Spiritual Life Research Articles

A WOMAN UNITED WITH THE SACRIFICE OF CHRIST – BLESSED KLEMENSA STASZEWSKA OSU (1890–1943)

The aim of this article is to examine the charism of Blessed Klemensa Staszewska, with which she was endowed by God, and its relevance to all believers. The sources of this study are her “spiritual notes”, written at the instruction of her spiritual director, and her letters. The first stage of the study examines how Blessed Klemensa, accepting her Ursuline vocation, experienced the desire for a spousal bond with Jesus and to give to Him alone all that she is and all that she possesses. In the second part of the article, a study is carried out on the spiritual desire expressed by Blessed Klemensa in her plan of life, written on the day of her perpetual vows to unite herself to the Sacrifice of Christ and to His intentions and the inner disposition with which He offered Himself on the Cross. Here it was important to examine how Blessed Klemensa experienced all the tribulations and difficulties of life in union with Jesus. This dimension of her spiritual life can be regarded as prophetic for both consecrated and lay persons, because it concerns the universal priesthood resulting from baptismal consecration, which seems to be underestimated in Christian spirituality today. In the fourth and final part of the article, it is shown how Blessed Klemensa combined a deep spiritual life with her ministry of caring for children and the formation of young people. She maintained this life amidst her duties and responsibility for the Ursuline community throughout the hardships of World War II and when, after helping with heroic courage those sought by the Gestapo, she endured the cruelty of the concentration camp.

BLESSED MARCELINA DAROWSKA – A NOTABLE EXAMPLE OF POLISH MYSTICISM OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Blessed Marcelina Darowska (1827–1911), founder of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception, stands out from the numerous Polish mystics of the 19th century primarily because of her rich experience of mystical life and the original theory of mysticism (mystology) contained in her writings. She left a two-volume ascetic-mystical treatise, spiritual notes (“Diary”), many letters to spiritual directors and some sisters, as well as texts of retreats that she preached to students and various people. She created her own mystical language.As an outstanding representative of 19th-century Polish mysticism, she stands out from other trends in mystical life, including: healthy patriotism, Marian piety with particular emphasis on the title of Mary Queen of Poland, apostolate in the education of girls and women, and the development of various forms of folk piety that strengthen National identity.It had a wide impact on Polish, Belarusian and Ukrainian society, mainly through educational institutions for girls. She also maintained active contacts, including: with Saint archbishop Józef Bilczewski, Saint archbishop Szczęsny Feliński and other outstanding personalities of the spiritual and social life of those times.

The Ideological Apologetics of the Communist Party during Suppression of Lithuanian National Resistance (1944–1953)

After WWII, the second wave of Stalinist terror initiated by the USR acquired special features in Lithuania. The suppression of national resistance, Sovietisation of the country, and destruction of national identity by combining terror, repression and ideological propaganda took place throughout the country. In the resolutions adopted by the Central Committee of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) (AUCP[B]) between 1944 and 1948 on the political situation in Lithuania, the demand was made to destroy the ideology and social basis of the national underground movement and to expel the nation’s aspirations for freedom from its consciousness as soon as possible. Destruction of the spiritual life and identity of the nation was initially carried out by promoting contempt for the nation’s historical past and culture and promoting vandalism. Spiritual and physical terror became the everyday reality of Lithuania’s political life. The national attitudes of the intelligentsia and their attempts to preserve spiritual values that had formed over the years became the cause of never-ending persecution and reprisals against them. One goal was to use a certain part of the intelligentsia for the dissemination of the Soviet ideology. The intention was to bridge the gap that emerged after the repressive measure that caused the emigration of intellectuals to the West. Propaganda and mass political agitation became an important area of ideological activity of the Soviet regime and accompanied spiritual terror and implementation of Communist ideology based on Stalinist dogmas. The Soviet press was full of vitriolic condemnation of the “enemies of the people” and euphoric praise of Stalin and his henchmen. With the help of the press, the Soviet regime hoped to purge ideas about the nation’s freedom from people’s consciousness. Under the veil of Soviet patriotism and proletarian internationalism, Russian nationalism was forced down people’s throats, the role of Russia as the elder brother was constantly emphasised, the spiritual values of the nation were derogated, the nation was humiliated, and it became increasingly difficult to communicate in the native Lithuanian language. The Communist regime created a social environment that it hoped would help to destroy the resistance movement as soon as possible. With the help of the government and the organisations of the Communist Party, society was divided and one social stratum was pitted against the other. By combining repression and ideological measures, the Communist Party eroded the typical mutual relationship of trust that had formed over centuries in the nation.

