Human Brain and Mysticism

Mysticism, encompassing both spirituality and religiosity, has been a constant feature of human societies. This review argues that subjective experiences like emotions and higher states of consciousness, once considered beyond objective science, can now be studied using modern brain-measurement technologies. The authors present evidence-based studies on spiritual practices such as meditation, mantra/chanting, and breath modulation, noting that while much research focuses on health benefits, associated brain changes may also support attaining higher states of consciousness. Limited scientific literature on religiosity covers its neural correlates, evolutionary origins, and mental health benefits. The paper concludes that the brain basis of mysticism cannot be understood apart from the body, proposing future research on brain-body interactions using latest technologies.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Mysticism has been an integral part of human society for ages. It involves both spirituality and religiosity. The former is associated with attaining higher states of consciousness without an essential belief in a supernatural power (or God), while the latter does. While there is plenty of speculative literature available on these topics, we instead focus on peer-reviewed scientific literature that is evidence-based. First, we briefly review technologies that can measure brain function. We make the case that concepts such as emotions and subjective experiences, which have long been considered outside the scope of objective scientific inquiry, are in fact amenable to objective scientific inquiry with technologies available today. To substantiate this point, we showcase scientific studies on spiritual aspects of mysticism such as meditation, mantra/chanting, and breath modulation. While we recognize that much of the research on these topics deal with their health benefits, we argue that associated brain changes are also conducive for attaining higher states of consciousness related to spirituality. Next, we present limited scientific literature on religiosity, dealing with its neural correlates, evolutionary biological origin, and usefulness for mental health. We close by arguing that the brain basis of mysticism cannot be seen in isolation from the body since these entities are intimately connected. We propose that future research should look at brain-body interactions and associated markers of mysticism using latest technologies.