On July 1, 2026, researchers Joshua Brahinsky, Jonas Mago, and Michael Lifshitz explored the intriguing parallels between meditation and speaking in tongues. Their study investigates whether individuals from distinct spiritual practices, specifically Buddhism and Christian Pentecostalism, experience similar physiological responses during deep contemplation.
Understanding Meditation and Speaking in Tongues
Jhāna meditation, an ancient practice from India, emphasizes intense concentration and physical stillness. Practitioners sit quietly, focusing on their breath, allowing their minds to settle into a state of calm and clarity. In contrast, speaking in tongues is a dynamic Christian prayer practice where worshippers express fluid, nonsensical speech, often accompanied by physical movement like swaying or dancing.
Despite their apparent differences, the researchers found that both practices may share a common neurobiological mechanism. A jhāna meditator described the experience as "falling upward," while a tongues practitioner noted, "The more I let go, the stronger it gets." This suggests that both practices facilitate a unique state of consciousness that transcends traditional boundaries.
Neuroscience Insights into Contemplative Practices
The study involved in-depth interviews with 116 practitioners, revealing a consistent pattern of experience across both groups. Participants reported that attention gathers and feelings intensify, leading to an unpredictable release of tension. This rhythm is strikingly similar, regardless of the outward expressions of the practices.
As attention stabilizes, practitioners experience a sense of reduced effort, allowing for deeper immersion in their spiritual practice. Both jhāna meditators and tongues practitioners described how this process renews their minds and enhances clarity. The researchers propose that this phenomenon aligns with predictive processing, a framework in neuroscience that explains how the brain navigates experiences.
Exploring Common Ground in Spiritual Practices
The findings challenge the notion that meditation and speaking in tongues are fundamentally different. Both practices require dedication and intentionality, leading practitioners to profound experiences of surrender and connection. The researchers believe that understanding these shared mechanisms could pave the way for further exploration into the physiological aspects of spiritual experiences.
- Jhāna meditation emphasizes:
- Physical stillness and breath focus
- Emotional calm and clarity
- Controlled attention and gradual absorption
- Speaking in tongues includes:
- Fluid, nonsensical speech
- Physical movement and emotional release
- A sense of divine presence
As this research continues, it opens up new avenues for understanding the intersection of science and spirituality. The implications of these findings may offer insights into self-transformation and the universal aspects of human experience.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Phys.org. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
