The Neuroscience Behind Spirituality: A Deep Dive into a Possible Neurological Basis of Spirituality

Spirituality, a term that embodies a sense of connection to something bigger than oneself, has intrigued scientists for years. Now, with advancements in neuroscience, researchers are uncovering fascinating insights into the neurological basis of spirituality.

The Elusive 'God Spot'

For years, neuroscientists attempted to locate the so-called 'God Spot,' a specific region in the brain linked to spiritual experiences. Despite numerous hypotheses, none of the proposed regions, such as the temporal or parietal lobes, proved to be the definitive 'God Spot.'

However, the quest to understand the neuroanatomical underpinnings of spirituality is far from over. A group of researchers has employed a technique known as "lesion network mapping" to identify the neural circuitry of spirituality.

Lesion Network Mapping: A New Approach

Lesion network mapping is a method that uses the location of damage or lesions in the brain to infer the function of different brain regions. In a pioneering study published in Biological Psychiatry, researchers utilized this approach to pinpoint a specific circuit in the brain, found in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), that they believe is responsible for spiritual experiences.

> "Our results suggest that spirituality and religiosity are rooted in fundamental, neurobiological dynamics and deeply woven into our neuro-fabric," - Michael Ferguson, PhD, a principal investigator in the Brigham's Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics.

The Study: A Closer Look

In their innovative study, researchers analyzed data from 88 neurosurgical patients with lesions in various parts of their brains. These patients were assessed for spiritual acceptance, contrasting it with religiosity, before and after their surgeries.

Interestingly, post-surgery, some patients reported a decrease in spiritual beliefs, while others reported an increase. The researchers were able to map these changes in spirituality to a specific brain circuit in the PAG.

The findings were further corroborated by analyzing a different dataset of over 100 patients who had experienced penetrating head trauma during the Vietnam War.

The PAG: A Hub for Spirituality

Located in the brainstem, the PAG has been associated with various functions like fear conditioning, pain modulation, altruistic behaviors, and unconditional love. Now, it appears that this evolutionarily preserved structure might also be the hub of spirituality in the brain.

Within the PAG circuit, researchers identified both positive and negative nodes. Depending on which node was affected by a lesion, a person's spiritual beliefs either increased or decreased.

The Evolutionary Value of Spirituality

Many theories suggest that spirituality might confer an evolutionary advantage. One hypothesis posits that religious beliefs provide comfort during times of hardship, potentially aiding survival.

Another theory proposes that spirituality is an offshoot of the brain's primary function of creating meaning. When meaning is unclear, the brain creates a narrative, which could manifest as spiritual beliefs.

Regardless of the theories, the benefits of spirituality to happiness and well-being are well-documented. Experiencing awe or a deep sense of compassionate connection to humanity can significantly enhance a person's quality of life.

A Reminder of Our Shared Humanity

In a world fraught with tension and division, the discovery of a common neurological basis for spirituality serves as a reminder of our shared humanity. Our brains are wired for connection, not just with those around us but also with something greater than ourselves.

Future Directions

While the discovery of the PAG as the potential 'spiritual circuit' is groundbreaking, science has only just begun to unravel the mysteries of spirituality. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore other potential brain circuits involved in spiritual experiences.

Conclusion

The exploration of the neural correlates of spirituality is a testament to the wonders of the human brain. As neuroscience continues to advance, we can anticipate even more astonishing discoveries about the brain and its capacity for spiritual experiences.

"We were astonished to find that this brain circuit for spirituality is centered in one of the most evolutionarily preserved structures in the brain." - Michael Ferguson, PhD

This article is based on the findings published in the study "A human brain circuit derived from comparative anatomy is optimized for lesion network mapping and predicts neurological disease" from the journal Biological Psychiatry.

Sources:

1.     Biological Psychiatry https://www.journals.elsevier.com/biological-psychiatry

2.     Brigham's Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics https://www.brighamandwomens.org/neurosurgery/center-for-brain-circuit-therapeutics

3.     US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke https://www.ninds.nih.gov/

4.     Forbes Article https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisonescalante/2021/08/24/scientists-think-they-just-found-the-brains-spirituality-network/?sh=4a7f272b3c00