Here is a little gem for you; it seems that some researches may <\/p>\n
be able to trace the "religious experience" to some fairly specific changes in<\/p>\n
brain activity that happen when you pray or meditate. Here is an excerpt:<\/p>\n
\n"The SPECT images also reveal that there is reduction of activity in the<\/p>\n
parietal lobe, at the top, rear part of the brain. The parietal lobe is also<\/p>\n
known as the orientation association area (OAA) since it controls our sense of<\/p>\n
space. It is also responsible for marking the sharp distinction between self<\/p>\n
and no-self. The OAA requires continuous sensory inputs to do its job, and is<\/p>\n
therefore always active. However, during moments of intense meditation, no<\/p>\n
activity was observed in the OAA, implying that sensory inputs to this area<\/p>\n
had ceased, leaving the brain with no information to process. During this<\/p>\n
transcendental state of consciousness, the OAA is dormant and the boundaries<\/p>\n
between the self and other worldly things get dissolved. A state of absolute<\/p>\n
calmness and contentment is attained \u2014 the Self appears to be united with God.<\/i><\/p>\n
SPECT scans of people involved in prayer or chanting mantras showed activity<\/p>\n
in the right inferior parietal lobe \u2014 the area responsible for evaluating the<\/p>\n
emotional meanings of words and phrases. The temporal lobes, which run along<\/p>\n
the side of the head are the brain\u2019s visual association area. It helps in<\/p>\n
relating religious symbols or images to feelings, thereby triggering a sense<\/p>\n
of religious awe. Visions arising during prayer or ritual are generated in<\/p>\n
this area of the brain. When the temporal lobes are artificially stimulated, a<\/p>\n
sense of divine presence is felt." –<\/p>\n