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spirituality

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·February 19, 2025·4 min read

Spiritual Practices Share a Common Mental Pathway to Deep Bliss

Researchers found that Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues, despite their differences, share a common cognitive feedback loop. This process, called the Attention, Arousal, and Release Spiral, creates a cycle where focused attention leads to joy, making concentration effortless and deepening the experience.

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·October 6, 2023·4 min read

Well-being Enhanced By Awe Inspiring Science

Scientists illuminated a compelling link between experiencing science spiritually and enhanced wellbeing, akin to the psychological uplift often linked to religious beliefs. The research delves into the "Spirituality of Science," exploring its association with profound feelings of transcendence, awe, and interconnectedness, thus positioning science as a potent source of meaningful, awe-inspiring experiences.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·March 13, 2023·5 min read

Addressing Spiritual and Existential Needs Could Improve Health Outcomes

Addressing existential and spiritual questions a person may have positive implications for inner peace and overall health.

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·November 30, 2022·3 min read

Five Precepts of Buddhism May Be Linked to Lower Depression Risk

Those who score high for neuroticism and stress have a reduced risk of developing depression if they follow the five precepts of Buddhism, a new study reports.

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Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·July 12, 2022·6 min read

Spirituality Linked With Better Health Outcomes

Spirituality can have a positive impact when it comes to both general and serious illness, researchers say. Incorporating spirituality into health care for those who are spiritual could be beneficial when it comes to health outcomes.

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·February 8, 2022·4 min read

Scientists Carry Greater Credibility Than Spiritual Gurus

Both the majority of religious and non-religious people consider information provided by scientists to be more credible and reliable than information provided by religious leaders, a new study report.

Featured Neuroscience Psychology

·August 31, 2021·4 min read

Mapping the Brain Circuitry of Spirituality

Researchers find a region of the brain stem called the periaqueductal gray may mediate religiosity and spirituality in humans.

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·July 1, 2021·5 min read

Brain Circuit for Spirituality Identified

A new study has identified a specific brain circuit centered in the periaqueductal gray that is linked to spiritual acceptance and religiosity.

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·October 22, 2020·2 min read

Is Spirituality a Component of Wisdom?

Researchers report spirituality may be a component of wisdom, but pro-social behaviors such as empathy and compassion are more critical elements.

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·November 29, 2016·5 min read

Religious Beliefs Activate Neural Reward Circuits in Same Way As Sex and Drugs

Powerful spiritual feelings were associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain associated with reward, a new study reports.

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·February 15, 2016·8 min read

The God Brain: Roundtable Discussion on God and Spirituality for Brain Games

Is belief in God innate in our brains, as if it were installed by some divine programmer? Or is spirituality a more complex evolving adaptation that has both helped and harmed us as a species? National Geographic's Brain Games asks Neuroscience News.