Spiritual Expression Research Articles

Philosophical Approaches To William Blake’s Revolutionary Vision

This article delves into the intellectual facets of William Blake's imaginative universe, examining the numerous perspectives that can be used to understand his deep ideas. By concentrating on the philosophical underpinnings of Blake's unique vision, this study aims to investigate the intricate layers of his works from both a literary and philosophical standpoint. It is believed that the English poet Wordsworth observed, "I know this poor man was insane, but there's something about his madness that interests me more than Walter Scott's and Lord Byron's sanity. Blake's creative and literary works frequently broke free from conventional conventions and provided a visionary viewpoint that went beyond common sense perception. This essay explores Blake's philosophical legacy and the various ways in which his vision addresses creativity, reality, and spiritual expression through a thorough analysis of his works, especially The Marriage of Heaven and Hell and Jerusalem. This essay advances our knowledge of Blake's lasting impact and the great importance of his imaginative vision by examining the philosophical responses to his ideas. Readers are encouraged to discuss Blake's influence and the enduring value of his revolutionary philosophy.

Research on Composition and Spiritual Expression of the Titles of Scenic Spots in Temporary Palaces for Emperor’s Inspection Tour in Qing Dynasty

Research on Composition and Spiritual Expression of the Titles of Scenic Spots in Temporary Palaces for Emperor’s Inspection Tour in Qing Dynasty

Neurodiversity and Mental Disorders

In recent years, the concept of neurodiversity has grown in popularity among the scientific and non-scientific communities dealing with autism and related conditions, included in neurodevelopmental disorders. According to this paradigm, identity becomes a neuroidentity, subjectivity is determined by cerebral functioning and cultural, social, spiritual expression is the result of this pattern of biological functioning. Most often, opinions focus on the immediate benefits of liberalizing thinking that allows for the reconfiguration of rigid psychopathological medical models in current diagnostic systems and favors the humanization of medicine. In this construct, reasonable and integrative at first glance, there are some persistent limitations, internal contradictions and shortcomings that lead to criticism and controversy. In conclusion, widespread expansion of the movement of neurodiversity risks generating, maintaining and amplifying social fracturing and individual alienation.​

PHYSICAL FITNESS FOR BHARATANATYA DANCERS

Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance that originated from Tamil Nadu in southern India. It is a tradition steeped in Indian history and culture. Today, Bharatanatyam is a dance style that encompasses religious and non-religious themes, as well as fusion styles. Characterized by precise movements, sharp edges, and expressive body language, this tradition has delighted audiences for generations. Like many other aspects of Indian tradition, this art form has struggled through times of oppression. However, with the efforts of teachers and students all over the world, Bharatanatyam has been revived to continue to serve the people who find joy in the formal and intuitive expressions embodied in the structure of the dance. Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance style originating from South India, combines aesthetic beauty, spiritual expression, and physical skill. Bharatanatyam mesmerizes global audiences with its rich cultural background, exquisite footwork, beautiful gestures, and expressive narrative. The dancer's physical health is crucial for performing intricate movements with accuracy, strength, and elegance in this art form.

The Situation of Monastic Houses in Soviet Moldova

In 1944, after the withdrawal of the Romanian authorities from Bessarabia, some members of the monastic community, priests, deacons, cantors, especially those with higher education and high hierarchical positions, took refuge. The number of monasteries was considerably reduced. If in 1945 in the new Soviet republic - the Moldovan SSR - 25 monasteries and hermitages were registered (16 - monks and 9 - nuns), in 1956 - 15, of which 7 - monks and 8 - nuns. The only continuously functioning monastery was that of Japca. The cruel mechanism of liquidation of places of worship was part of the strategy of the Soviet authorities to eradicate all forms of spiritual expression and resistance. These radical actions of the Soviet state had a boomerang effect on religious sentiment. It is therefore no coincidence that the collapse of the Soviet Union was inextricably linked to the widespread religious movement in the present-day Republic of Moldova, followed by the reopening of the places of worship dismantled by the Soviets.

