Yoga Vacation ProgramMay 15 — 17, 2026
Neurotheology and the Yoga Brain
Andrew Newberg
What happens in the brain when we meditate? How do spiritual experiences shape our consciousness? Can yoga and mindfulness actually rewire the brain for greater well-being?
This fascinating program delves into Neurotheology—the groundbreaking study of how spirituality and the brain interact. Using cutting-edge research and real brain scan studies, we will explore the profound effects of meditation and yoga on the mind, body, and overall health.
What You’ll Discover:
- How modern brain imaging reveals the impact of spiritual practices on brain function.
- The short-term and long-term effects of meditation on brain health and consciousness.
- The deep connection between spirituality and sexuality—and what neuroscience reveals about this intimate relationship.
- How neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine shift during meditation, influencing emotions and perceptions.
- The science behind mystical experiences, feelings of unity, and transcendence, and how different brain regions work together to create these states.
Why This Program is Unique
Few experts in the world have conducted actual brain scan research on yoga and meditation. This presentation distills complex scientific findings into accessible insights, helping you understand:
- The nature of the mind and consciousness through the lens of neuroscience.
- The powerful connection between meditation and overall health in a way you’ve never considered before.
- How spirituality is deeply linked to brain function, emotions, and well-being.
Why Attend?
- Gain a clear understanding of neurotheology and how it reshapes our perspective on spirituality.
- Explore the biological connection between spirituality and sexuality from a neuroscientific perspective.
- Learn how meditation and yoga can optimize brain health, improving cognition, emotional balance, and overall wellness.
This engaging and thought-provoking presentation offers a new way to understand your spiritual journey—backed by science. Whether you’re a yoga practitioner, meditator, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, this session will transform the way you think about spirituality and the brain.
Offered as 3 satsangs and 2 workshops (subject to change).
May 15: Evening Satsang: Principles of Neurotheology: The basis of neurotheology, its foundations, and how it relates to yoga and spirituality
May 16: Afternoon Workshop: Psychology and Spiritual Development – Interactive program discussing with participants how the brain interacts with psychology and spiritual development, and how this relates to the self, spirituality, relationships, career path, conflict resolution.
May 16: Evening Satsang: Neurotheology and the Yoga Brain – Neurotheology in the context of spiritual practices such as yoga and how that relates to various spiritual experiences.
May 17: Morning Satsang: Spirituality and Health – How spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation impact physical and mental health reviewing current theories and research.
May 17: Afternoon Workshop: The Variety of Spiritual Experiences – Interactive discussion about the variety of spiritual experiences people can have in which participants can share aspects of their own experiences with each other.
The presentations associated with this Yoga Vacation Program begin with an 8pm satsang on the first day of the program and conclude with a 90-minute noon workshop on the last day of the program. Click here to read more about the Yoga Vacation Program details and view the ashram schedule for yoga classes and meals during your stay. We suggest you arrive at least one day prior to the start of your program for the optimal experience.
Dr. Andrew B. Newberg is a trailblazer in the field of neurotheology, the study of how the brain engages with religious and mystical experiences. As the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia, he is at the forefront of exploring the intersection of science and spirituality. A Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, he is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nuclear Medicine, bringing a unique scientific rigor to his groundbreaking research.
With over 300 peer-reviewed articles and chapters on brain function, imaging, and spiritual experiences, Dr. Newberg is one of the world’s leading experts on how practices like meditation, prayer, and contemplation shape the brain. His research has redefined our understanding of consciousness, leading to major insights into the biological foundations of faith, enlightenment, and transcendence. Recognized as one of the 30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive Today, his contributions continue to shape both academic and public discourse on the science of spirituality.
A prolific author, Dr. Newberg has written 15 books, translated into over 20 languages, making cutting-edge neuroscience accessible to a global audience. His newest book, Sex, God, and the Brain (Turner Press), explores the deep connections between spirituality and human biology. His national bestsellers, How God Changes Your Brain and Why God Won’t Go Away, have captivated readers by blending neuroscience with profound spiritual insights. His scholarly works, including Neurotheology: How Science Can Enlighten Us About Spirituality (Columbia University Press) and The Varieties of Spiritual Experience (Oxford University Press), serve as essential resources for researchers and practitioners alike.
Dr. Newberg’s work has been featured in major media outlets, including Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Forbes. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Nightline, 20/20, CNN, CBS News, ABC World News Tonight, and StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, bringing his revolutionary findings to a wide audience.
Through his lectures, books, and media appearances, Dr. Newberg continues to bridge the gap between science and spirituality, offering new perspectives on the mysteries of the mind, the power of belief, and the transformative potential of meditation and prayer.
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