Spiritual Activities Research Articles

Revitalizing Javanese Islamic Literature: A Philological and Oral Tradition Study in Coastal Culture

This study explores a spiritual occurrence that flourishes and develops within the framework of Pesantren, a significant aspect of Javanese Islamic tradition. One notable spiritual activity that flourishes in Pesantren is known as Pesantren literature. The term 'Pesantren literature' refers to literary works that originate and develop within the Pesantren environment, encompassing both the physical and spiritual realms. Noteworthy characteristics of Pesantren literature include the following. Pesantren literature is predominantly composed in Arabic and is typically written in Arabic script. At times, Pesantren literature may be composed in the new Javanese language with Arabic-pegon script. It emerged and gained momentum during the 18th century, experiencing rapid development in the 19th century. Pesantren literature encompasses both oral and written traditions. It is often recited during specific ceremonies and occasionally performed as a form of performing art. Pesantren literature exhibits varying degrees of influence from Arabic and Persian literature. In conclusion, Pesantren literature has been a vital spiritual and literary tradition in the Indonesian archipelago, particularly in Java. It has evolved as a unique form of literary expression within the Pesantren environment, encompassing both oral and written traditions. Received: 6 April 2024 / Accepted: 27 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Tasks For Increasing The Effectiveness Of Spiritual and Educational Activities

The article analyzes the role and responsibilities of propagators in increasing the effectiveness of spiritual and educational activities. It discusses the importance of spiritual upbringing, methods and techniques for improving the effectiveness of propagators, as well as their social impact. The research results will be useful in elevating spirituality in society and defining the role of propagators.

The Temporal Continuity: Temple, Theatre and Anthropology

Traditionally, temples have been spaces meant for religious and spiritual activities— meditation, sacrifice, devotion and worship. Historically, temples have been understood as the dwelling spaces of spirits/gods. Therefore, they were natural sites of the community socialisation and exchanges. In Hinduism, temples are designed to bring human beings and gods together in a spiritual destination. Gradually, temples evolved and represented the economy, art, belief, faith and traditions of community or communities. All of these elements of the cosmic world such as good, evil and human are incorporated in temples. Basically, these are for reflecting the powers of unknown forces that are present in nature. These elements of the cosmic world are incorporated in the temples along with the cyclic notion of time. The essence of life was represented symbolically through dharma, kama, artha, moksa and karma, and temples became naturally chosen sites to represent these aspects. However, throughout the ages, temples have undergone transformations. Due to this, temples are historical sites for understanding the historical processes and happenings around the temple structures. As time passed, temples became the surviving examples of temporal continuity. Through this article, an attempt has been made to highlight the temporal continuity around a few temples, cultures and shrines of Rajasthan. The constant—continuity and change—pushed temporality as an essential feature which needs to be highlighted for a fuller understanding of the heterogeneous nature of the Thar Desert and its society.

Spiritual tourism development: a comprehensive synthesis for sustainable destination planning and growth

Purpose This paper aims to explore the dimensions of spiritual tourism development, examine its current status, effectiveness and scope and analyze the knowledge landscape in terms of theories, contexts and research methodologies. The study also seeks to guide future research on spiritual tourism development. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis were used using a framework-based approach. The theories, constructs, characteristics and methods (TCCM) framework guided the SLR, whereas VOS-Viewer facilitated comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Findings The study conducted a quantitative SLR, analyzing 80 research articles published between 2003 and 2023. Using the TCCM framework, the research identified crucial factors influencing the growth of spiritual tourist destinations, such as intrinsic motivation, destination physicality, tourist experience, spiritual activities and host community support. Research limitations/implications This study contributes to theoretical advancement in spiritual tourism, provides insights into the current research landscape, offers practical guidance for stakeholders and serves as a roadmap for future research endeavors. Originality/value This research enhances knowledge by thoroughly assessing prior research, addressing gaps and offering practical managerial insights for spiritual tourism development. The managerial implications outlined in the study offer practical insights for destination planning and promotion in the context of spiritual tourism.