The Symbolic Meaning of Traditional Woven Fabric Ulos as A Spiritual Expression in Batak Toba Rituals

Every society in the world has a certain ability to produce traditional woven cloth as a result of its culture. Likewise, for the Batak people, the traditional woven cloth is called ulos, it is accepted as a symbol of a Batak spiritual expression. In the Batak tradition, giving or receiving a ulos is done based on the rules and procedures generally accepted in society. Giving and receiving ulos also represents a number of ideal values from the people who adhere to it. In substance, these are the values that are symbolically conveyed to someone and it is hoped that they will be realized in the future, accompanied by hopes and prayers. Typically, giving ulos does not have to take into account the particular religion or belief of the person receiving it, and the person to whom the ulos is given receives it with joy. So, ulos itself is universal because it is able to strengthen the solidarity of Batak people of different religions, both personally and collectively. The theory used refers to Clifford Geertz's theory regarding religion as a symbol system found in every culture. In Sandra Niessen's perspective, ulos is an expression and spiritual image of the Toba Batak people. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out research through a study process to find out whether the traditional ulos woven cloth is closely related to the spiritual values that the Batak have had since ancient times.

Spiritual and Communal Harmony Through Tarawangsa Traditional Art

Purpose of the Study: This research explores how Tarawangsa Art, as a traditional cultural practice, plays a crucial role in strengthening communal identity and spirituality within the Budi Daya community in Cibedug, Lembang, West Java, Indonesia. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative approach through participatory observation and in-depth interviews with community members, traditional leaders, and practitioners of Tarawangsa Art. Main Findings: The findings reveal that Tarawangsa Art not only acts as an expression of culture and spirituality but also as a crucial pillar in nurturing the community's identity and social cohesion. Integrating cultural expressions, spiritual values, and social dynamics forms a strong foundation for communal togetherness. Additionally, the community's adaptability and resilience in maintaining this tradition demonstrate cultural flexibility and robustness in the face of modernization. Applications of this Study: These findings provide insights for policymakers, educational practitioners, and cultural preservation institutions on the importance of supporting Tarawangsa Art preservation initiatives. Novelty/Originality: This study offers a new perspective on the role of Tarawangsa Art in maintaining communal identity and cohesion in the era of globalization. Through in-depth research on this cultural practice, the study highlights how spirituality and community are interwoven in creating unique cultural adaptations amidst social and economic changes.

Finding God in the Eye of a Needle

Abstract: Textile artifacts associated with Christian worship and spirituality have been documented extensively. However, the spirituality of sewists themselves has received relatively little attention. In addition to the products created for sacred and secular use, there have long been sewists for whom sewing has been an inherently spiritual activity. This essay explores the ways in which sewing can be an embodied expression of Christian spirituality. It can be a means of service to the larger community as well as a means of spiritual expression for sewists themselves.

Spirituality in Oncology: Relations between Spirituality, Its Facets, and Psychological and Demographic Factors in Cancer Patients in Germany

Introduction: Cancer diagnoses are constantly increasing in clinical practice. Therefore, more and more patients are interested in how they can actively participate in the process of treatment. Spirituality represents a hidden issue of the population, which counts as a branch of complementary and alternative treatment. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether there are associations between spirituality and demographic and psychosocial factors, as well as religious beliefs, in cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a survey with 451 participants in 10 oncology centers between March and July 2021. A composition of the following 9 different questionnaires was used to collect data on spirituality, demographics, resilience, self-efficiency, life satisfaction, and sense of coherence: Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-Being (FACIT-Sp12), General Life Satisfaction Short Scale (L-1), Resilienzskala Kurzform (RS-13), Sense of Coherence Scale – Leipziger Kurzform (SOC-L9), Allgemeine Selbstwirksamkeit Kurzskala (AKSU), Adolescent Food Habits Checklist, Likert-Scale of daily activities, questionnaire of the Working group Prävention und Integrative Onkologie (PRiO), and personal opinion on the cause of the disease. Calculated data and analyzed group differences using ANOVA Bonferroni were used to test associations between spirituality and the variables studied. For more detailed examination of spirituality, we took a closer look at the different components of spirituality – peace, meaning, and faith – and their relation to each other (three-factor spirituality analyses). Results: Higher spirituality scores in total as well as meaning, peace, and faith were each associated with higher levels of resilience and life satisfaction. Higher religious belief was found to be associated with higher spiritual attitudes. High personal self-efficiency was found in people with higher spiritual beliefs in general as well as higher meaning and peace. Meaning and peace emerge as essential components of spiritual well-being and show a stronger association with expressions of general spirituality than faith. Conclusion: Spirituality takes a crucial role among the resources of life-threatening diseases. As such, further research is needed to expand and integrate patient options into a modernized concept of care. Our data indicate that higher spiritual well-being is associated with a more tolerant approach to illness. Thus, addressing spiritual needs in therapy is associated with better psychological adjustment to the individual situation and reduces negative distress. To promote spiritual needs in the future, cognitive as well as affective components of spirituality should be emphasized.