A.S. PUSHKIN AND MIKHAILOVSKOYE IN CRITICAL ARTICLES BY V.YA. KURBATOV

The article is the first registered attempt to comprehend the perception of A.S. Pushkin and the role of Mikhailovskoye in Pushkin’s inner spiritual life by V.Ya. Kurbatov (1939–2021), the well-known literary critic. The material for research is the critic’s articles and notes from the period of 1990–2010 collected in his book “Pushkin for Every Day” that make up his myth about the national poet. In this article the author demonstrates that it is the national idea that becomes the background for the interpretative angle of Kurbatov’s critical reflection in the epoch of self-identification. Being the unconditional value reference point for the critic, Pushkin is perceived by him as the benchmark for integrity and completeness as well as Mikhailovskoye is seen as the place where the comprehensiveness of the Russian life can be found yet at the same time being the reproach to the contemporaries for their duality and spiritual “emigration”. The specifics of V.Ys. Kurbatov’s position is conditioned by his triune religious, philosophic and literary approach to the phenomena of the Russian culture, on one hand, and by his subjective method together with his personal, individual view and his search for self-identity, on the other hand. In this article the author makes the conclusion that the articles and notes of V.Ya. Kurbatov about A.S. Pushkin written in line with the religious and philosophic interpretations of the national poet in XIX–XX centuries, reveal the deep and unique personality, ethical standpoint and aesthetic views of our famous contemporary.

The mediating role of COVID-19 anxiety on the relationship between quality of life and spiritual well-being, and hopelessness: A study on cancer patients.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused concern in the community, especially in patients. Spirituality, hopelessness, and quality of life have an impact on the management of the process in cancer patients during these crisis periods. To investigate COVID-19 anxiety's mediating role in hopelessness' relationships with the quality of life and spiritual well-being among cancer patients. This study used a cross-sectional design to collect data from cancer patients using self-administered questionnaires. The study recruited 176 cancer patients receiving treatment at a university hospital. The participants completed measures of spiritual well-being, COVID-19 anxiety, hopelessness, and quality of life. Following preliminary analyses, a mediation model was analyzed using the PROCESS macro for SPSS, with the bootstrap method applied (model 4). The results showed that spiritual well-being was negatively associated with COVID-19 anxiety and hopelessness, and positively associated with the quality of life. COVID-19 anxiety was associated positively with hopelessness, and negatively with the quality of life. Moreover, COVID-19 anxiety mediated the relationship between hopelessness, spiritual well-being, and quality of life. This study provides evidence for COVID-19 anxiety's mediating role in the relationship between spiritual well-being and quality of life and hopelessness among cancer patients. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing COVID-19 anxiety may be effective in reducing hopelessness among cancer patients, by promoting higher levels of spiritual well-being and improving quality of life.

Reconstructing Religious Capital in Exile: The Tibetan Influence on Monastic Education of Buddhists from Ladakh, India

This paper explores the Tibetan influence in monastic education of Ladakhi Buddhists in India. The reconstructed Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in India post the Tibetan exodus in 1959 serve as training grounds for thousands of monastics from Ladakh. The fieldwork for this qualitative research study was conducted in Leh, Ladakh, and the Tibetan settlement of Mungod in Karnataka. On the basis of interview guides, interview schedules, focus group discussions and non-participant observation, this paper argues that the religious capital of Tibetan Buddhism has had an integral role in shaping the spiritual education and life worlds of the Buddhist monastics of Ladakh.

The Tragedy of the confrontation: the religious factor in the Russian Civil War

The article analyzes a collective monograph edited by A. S. Puchenkov and devoted to the consideration of the role and significance of the religious factor during the Civil War in Russia. According to the reviewer, the authors, based on the unique material collected in 22 Russian and foreign archives, were able to show and prove the need to take into account the phenomenon of the religious factor, rightly defining it as «a set of many components affecting the social, socio-political, spiritual, cultural and national life of society, determining the order of functioning of religion and its institutions in the system of relations between the state and society, as well as the influence of religion as a social institution on non-religious forms of public life». According to S. L. Firsov, the authors have made a successful attempt to draw a detailed picture of the state of religious denominations (primarily the Orthodox Russian Church) during the Civil War. In his opinion, the reviewed monograph can be called a kind of encyclopedia of the spiritual life of Russia during the Russian Troubles of the early 20-th century. The authors of the monograph made a worthy contribution to the study of the moral and moral state of Russian society by writing a deep and useful work for all those interested in both the history of the Orthodox Russian Church of the era of Revolution and Civil War, and the history of the Russian Troubles of the early twentieth century as a whole.