Health behaviour and well-being in the Faroe Islands prior to and during the first COVID-19 lockdown

Abstract Detrimental effects on health and well-being were reported during the COVID-19-induced lockdown periods in several countries, but these associations have not been studied in small-scale island societies. This study aimed to examine the lockdown period’s impact on health behaviour, social media use and measures of well-being in the Faroe Islands. We used cross-sectional data from two extensive population-based surveys of public health conducted in November 2019, the pre-COVID survey (n = 2906), and 4-6 weeks into the first national lockdown, the lockdown survey (n = 1204). A larger proportion of participants in the lockdown vs. pre-COVID survey people reported high physical activity levels (42.1 vs 30.7% p < 0.001), while nutritional habits were rated worse and social media usage increased. Furthermore, the proportion displaying excellent/very good self-rated health was larger in the lockdown vs. pre-COVID survey (68.1 vs 62.0% p < 0.001), and the same pattern was observed for reporting good quality of life (85.7 vs 82.7% p < 0.05). These associations remained statistically significant in a logistic regression model after adjusting for characteristics for which varying impact of the pandemic has been shown. Indicators of health behaviour showed that larger proportions of participants kept active during the lockdown vs pre-COVID survey, and these differences were statistically significant for physical, mental, and spiritual activities (p < 0.001). On the other hand, similar stress levels in the pre-COVID/lockdown periods were observed, but stratified analysis showed that participants with a high-stress level displayed better self-rated health in the lockdown period compared to the pre-COVID period (p = 0.001). Conclusions Findings indicate that self-reported health and quality of life improved during the early phase of the COVID lockdown, and individuals reported higher activity levels associated with good mental health during the COVID-19-induced lockdown period. Key messages • Physical activity improved, but dietary habits worsened during initial COVID-19 lockdown in the Faroe Islands. • Measures of wellbeing and quality of life improved during initial COVID-19 lockdown in the Faroe Islands, while there was no overall difference regarding stress levels.

Raising Spiritual and Educational Work To A New Level In Uzbekistan, Studying The State Of The Socio-Spiritual Environment, and Technologies For Its Improvement

This article analyzes the technologies for elevating spiritual and educational activities in Uzbekistan to a new level, studying and improving the socio-spiritual environment. It examines the composition of the social environment, the spirituality of youth, problems in the education system, and the role of mass media. Methods for solving existing problems through innovative approaches, educational programs, and modern technologies are proposed. The article emphasizes the necessity of joint efforts by the state and the public in enhancing social values and provides practical recommendations aimed at educating future generations.

Psychological autopsies: religious and spiritual factors for suicide in cases and controls.

In recent years, there has been a growing body of evidence supporting the notion that spirituality and religion can improve one's physical and mental health. Studies show that religion and spirituality play a significant role in the suicidal path. Considering the dearth of data on the patterns of suicidal thoughts, acts and related factors in Pakistan, a country with a large Muslim population and stigma with sociocultural perceptions of religious notions, the current study investigated the role of religious and spiritual factors of suicide using psychological autopsies. Purposive sampling was used to gather retrospective data records from police stations and hospital forensic departments in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan, between January 2021 and July 2022. In total, 60 samples (30 cases and 30 controls) were used in this autopsies investigation. As with the majority of case control studies, the study sample cases were matched with the controls. At least two close bereaved family members served as the primary information sources, and data was gathered using the Semi Structured Interview Protocol for Psychological Autopsies. According to statistical analysis, both the suicide cases and the controls were comprised mostly of Muslim individuals. They follow Islam and hold the view that suicide is prohibited, forbidden, and haram in Islam. Regarding spirituality and religion, the majority of cases, according to the respondents interviewed, were not spiritual at all, while the controls are slightly spiritual. While the majority of both cases and controls had reduced interest in or practice of religious activities over the past year, a higher number of cases rarely performed and attended the religious services/activities as compared to controls. It was thus evident that the cases lacked significant engagement in spiritual and religious activities, and their attendance at such gatherings had notably decreased in the year preceding the suicide attempt. This decline in involvement in spiritual and religious practices might be linked to decreased levels of satisfaction, sense of belongingness, which could raise the risk of suicide. Therefore, in nations where Muslims predominate, culturally relevant suicide prevention initiatives including spiritual and religious treatments aimed at reducing the risk of suicide should be considered.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Emotional Reactions, Coping Strategies, and Realizations among Employees in a University