SYNTHESIS OF SENTIMENTAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WAYS OF EXPRESSING THE NOVEL IN THE EDUCATIONAL NOVEL BY FYODOR MIKHAILOVICH DOSTOEVSKY “THE POOR”

Dostoevsky entered the list of world writers with his weighty works illuminating the human psyche. All his works celebrating universal human values have already been collected on a real reader's shelf. By illuminating the life and lifestyle of a particular people, the sage exalts above himself the spiritual qualities inherent in all peoples equally -love, loyalty, economy, hard work. The novel “The Poor”is one of such works, glorifying feelings and feelings. This article presents an analysis of the images of an old and impoverished official –Makar Alekseevich Devushkin and the orphan girl Varvara Alekseevna Dobroselova, taken as the main characters in Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky’s novel The Beggars. And also that Dostoevsky creatively borrowed from Goethe the method of revealing the human soul through the “writing” of its spiritual expressions, which was reflected in the educational novel “The Poor”.

The Culture and Spiritual Expression of Denim Garments in Different Industries

Jeans, as one of the most popular clothing in the world, have been actively appearing in the public eye, especially in the film industry and fashion industry. Jeans and other denim garments are no longer just a kind of clothing, they are more like a cultural or spiritual symbol. This article is dedicated to interpreting the culture and spiritual expression of denim garments in different industries. This paper uses the case analysis method and researches the fashion and movie industries. The research shows jeans and denim clothing symbolize the spirit of Western cowboys in the film industry. Movies rely on jeans to showcase the characters freedom, wildness, and bravery. In the fashion industry, jeans have always been a popular item, symbolizing fashions free and lazy side.

Contemporary Chinese landscape paintings: genealogies of form

ABSTRACTThis article examines differing conceptions of ‘form’ in Western and Chinese landscape traditions, leading to critical perspectives on contemporary Chinese landscape painting. The paper argues that Chinese oil landscapes tend to be conservative, while ink landscapes are more experimental. Furthermore, Western Formalism can be shown to influence Chinese landscape painting, expanding possibilities for both oil and ink contemporary works. Nonetheless, a longer tradition equally persists. Su Shi (1037–1101), for example, who prefigures the literati painting approach, remains an enduring influence. The scholarly style, experimental during the Song Dynasty, conveys a painting's spiritual expression over precise techniques. An examination across Western and Chinese traditions enables a genealogical reading of form in the work of contemporary Chinese artists, bridging history and modernity, Western and Eastern styles, and accounting for differing approaches to form.

