user986: I often see promotion of the positive benefits of meditation in the media and even in school and government settings.  However, there is evidence meditation is not always beneficial.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201604/the-little-known-downsides-mindfulness-practice
Is there much discussion of the possible negative aspects of meditation in Buddism?
For instance, could it leave one susceptible to malicious spirits?

user8157: Each person is born with a survival instinct, which manifests as "ego". For many or most people, this ego instinct cannot be abandoned. Luckily, nature protects most people but not allowing their mind to end the ego. This is why  Buddhist internet forums, for example, have many egotists that claim or imagine meditative attainments, such as "jhana". These minds or people simply cannot get rid of ego. But for some people, meditation can cause the ego to become fragile, causing psychosis. Its only a select few that can peacefully abandon ego. These are the Noble Ones. 

user-1: Coming from a clinical perspective, i would advice against meditation in cases of moderate to severe illness like depression for instance. I am aware that a practicing buddhist may have a different perspective.
I also find the false memory argument hard to understand, as a mindful look on memories would be a very healthy way of looking at any form of recollection. If i understand correctly the mindfulness study cited only examined meditation experiences during one fifteen minutes session, and it seems like a very superficial base to draw these conclusion from.

user11009: What Buddha recommended was the right concentration (Samma Samadhi) a part of Noble Eightfold Path.
Wrong concentration (Mitya Samadhi) may be harmful.

986: <p>I often see promotion of the positive benefits of meditation in the media and even in school and government settings.  However, there is evidence meditation is not always beneficial.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201604/the-little-known-downsides-mindfulness-practice" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201604/the-little-known-downsides-mindfulness-practice</a></p>

<p>Is there much discussion of the possible negative aspects of meditation in Buddism?</p>

<p>For instance, could it leave one susceptible to malicious spirits?</p>
 8157: <p>Each person is born with a survival instinct, which manifests as "ego". For many or most people, this ego instinct cannot be abandoned. Luckily, nature protects most people but not allowing their mind to end the ego. This is why  Buddhist internet forums, for example, have many egotists that claim or imagine meditative attainments, such as "jhana". These minds or people simply cannot get rid of ego. But for some people, meditation can cause the ego to become fragile, causing psychosis. Its only a select few that can peacefully abandon ego. These are the Noble Ones. </p>
 -1: <p>Coming from a clinical perspective, i would advice against meditation in cases of moderate to severe illness like depression for instance. I am aware that a practicing buddhist may have a different perspective.</p>

<p>I also find the false memory argument hard to understand, as a mindful look on memories would be a very healthy way of looking at any form of recollection. If i understand correctly the mindfulness study cited only examined meditation experiences during one fifteen minutes session, and it seems like a very superficial base to draw these conclusion from.</p>
 11009: <p>What Buddha recommended was the right concentration (Samma Samadhi) a part of Noble Eightfold Path.
Wrong concentration (Mitya Samadhi) may be harmful.</p>
