How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality Seeking the Spiritual Life
Oct 19, 2025
Journalist Sigal Samuel and Father Greg Boyle join the conversation on balancing contemplation and action in spiritual life. Samuel outlines the historical tension between active and contemplative spirituality, while discussing how meditation can enhance altruism. Father Boyle shares his transformative work with Homeboy Industries, emphasizing the importance of compassion over empty piety. Both guests advocate for integrating mindfulness into everyday actions, illustrating how presence can improve our capacity to help others in meaningful ways.
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Episode notes
Contemplation Versus Action
- Spirituality splits into two poles: the contemplative vita contemplativa and the active vita activa.
- The episode frames the central question as whether to withdraw for inner growth or engage to heal the world.
Mathieu Ricard's Radical Career Shift
- Mathieu Ricard left a promising scientific career to become a Buddhist monk and meditate intensely.
- Neuroscience found unusually high gamma waves and activity tied to positive emotions in his brain.
Contemplation Can Enable Altruism
- Peter Singer questioned whether long-term solitary meditation best reduces global suffering.
- Ricard argued contemplative practice can itself be a valuable end and enables later altruistic action.
