By
John D. Mudie, Ph.D.,
Abstract
For ten spiritual practices a count is reported on the number of times Google Scholar reported that a paper published in the scientific literature had mentioned the words “parasympathetic nervous system”.
Dedication
“To those who know and don’t talk
Erudite Quotation
Many paths lead from the foot of the mountain, but at the peak we all gaze at the single bright moon.” Ikkyu
Background.
There should be no need for this discussion as the conclusion of this idea is so obvious. But I haven’t been able to find much scholarly discussion anywhere,
The Proposition
All. forms of Spirituality occur because of increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system
What is Spirituality?
. The Cambridge dictionary defines spirituality as, “The quality that involves deep feelings and beliefs of a religious nature, rather than the physical parts of life.” 2 .Collins dictionary says, “Spiritual means relating to people’s thoughts and beliefs, rather than to their bodies and physical surroundings.”
What is the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
POLYVAGAL THEORY.
Porges (2011) proposed Polyvagal Theory to describe the workings of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), the involuntary nervous system which controls heart, lungs, stomach etc. and emotions.
According to Dana (2022 pg.14) the ANS has two major branches, the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Parasympathetic Nervous System (PSNS) . The PSNS has two branches, the Ventral Vagal Branch (VVB) and the Dorsal Vagal Branch, (DVB).
| Name | Property |
| Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) | “System of Action; filled with chaotic energy, mobilized to attack, driven to escape, anxious, angry” (Dana 2022, pg. 6) which can be viewed as being self-centered (Me me me, I want what I want and it’s especially important I get it NOW.) or ” I am in danger and need to get out NOW” |
| Parasympathetic Nervous System): Dorsal Vagal Branch (DVB) | “System of Shutdown: just go through the motions, drained of energy, disconnect, lose hope, give up” (Dana 2022, pg. 6) Primitive reaction of freezing to avoid predators, no action. (Like a tortoise retracting into shell.) |
| Parasympathetic Nervous System: Ventral Vagal Branch | “System of connection: meet the demands of the day, connect and communicate, go with the flow, engage with life” (Dana 2022, pg 6) Feelings of calm, safety, connection with and caring for others, acceptance of whatever is happening. (a place I like being in!) |
.
Is there any evidence for a connection between Spirituality and the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
Discussion
Table 1 is a report for each of ten spiritual disciplines on how many papers in each discipline refer to the “parasympathetic nervous system”
| Practice Name | Evidence | Discussion | Outcome |
| Buddhism | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are over 5000 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms “Buddhism parasympathetic nervous system” | 5000 |
| Christianity | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are over 12000 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms “Christianity parasympathetic nervous system” | 12,000 |
| Hinduism | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are over 3000 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Hinduism parasympathetic nervous system” | 3,000 |
| Islam | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are over 4900 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Islam parasympathetic nervous system”. | 4,900 |
| Meditation | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are over 18000 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Meditation parasympathetic nervous system”. | 18000 |
| Spirituality | Google Scholar | Google Scholar reports there are over 13,800 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Spirituality parasympathetic nervous system”. | 13800 |
| Tai Chi | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are about 13,500 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Tai Chi parasympathetic nervous system”. | 13500 |
| Taoist | Google Scholar Links | Google Scholar reports there are over 1100 papers in scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Taoist parasympathetic nervous system”. | 1100 |
| Yoga | Google Scholar Links | There were 1400 papers in Google Scholar on a search on “Yoga parasympathetic nervous system” Google Scholar reports there are over 1400 papers in the scientific literature when it searches for papers which include the terms ” Yoga parasympathetic nervous system”. | 1400 |
Conclusion.
As over ????? papers concerned with spirituality reported a connection with the PSNS, it is very likely that the experience of spirituality occurs when the PSNS is active.
Where was Ikkyu’s autonomic system at when he gazed at the moon?
Or when “we all gaze at the single bright moon.” of Ikkyu,(i.e. feel spiritual) do we have active PSNS systems?
References
Dana, Deb, 2022, Anchored, Sound True, Boulder, CO
Porges , S, 2011, The Polyvagal Theory, Norton, New York, N.Y
You can find this page at http://spirituality.johnmudie.site