The Marriage of Science and Spirituality
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The Marriage of Science and Spirituality If you were given 3 Boons, what would you ask for? Health? Happiness? Brilliant Mind? Relief from stress and anxiety? Financial success? Professional recognition? Even if there were no boon, these desires are universal, and people for millennia have been seeking different routes to achieve these. The world is currently at cross-roads in deciding whether spiritual practices, or cutting edge science is the best route to health, happiness and longevity. What if both paths turned out to be opposite sides of the same coin? |
In fact, modern medical science is re-discovering and validating ancient spiritual practices. And the more science expands its understanding of mind-body medicine, the stronger the bridge between science and spirituality becomes. For example, the stressful ‘fight or flight’ response, produces the release of specific chemical messengers (called neuropeptides), which cause our brains, hearts and immune systems to function sub-optimally. This results in less resistance to disease, poorer intellectual functioning, increased depression and anxiety, and even shorter lifespans. |
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One of the most powerful antidotes to this is documented in spiritual practices. Scientific research finds, that the major stress hormone cortisol drops significantly in practitioners of Sudarshan Kriya (revived by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar), from the very first session. And these ancient breathing practices reduce cortisol significantly greater than listening to relaxing music, or other stress management strategies like exercising. These same breathing practices have been found to succeed in the medical treatment of anxiety and depression, even in individuals for whom drugs and psychotherapy had failed. A recent study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found an 80% remission rate for depression and a 98% remission rate for anxiety. |
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| Cutting edge research is now exploring beyond disease to robust wellness physically and mentally (a sign of growing Enlightenment?). Research again is finding that spiritual practices, such as Sudarshan Kriya, significantly improve brain function, increase wellbeing hormones, and the experience of joviality, optimism, energy, and serenity. | For those interested in exploring the union of science and spirituality more deeply, I recommend visiting research.artofliving.org . As a spiritual scientist, I cordially invite you to participate in the rare opportunity to meditate with Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar March 17, 7:30 pm, in Miami. Visit meditate.miami or call 305-814-5425. |
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About the Author Ronnie Newman, Ed.M., C.A.S. is a Harvard University trained researcher and published author in the field of Mind/Body Medicine. She is Director of Research and Health Promotion for the Art of Living Foundation, North America and faculty member of Nova Southeastern University’s Lifelong Learning Institute. |
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