The policy of territorial reorganization of church parishes in the Olonets region in the second half of the 18th – early 19th century

The article presents the results of the study of the reasons and the realization of the policy of territorial reorganization of parishes in Olonets uyezd, the goals and basic principles of which were formulated at the legislative level in the XVIII century. The effort to support the clergy of the tiny “monastic” parishes that emerged after the secularization reform of 1764 prompted the diocesan authorities to closure small parishes and reorganize parishes with large number of households. The reorganization of parishes that had taken in the late 1760s and 1810s were not systematic, however had ambivalent effects. On the one hand, the bishops began to solve ongoing problems on the delimitation of a group of vast parishes boundaries. On the other hand, they could not attain improvements in the welfare of the clergy and the maintenance of churches at the proper level. Furthermore the liquidation of economically incapable parishes without proper attention to the spiritual life of local communities resulted in the flourishing of the popular orthodoxy and the strengthening of the Old Believers positions.

The Essence of Salvation: Exploring Evangelical Perspectives And Practices

This article explores the core doctrines and practices of evangelical Christianity about salvation, highlighting the differences in viewpoints among evangelical theologians and believers. The theological tenets of salvation described are the idea of being “born again” and the significance of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The idea that salvation is a life-changing event characterized by repentance and a deliberate choice to embrace Christ as Savior, resulting in a revitalized spiritual life, is fundamental to evangelical philosophy. The essay highlights contrasting opinions among evangelical circles regarding predestination, free choice, and the assurance of salvation as it further explores the roles of grace, faith, and works in salvation. Salvation-related customs, including baptism, altar calls, and public testimony, are addressed as manifestations of faith and social validation. It also examines the evangelical focus on evangelism as a moral obligation, with the need to spread the gospel to everyone. The article’s conclusion discusses the problems evangelical views of salvation are currently experiencing, particularly in light of social and cultural changes. It considers how these modifications may affect evangelical outreach and discipleship strategies.

Analyze the Cultural Efficacy of the Ancient Shipwreck Hailao Porcelain in the New Era from the Perspective of Culture

The presence of Hailao porcelain in the world is widespread, with historical, economic, practical, artistic, and other functional attributes, so its comprehensive benefits cannot be underestimated. The development of modern science and technology, and the reasonable and effective development of Hailao porcelain in different times, are conducive to the development of China’s cultural construction. Because Hailao porcelain is different from the traditional ancient porcelain (handed down and unearthed), it is a new cultural research field. This marine wealth has great economic, cultural, and historical value, and plays an important role in the cultural construction and social development of the country in the new period. The cultural efficacy covered by the ancient shipwreck Hailao porcelain includes the functions of inheritance, cognition, education, communication, and so on, which is conducive to the current cultural development. People can use the new perspective and new concept of cultural and creative thinking to make these cultural relics “alive”, give play to the new cultural value, promote the economy of cultural relics and works of art, serve the spiritual and cultural life, and strengthen the cultural exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries in the world.

I. I. von Felbiger and the creation of the European school education system

Introduction. One of the most important conditions for the success of any type of activity is its systematic nature. This statement fully applies to such an important area of the spiritual life of society as education. The creation of the educational system in Europe is associated with the name of the outstanding teacher-reformer Johann Ignaz von Felbiger (1724-1788), who vividly proved himself as a scientist, founder of educational institutions, author of important documents and textbooks that for many decades determined the content and nature of schooling in European countries and in Russia. Materials and methods. The author uses the following research methods: analysis of historical and pedagogical literature, biographical and historical methods, an axiological scientific approach to the study of the value content in the activities of I. I. von Felbiger. The work uses publications by foreign and Russian authors. Results. The period of I. I. von Felbiger's life and his organizational activities coincided with the age of Enlightenment, which led to an increase in interest among a significant part of the population of many European countries in science and its practical use in the interests of society, as well as to the problems of educational development. I. I. von Felbiger acted as the organizer of educational institutions designed for various groups the population and the levels of training of students. He substantiated the idea of the first public school system in history and partially implemented it into practice. Over time, this system, which in some countries was called Sagan, became generally accepted in Europe. His ideas were developed in the process of creating a school education system in the Russian Empire. Discussion. Von Felbiger's activities in the field of education were multifaceted. He carried out the practical management of the educational institution, was a teacher, the general commissioner for education of the whole country, and finally, he created valuable legislative acts that received approval from the monarchs and ordinary teachers. He also authored methodological and educational manuals for teachers that corresponded to the current needs of society. Conclusion. The famous educational reformer von Felbiger left a vivid mark on the history of European science and culture. He went down in the history of pedagogy as the creator of the Sagan school system. The history of his life and work, as well as the genesis of the first education system he created in Europe, deserve further comprehensive study.

