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A groundbreaking study has found surprising cognitive similarities between Buddhist jhāna meditation and the Christian practice of speaking in tongues. While these spiritual traditions may appear vastly different—one being deeply silent and focused, the other expressive and emotionally charged—researchers suggest they harness the same mental feedback loop to reach profound states of joy and surrender.
The research, co-led by Michael Lifshitz, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at McGill University and Investigator at the Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, alongside collaborators from Monash University and the University of Toronto, introduces a concept called the Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral. This cognitive cycle, described in their study published in the American Journal of Human Biology, appears to facilitate deep states of focus and transcendence.
A Universal Pathway to Bliss
According to the researchers, both jhāna meditators and individuals engaged in speaking in tongues experience a reinforcing process. Initially, they direct their attention to a focal point—such as the breath in meditation or a divine presence in prayer. This focus generates a sense of joy, making further attention effortless. This, in turn, creates a feeling of surrender, allowing the experience to deepen in intensity.
“If we can understand this process better, we may be able to help more people access deep states of tranquility and bliss for themselves,” said Lifshitz. “In another sense, our findings may help to promote a sense of commonality and mutual respect between spiritual traditions. Despite differences in beliefs, we are all sharing a human experience.”
Scientific Investigation of Spiritual States
To uncover this shared phenomenon, researchers gathered firsthand accounts from Buddhist meditation retreats and evangelical Christian worship services across the U.S. Participants described the intricate shifts in their attention and emotional state throughout their practice. Additionally, the researchers recorded brain activity to analyze underlying neurobiological changes. While the full neurological results are still being examined, preliminary data indicate a cognitive shift enabling an immersive experience in both traditions.
Future research will employ advanced brain imaging techniques to map physiological transformations occurring during attention, arousal, and release in real time. This could provide deeper insight into the neurological underpinnings of altered states of consciousness.
Conclusion and Implications
This study sheds light on the intricate mechanisms of deep spiritual engagement and suggests that fundamentally different traditions may share a common cognitive architecture. The findings could have broader implications for psychological sciences, meditation research, and even therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing well-being through focused mental states.
More Information:
Josh Brahinsky et al., “The Spiral of Attention, Arousal, and Release: A Comparative Phenomenology of Jhāna Meditation and Speaking in Tongues,” American Journal of Human Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.24189
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, psychological, or religious advice. Readers interested in meditation or spiritual practices should consult qualified practitioners or researchers for further guidance.
