
Science and Spiritual Practices
Transformative Experiences and Their Effects on Our Bodies, Brains, and Health
Catapult · Print & ebook · October 8, 2019
A biologist draws on science and psychology to validate the benefits of 7 common religious practices—from meditation and gratitude to rituals and pilgrimage. “I have personally adopted many of [these] practices . . . and experienced more love, joy, empathy, gratitude, and equanimity as a result.” ―Deepak Chopra The effects of spiritual practices are now being investigated scientifically as never before, and many studies have shown that religious and spiritual practices generally make people happier and healthier.
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- Who it’s for
- A biologist looks at seven familiar spiritual practices through the lenses of science and psychology.
- Themes
- Science and spirituality, Health effects of spiritual practices, Shared religious practices
- Genres
- Religion & Science, Meditation, Psychology of Religion
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A biologist draws on science and psychology to validate the benefits of 7 common religious practices—from meditation and gratitude to rituals and pilgrimage. “I have personally adopted many of [these] practices . . . and experienced more love, joy, empathy, gratitude, and equanimity as a result.”
Continue reading
―Deepak Chopra The effects of spiritual practices are now being investigated scientifically as never before, and many studies have shown that religious and spiritual practices generally make people happier and healthier. In this pioneering book, Rupert Sheldrake shows how science helps validate 7 practices on which many religions are built, and which are part of our common human heritage: • Meditation • Gratitude • Connecting with nature • Relating to plants • Rituals • Singing and chanting • Pilgrimage and holy places Sheldrake summarizes the latest scientific research on what happens when we take part in these practices, and suggests ways that readers can explore these fields for themselves. For those who are religious, Science and Spiritual Practices will illuminate the evolutionary origins of their own traditions and give a new appreciation of their power. For the nonreligious, this book will show how the core practices of spirituality are accessible to all.
Practice Meets Inquiry
A biologist looks at seven familiar spiritual practices through the lenses of science and psychology.
Come here for
- Meditation, gratitude, ritual, and other shared practices
- A thoughtful meeting of spiritual traditions and scientific questions
Expect
- Research summaries alongside ways to explore the practices yourself
- A bridge for religious and nonreligious readers alike
Where it sits
| Religion & Science | 86% |
|---|---|
| Psychology of Religion | 46% |
| Meditation | 43% |
Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.
Publisher categories
- Mind & Body
- Hindu Rituals & Practice
- Jewish Rituals & Practice
- Authors
- Rupert Sheldrake
- Publisher
- Catapult
- Published
- October 8, 2019
- Format
- Print & ebook
- Theme
- Science and spirituality · Health effects of spiritual practices · Shared religious practices
- Reading lane
- Mind & Body