This study was conducted to determine the emotional reactions, coping strategies, and realizations of university employees during the pandemic as a basis for enhancing a mental health program. Descriptive qualitative research design was used in the study. Data were gathered online through an interactive activity called “Kumustahan”. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents felt scared, anxious, and worried about getting infected; sad about their limited mobility; stressed with online classes and technology-related concerns; and depressed about being quarantined and the untimely death of a family member, relative, or friend. Employees’ coping strategies include relaxation like gardening, watching Netflix, and playing cyber games; doing household chores; performing spiritual activities; maintaining an active social life via social media; and minimizing online working hours. Despite the negative emotions, the majority were happy with the “work-from-home” and “online classes” of their children. Employees realized the importance of prayers and family; acceptance of events beyond man’s control; feeling of equality regardless of social status; and the need to adapt to change and follow health protocols. In conclusion, employees experienced both negative and positive emotions and coped through problem-based, emotion-based, and religious-based strategies. By finding positive meaning to the situation, they gained positive insights that helped them sustain sound mental health.

The attitude of the Bashkortostan clergy to spiritual and educational activities

The article examines spiritual and educational activities as one of the conditions for solving the strategic task of protecting traditional spiritual and moral values. Ministers (staff, volunteers) of religious organizations are considered as potential specialists in the field of spiritual and moral education. The Bashkortostan clergy expressed their attitude towards a new type of non-religious activity by taking part in a specially designed survey. The study showed that the clergy of the Republic of Bashkortostan, considering themselves as the carriers of spiritual and religious knowledge, are able to share their experience with parishioners. They are also ready to develop in the younger generation the skills of a religious way of understanding the world. Moreover, they are able to instill the values of religious doctrine, have experience in conducting educational events and reveal high readiness to conduct educational activities. But at the same time they understand that they are able to partially satisfy educational needs and interests in the field of religious cultures. The identified high need of the clergy for mastering spiritual and educational competencies leads the researcher to the conclusion that it is necessary to include a special course in the training of Orthodox and Muslim higher educational institutions, and, moreover, to develop a master’s program in “Spiritual and Moral Education.”

Gli spazi di accoglienza multireligiosa nel sistema universitario italiano

Multi-religious Welcoming Spaces in the Italian University System ABSTRACT: The essay deals with the issue of the spaces Italian universities provide for worship and other spiritual activities. Designating public spaces for religious and spiritual needs is an example of the ongoing adaptation process of institutions to social needs that is marked by ever-increasing religious and cultural pluralism. However, Italian universities have been affected by this phenomenon only in a marginal way so far. This paper, which is based on field research, describes the similarities and differences of the solutions adopted in various Italian institutions of higher education. In her concluding remarks, the Author points out the emergence of the “Islamic Question”. Indeed, the attitude towards Muslim communities by Italian universities is very similar to that of other public administrations. SOMMARIO: 1. Introduzione: pluralismo religioso e identità nella comunità studentesca universitaria italiana - 2. Gli spazi universitari di accoglienza della diversità religiosa - 3. Stanze multireligiose nel sistema universitario italiano: unapreliminare e frastagliata mappatura - 4. L’accoglienza multireligiosa nel sistema universitario: uno specchio delle dinamiche italiane fra Stato e confessioni religiose? Brevi conclusioni.