UNVEILING INDIANNESS: EXPLORING HINDUISM THROUGH THE EYES OF POETS IN INDIAN LITERATURE

In shaping the Indian identity and Indian literature Hinduism has played a central role it has been a treasure trove of diverse cultural expressions. The perceptions and interpretations of Hinduism of Indian poets offer unique understanding into the complexities and fine points of Indianness. The present study aims to explore how poets in Indian literature have presented Hinduism, suppling a deep insight of the religion's influence on the Indian psyche. The present study delves into the exploration of "Indianness" in Indian literature by the lens of Hinduism's profusive influence. Indian literature topography reflects a unique amalgamation of languages, religions, traditions, and perspectives, contributing to the heterogenous cultural identity of the nation. The present study investigates the significant influence of Hinduism on poetry during focusing Bhakti Movement. It delves into the works of Bhakti saints i.e. Kabir, Mirabai, Surdas, and Tulsidas, whose verses revolutionized the depicted Hinduism by spotlighting a personal and emotional connection with the divine. The expressions of love, devotion, and spirituality by Bhakti poets resonate with the core values of Hinduism, jubilation the timeless essence of "Indianness" and the cultural values of India. Moreover, the present study analyses modern Indian poetry with its continued inspiration of Hindu themes. Modern Poets such as Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Kamala Das comprised Hindu philosophical concepts, deities, and rituals to explore the complexities of human emotions and spiritual truths. Their verses represented the enduring role of Hinduism in shaping the spiritual essence that weaves together modern India, which highlights the universal enchantment of Hindu spirituality and its contribution to the Indian literature. Eventually, the present study reveals Hinduism's influence on Indian literature which transcends time and space, reflection of interconnectedness of culture, spirituality, and the soul of the nation. The picture of "Indianness" in Indian literature applauds the rich cultural heritage, inclusivity, and pluralism of nation, and offering profound understanding into the enduring spiritual values that maintain to inspire generations of readers.

The search for meaning in the life of the gifted

The aim of this article is to review the importance of the question of life’s meaning, mainly for intellectually gifted, as well as suggesting possibilities for educational and therapeutic approaches with an integration between Dabrowski’s proposals and Frankl’s and Yalom’s existential psychotherapies for enhancing meaning. In particular, we suggest that a successful transition between childhood and adult giftedness depends upon the gifted individual’s finding meaning in their life and a sense of purpose through which to try to achieve it. The article is based on an integration of theory-based propositions, a review of existing research, and clinical observations. We conclude that it is important to integrate ideas about existential problems into education and psychotherapy for the gifted, increasing gifted individuals’ sense of meaning through development of human values, a eudaimonic life orientation, full expression of potential, generativity, harmony, self-compassion, and spirituality.

Pilgrim's progress? A field ethnography of multimodal recording, curating and sharing of the Camino de Santiago experience

PurposeReligious and secular pilgrimages present rich opportunities for investigating information activities in an original and intriguing context. While the Information Science community has previously shown interest in digital expressions of religion and spirituality, discussion on pilgrimage is at a nascent stage. The purpose of this study is to conduct an in situ investigation of how pilgrims record, curate, and share their experiences.Design/methodology/approachA field ethnography was conducted while walking with, observing and interviewing pilgrims along the Camino de Santiago, a popular European pilgrimage and UNESCO World Heritage route. Data collected from 25 semi-structured interviews and participant observations were thematically analysed within a theoretical framework combining Stebbins' contemplation and Nature Challenge Activity in serious leisure and Hektor's model of information behaviour.FindingsThis study expands the interpretation of pilgrimage by introducing new insights into pilgrims, different types of mobilities, spaces and objects, and social interactions. By using field ethnography and close-up observations of praxis, pilgrimage is analysed as a socio-technical process and discussed literature within and beyond Information Science. The work presents new understandings of the interplay between spirituality, embodied information practices, physical and online social interactions, analogue and digital media before, during and after these journeys and legacy aspirations.Originality/valueThe study is original in its combination of theoretical models and their ethnographic in situ application. It contributes to a more in-depth, in-the-field understanding of how pilgrims document their experiences via a rich palette of old and new media, the dynamics of using digital technologies during such physical and inner journeys and pilgrims' sharing practices. Implications for serious leisure and information practices are discussed, from theoretical to practical challenges and opportunities offered by pilgrimage experiences.

When the Mystics Embrace Love: Comparing the Insights of Yunus Emre and Jacopone da Todi

Many studies on Yunus Emre, a Turkish Sufi and Jacopone da Todi, an Italian Franciscan, focus on their views of mystical love, especially concerning mystical union, however, the term ”love” that both use needs more exploration This study explores the question of whether their views of love have more similarities or differences by comparing the aspects of love, the center of love and its origin, and the end of the journey in love. Through thematic analysis, the results show that both conveyed a similar view about love, its origin, and the union with God as the destination of love. However, although they similarly view love as centered on God, their views of God show differences. Jacopone focuses on Christ as God who embraces pain and suffering, while Yunus is more apophatic in his insight into God. The finding might help the readers to appreciate various spiritual expressions in modern societies and to delve deeper into each of their core faith.

