How enlightenment changes your brain

Neurotheology seeks to understand the relationship between the brain and theology. Using an imaging technique called single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), it is possible to measure blood flow through the brain as a measure of activity. Using this imaging technique, it has been possible to study how brain activity changes in individuals experiencing a sense of enlightenment.

In this presentation, now available on demand, Dr. Andrew Newberg, Director of Research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, defines what is meant by enlightenment and how some religious and spiritual practices aim to achieve this. During the session, Dr. Newberg describes some case study experiences of enlightenment and shares SPECT images highlighting how these individuals’ brain activity changed during these experiences.

Read on for highlights of the live Q&A session or watch the presentation at any time that suits you.

What is the state of enlightenment?

AN: The state of enlightenment is something that is frequently defined by the individual, but it usually is a life-transforming moment that frequently has religious or spiritual overtones. The age of enlightenment was about finding science and rationality as a way of transforming one's perspective on life and the universe. What is also interesting is that there is the moment that such an experience can occur and then there is the after-effect in which the person is in a persistent state of enlightenment and they then continually see the world differently. Often, these experiences and states are associated with feelings of oneness, intensity, and clarity.

Are there any benefits, such as health benefits, that arise from these areas of the brain becoming activated during enlightenment?

AN: There is a large and expanding number of studies that have explored the potential benefits of various spiritual practices such as meditation, yoga, or even being a religious person. We know that areas like the frontal lobes regulate emotions and do not work properly in various disorders such as depression. Thus, spiritual practices have been found to be particularly useful for reducing anxiety and depression symptoms. Religious and spiritual beliefs have also been linked to improved coping during difficult times such as illness or the loss of a loved one. Reducing stress also reduces the body's cortisol levels and studies have shown that meditation can improve a person's immune response to a vaccine. So, there are a lot of potential benefits that are being explored.

Do you see similar results in individuals who do not have a faith, or do not believe in these practices?

AN: Regarding individuals who do not have faith, research has certainly shown that secular practices such as mindfulness can still be quite helpful, and those individuals without belief in a specific religious tradition often find "spirituality" through art/creativity, being in nature, helping others, etc. One thing that our research has shown us is that it is important that one "buys into" whatever you are doing. So, if you are going to do a meditation program, you should feel good about it and engage in it fully for you to get the optimal benefit.

Can you explain if there is a particular meditation practice to follow to achieve the results you have described?

AN: There is not one specific meditation practice that works for everyone. A lot depends on your personal beliefs. If you are from a specific tradition, the practices associated with that tradition (i.e., specific prayer or meditation) might be best. If you do not hold specific beliefs, you can try a variety of practices. But I would recommend speaking to a teacher of the practice and making sure that whatever practice you decide to try first is consistent with your beliefs and goals. Unfortunately, it often can be trial and error in terms of finding the practice or practices that work best for any given individual.

Is there any gateway for a holistic experience during enlightenment?

AN: Regarding a gateway to holistic experiences, there are many practices such as meditation and prayer that have been pathways for individuals to have these experiences. Of course, there is never a guarantee that anyone can have such an experience. However, developing a plan, finding a program that seems to work best for you, and engaging in that program, are usually good starting points. Currently, there is more research being done about "stimulated" experiences using transcranial magnetic stimulation or psychedelics.

Do you agree that to achieve true enlightenment, you must live in the now?

AN: "Living in the now" is certainly a perspective frequently arrived at during these types of enlightenment or spiritual experiences. But there may be other perspectives. Certainly, for those who come from a specific tradition, such as Christianity or Islam, it is more about an experience of connecting with God rather than living in the moment. For others, it is more about connecting with their true self or to some universal consciousness. In our research, we are trying to figure out the similarities and differences across such experiences and to see what might be different in the brain.

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