute.org/meditation/meditation-and-jesus-what-was-their-relationship/. Book related is written by a self-styled reverend, I don't know if he actually is but the book is quite helpful for Zen basics either way.
Zen works, that's the problem.
Buddhists, especially in the west, in their proselitism try to be as neutral as possible and present it as just a neutral technique of inner silence and standing still while counting the breath. They say you can do it as an atheists or as a christian, just as anyone can play a guitar or something.
The danger is precisely that you do it, see the benefits and then it leads you away from God.
I saw my mind, and others around me, grow more and more interested in eastern religions, starting to use their words and philosophical distraction.
Zen is a spiritual practice, if you do it only for the psychological benefits it will still spill into your religious practice.
Sooner or later Zen or God will be reduced in the background as you choose your main path. Nobody can serve two masters.
I did my choice and shared my experience. Be vigilant and decide for yourself, it's up to you, just be honest with yourself if you see you are starting to pray less, be less concerned with christianity or using eastern philosophy more.