THE MAIN FACTORS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF POTTERY CRAFTS OF CENTRAL SOGD

This article describes the changes that occurred in the pottery craft of the ancient Central Sugdian world. In general, with the introduction of the Hellenistic culture into the Sogd region, the shape of pottery changes radically. Bowls, plates, and glasses of various sizes are produced, and most of the vessels are given red angob on the inside and outside, and the surface is scratched and polished on special pottery tools. Such dishes can be found not only in Central Asia, but also in the countries of the Caucasus, Afghanistan, Iran, India, and the Middle East. In this period, the impact of the changes in the political, social, economic, and spiritual life of Central Sogd on the pottery craft, as well as the main reasons and characteristics of the development of the pottery craft, and the impact of historical processes on these changes are discussed.

Spiritual practices and mental well-being: A quantitative study among university students

This study explores the role of spiritual practices in promoting mental well-being among university students. The research focuses on key areas such as stress management, resilience, emotional balance, and finding meaning in life. A quantitative survey was conducted with 134 students from various disciplines, and the results indicate that spiritual practices can provide significant mental health benefits. Gender and age differences were observed, with women generally reporting higher emotional benefits from spirituality and older students finding greater meaning in life through spiritual engagement. The findings highlight the importance of a personalized approach to mental health support, recognizing that spirituality may not be universally effective for all students. The discussion emphasizes the need for diverse mental health interventions that incorporate both spiritual and non-spiritual strategies to cater to individual needs.

An Analysis of Human Nature in Fromm's Humanistic Thought

In contemporary society, the problem of human existence has increasingly aroused the common concern of all mankind, and the rich and colorful material life has enriched people's daily life, but the spiritual life of human beings is relatively impoverished, and the great abundance of material wealth to a certain extent makes people enslaved to material things, and the spiritual life of individuals is in a state of imbalance. While elaborating on the actual state of human existence, Fromm's humanistic thought critically exposes the social problems caused by the development of productive forces, and fundamentally points out the confusion of human beings, on the basis of which it indicates that we can realize the breakthrough of the state of human beings' gradual dissolution in a certain way, so as to generate a brand-new space for the survival of human beings. In this way, human beings will be able to find their way out of numbness and self-loss, and thus step into the “kingdom of existence”. Fromm's anthropological point of view mainly centers on human nature, including three aspects: human nature, human nature alienation, and human nature liberation. This paper is a brief analysis of this aspect of human nature.

Sports Merchandise Marketing Analysis of Sports Brand Marketing Strategies Taking Nike as an Example

Since the 21st century, rising economic productivity has increased incomes, thereby shifting the focus of individuals and societies from basic needs to richer spiritual lives and healthier lifestyles. Global brands such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour have expanded their reach into the Chinese market, reflecting a broader societal acceptance of sports goods. The increasing prevalence of products such as Arc’teryx jackets and LULULEMON yoga wear reflects a shift in perspective on health and fitness. Consequently, the sports goods market has become highly competitive, with brands launching new products, expanding their offerings, and enhancing cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality.In order to succeed, sports brands must adopt superior quality, innovative thinking, and unique marketing strategies. This article employs SWOT and 4P analyses to examine Nike’s marketing strategy and ascertain its customer appeal and high turnover. Additionally, it identifies shortcomings in Nike’s approach and proposes solutions. Using Nike as a case study, the article investigates how sports brands can develop practical marketing strategies to secure a strong market position.

