Is Meditation only used for religious purposes?

No. Meditation can be used for a number of

religious or secular purposes, though it started as a religious

practice. Many religions, including Buddhism (probably the

best-known proponent of meditation), rely on the practice as a

means of attaining inner peace or deeper knowledge of God.

Starting in the 20th century, though,

meditation spread beyond religion. In a modern context, many people

meditate for their own self-improvement, healing or empowerment,

with or without a direct religious connotation. Common meditation

techniques include visualization, chant (sometimes of sacred

symbols) or meditating on a color or image. Most yoga traditions

include some form of meditation.