A Christian Expression of African Spirituality: The Case Study of Three African Initiated Churches in Ghana

There is a view that African Instituted Churches (AICs) are Christian churches with a spirituality which is similar to traditional spirituality. Scholars have claimed that AICs came up as a response to the spirituality of the churches started by missionaries from the West. The latter churches seemed to ignore the spiritual world, the activities of the Spirit and also the fact that physical occurrences have spiritual causes. As such, the spiritual needs of African converts were not being met. In research to ascertain the validity of this assertion, this researcher looks into the circumstances surrounding the founding of AICs in Ghana, paying particular attention to the Church of the Twelve Apostles, the OSSAH-Madih Church, and the Musama Disco Christo Church. The research was done through participant observations in the AICs mentioned. Secondary data was gathered from articles, books and other research materials written by members of AICs. The research concluded that while some AICs may have started as a reaction to the operation of the mission churches, the spirituality expressed is not a “copying” of African spirituality, but one that comes about with the awareness of the existence of the spiritual realm. Keywords: Spirituality, African Instituted Churches (AICs), Zionist, Aladura, World View, African Traditional Religion (ATR)

Citra Diri dan Tato: Fenomena Perempuan Bertato di Kota Metropolitan Jakarta

This study was intended to determine the relationship between self-image and tattooed women who live in the metropolitan city of Jakarta. The purpose of this study was to examine the meaning of symbolic communication and the self-image built by tattooed women in the metropolitan city of Jakarta. The grand theory used in this research is George Herbert Mead's theory of symbolic interaction and also the theory of self-image. The research method used is a qualitative approach with a phenomenological perspective. The interviewees were ten women with tattoos, using the snowball sampling technique. This research has succeeded in revealing several factors of women's motives with tattoos, e.g., tattoos as works of art, media for self-expression, expressions of depression, history, spirituality, and pleasure only. The conclusion of this study is that tattooed women believe that tattoos can form a positive self-image because, with tattoos, they can increase self-confidence and get to know themselves better. These tattooed women do not want a negative view of their tattoos because not all tattooed women are criminals or have deviant behavior. The implication of this research is that women with tattoos do not need to hear negative views from other people and can build a good self-image for themselves; thus, their tattoos are not underestimated by other people.

Old German Baptist Brethren: Plain but Different, Part 1

This article utilizes a narrative methodological research paradigm to explore perceived distinctions between the Old German Baptist Brethren (the main Old Order expression of the Schwarzenau Brethren) and other Plain groups. The authors explore three areas of specific distinction: (a) The group’s weave of Pietist as well as Anabaptist historical and theological influences, (b) a strong emphasis on the ritualized enactment of a discrete array of ordinances, (c) an emphasis on orthopraxis rather than doctrinal uniformity as a marker of church unity. All these, together with four other areas addressed in the second part of the article, combine to create a distinctive and unusual expression of Plain spirituality and life practice.

A qualitative study with Italian patients exploring the spiritual dimension during a chronic disease.

Spirituality is a vast dimension influenced by cultural and personal differences. Little is known about the spirituality of patients suffering from a chronic disease in Italy from palliative care hospital settings. To investigate patients' perspectives about their spirituality during their illness. The research question was: 'How does living with chronic disease inform/shape the spiritual dimension of patients?'. To address it, we conducted a qualitative interview study with thematic analysis. We enrolled 21 participants among patients suffering from rheumatic, haematologic, neurodegenerative and respiratory chronic diseases. Participants generally had great difficulty answering the questions researchers posed and often could not define 'spirituality'. We found different topics grouped under four main themes: definition of spirituality, internal dialogue, expression of spirituality in everyday life and take stock. Religion is not reported as an answer to spiritual suffering, even in a country that is felt religious-driven like Italy. Patients are generally not cognizant of this dimension even living with a chronic disease; consequently, they cannot express spiritual needs because they can't recognise them. Health professionals should identify this dimension and its characteristics to recognise potential spiritual suffering.