Struck by the Arrow of Beauty: Saturated Phenomena and the (Theo)Drama of Subjectivity

ABSTRACT This article is concerned with theological aesthetics and aims to show how aesthetic modes of experience create a context in which a subject can understand their existence in terms of (Christian) spiritual drama. It considers the ideas of twentieth-century Catholic theologian Hans Urs von Balthasar and of contemporary phenomenologist Jean-Luc Marion in order to show how aesthetic experience acts as a gateway through which the experiencing subject enters into a new, dramatically constituted spiritual space. Finally, this article illustrates this conception of a dramatized spiritual life by considering the writings of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Saint Thérèse, the author argues, models how a life that is otherwise obscure and “undramatic” may be “lifted” into the dramatic mode through experiences of faith as filtered through what Marion calls “saturated phenomena.”

Innovative Development of Zhuang Excellent Traditional Culture in the Era of Integrated Media

Chinese culture represents the rich tapestry of various ethnic traditions. The development of these diverse cultures is essential for the overall prosperity of Chinese civilization. Therefore, promoting the innovative advancement of the Zhuang ethnic group's traditional culture can bolster their cultural confidence, preserve the diversity of Chinese culture, strengthen national identity, foster ethnic unity and progress, enrich spiritual and cultural life, and support rural community development. In today's rapidly evolving integrated media landscape, driven by information technology, the innovative development of the Zhuang's traditional culture encounters significant opportunities. In this study, we first explored the value foundation of innovative development of excellent traditional culture of the Zhuang ethnic group in the era of integrated media. Then, we analyzed the promoting effect of integrated media technology on the innovative development of excellent traditional culture of the Zhuang ethnic group in the new media ecological environment. Finally, we summarized how to fully utilize new technological means, create an integrated media matrix, and leverage resource integration advantages to achieve innovative development of excellent traditional culture of the Zhuang ethnic group. The research results are conducive to deeply exploring the contemporary value of excellent traditional culture of the Zhuang ethnic group and activating its cultural vitality, continuously promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of excellent traditional culture in China, thereby promoting the prosperity and development of cultural undertakings and cultural industries.

Ecological Construction of China's Music Industry from the Perspective of Cultural Economy

As an important part of culture economy, the Chinese music industry has shown a steady growth trend from the supply side, consumption side, and channel side, but there are still some structural contradictions, weak links and problems. With draw lessons from international advanced experience, this paper considers that the healthy and vigorous development of the music industry of China requires the protection of intellectual property rights, the support of financial and tax policies, the cultivation of professional talents, the forging of the industrial chain, and the encouragement of the "going global" of the music industry. This paper believes that the pursuit of spiritual life by humans is endless, the world music industry has shown great market potential and bright growth prospects.

PSICOLOGIA DA RELIGIÃO: VERTENTES DA ESPIRITUALIDADE INTEGRADAS À PSICOLOGIA

The presence of spirituality in the daily life of society is indisputable, even those who say they have no religious affiliation believe in the existence of a God or a superior force that helps to deal with traumas, conflicts and/or decision-making. Psychology comprises a branch of fundamental questions with in-depth discussions about the integrative aspects of the human being. Spiritual questions aim to establish answers to the invisible, in the belief and faith of the community, presenting themselves as a tool for integration in therapeutic management. The study is highly necessary, as it addresses the bio-psycho-social-spiritual being that resides in each man and woman. On the other hand, reaffirm that spirituality cannot be ignored when it is manifested in the therapeutic environment, as the aforementioned manifestation comes from the subjective element of that being.

Phenomenological study: Spiritual life of older adults

Purpose: As getting older, individuals may face various physical, mental, and social challenges that are a natural part of life. In recent times, an increasing number of individuals have been exploring the potential benefits of spirituality in enhancing the overall quality of life and well-being for older adults. Spirituality can take on many forms, including religious beliefs, the pursuit of purpose and significance, and the comprehension of faith, among other areas. This research aims to thoroughly examine and uncover the spiritual practices and beliefs of older adults residing in East Java, Indonesia. Method: This study involved qualitative research using a phenomenological methodology to gather data from ten older adults (60-90 years old) living at home in Malang Raya, Jawa Timur Provinces, Indonesia. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews and observations which were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology. A total of 10 questions were asked in the interviews. Result: After conducting research, it was discovered that the spiritual experiences of older adult Indonesians could be categorized into eight distinct areas, which could be further grouped into two major themes and three minor themes. The two major themes were the recognition of an invisible power during the aging process and the importance of building a strong connection with God. Conclusion: The spiritual life of senior citizens is a significant source of strength and fortitude, providing them with the necessary resilience to face the physical and mental challenges that come with transcendence. It is essential to recognize the transformative nature of a strong spiritual foundation, which can uplift and empower older adults to overcome the difficulties that may arise in the later stages of life.