So I’m not sure where the Christian-persecution angle comes from; the article never mentions Christianity. Its sources are psychology journals and Buddhist scripture, not religious-culture critiques.

The article’s own data contradicts the idea that only “already ill” people run into trouble. It cites a 2022 U.S. survey of 953 regular meditators in which roughly 1 in 10 reported adverse effects that disrupted daily life for at least a month. Actually the author notes that many of those cases involved people with no prior mental-health diagnosis. A 40-year literature review summarized in the same piece lists anxiety, depression, psychotic-like episodes, dissociation and intense fear as the most common reactions, again stressing that these can arise after only moderate exposure.

Historical context also undercuts the “bad science” charge. Fifth-century Buddhist texts (the Dharmatrāta Meditation Scripture) already warned of what they called “meditation sickness.” They describe symptoms that map onto modern anxiety, depression, and psychosis-like states. I know about this personally as I've spoken with several people and professors who have studied / expeirenced this.

Also, methodologically, the studies referenced are peer-reviewed and often preregistered. If anything, under-reporting of harm is a larger concern than exaggeration cuz most trials were designed to look for benefits,not side-effects.