Sustainable Architecture Implementation of Mosque in Indonesia (Case Study: Mosque Istiqlal, Jakarta)

Abstract In the context of global dynamics influenced by climate change and environmental sustainability awareness, the implementation of sustainable architecture becomes an urgent necessity in infrastructure development. Mosques, as centers of spiritual and social activities, play an undeniable role in responding to and facing these challenges. This research focuses on Mosque Istiqlal in Jakarta, a symbol of religious and national significance in Indonesia. Mosque Istiqlal, as a case study, becomes a crucial representation of efforts to integrate principles of sustainable architecture into religious buildings. To comprehensively analyze and understand the implementation of these principles, this research aims to detail how Istiqlal Mosque creates a functional and environmentally friendly built environment. By delving into the design and construction of Istiqlal Mosque, this study employs a qualitative descriptive method, involving document analysis, field observations, and interviews with architects and stakeholders. The research results are expected to provide profound insights into the positive contributions made by the implementation of sustainable architecture in the context of mosques and serve as a foundation for the development of more sustainable mosques in Indonesia in the future. With a focus on Mosque Istiqlal, this research is anticipated to offer valuable guidance for understanding and promoting sustainability in the spiritual and architectural aspects of religious buildings.

Strengthening The Entrepreneurial Mentality Of Students Through Islamic Religious Education And Ethics At SMK Negeri 4 Malang And SMK PGRI 3 Malang

This research aims to strengthen students' entrepreneurial mentality through Islamic Religious Education and Ethics (PAI-BP) at SMK Negeri 4 Malang and SMK PGRI 3 Malang. Strengthening the entrepreneurial mentality is very important considering the competency demands of vocational school graduates who must be able to compete in the era of digital technology and global competition. This study uses a qualitative approach with a multi-site case study design. Data collection is carried out through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation. The study results show that strengthening the entrepreneurial mentality is carried out by preparing PAI-BP learning tools based on vision, mission, and collaborative projects and developing religious culture and Islamic extracurricular activities. Implementing the entrepreneurship mentality strengthening program includes innovative learning of PAI-BP inside and outside the classroom, spiritual and cultural activities, and collaboration with Islamic extracurricular activities. The conclusion of this study shows that strengthening students' entrepreneurial mentality through PAI-BP positively impacts students' attitudes, skills, and entrepreneurial mentality, including creativity, cooperation, confidence, and independence.

Animating Performances: Prayers and African Popular Pleasures

ABSTRACT This article posits that prayer is one of the popular activities that produce pleasure and animate social life in African societies. Focusing on a genre of prayer called “spiritual warfare” (also called “violent” or “deliverance”) prayers, this article explores how the creativity infused into performing prayer enlivens both the art and the society that witnesses it. While prayer remains a spiritual activity, its social performance requires some aesthetic competence and innovations to be vivacious and pleasurable, retaining its animating quality despite its ubiquity. In a culture where leisure activities can be either lacking or entirely unaffordable, activities like prayer are ways in which society derives its pleasures. The moral authorities that package prayer, whether as commodities, spectacles, or sacred exercise, are all too aware of this aspect of its functions. As prayer is expressed in every aspect of life and does not always require a closed-off space, this article argues that, though a sacred activity, its banalization calls for it to be viewed as more than the “other” of secular performances.

Religious, Practical and Future-Oriented Coping Strategies to End Intimate Partner Violence: An In-Depth Examination of Ultraorthodox Israeli Women’s Narratives

Abstract Purpose Much attention has been devoted to the ways in which women have made sense of, worked through, coped with, and recovered from Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), but the insights of survivors affiliated with religious minorities are scarce. The purpose of this study is to advance understandings and practices concerning the coping experiences of Ultraorthodox women (UJW) survivors of IPV. Using descriptive phenomenological methodology, in-depth semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 Ultraorthodox Israeli women who identified themselves as survivors of IPV. Methods The research design and data analysis were inspired by a phenomenological approach to document, analyze, and understand these women’s subjective experiences on this heretofore under-studied topic. Shenton’s four criteria were assessed to promote the current study’s rigor and trustworthiness. Results Thematic analysis revealed three core themes and seven related sub-themes: (1) Devoting time to spiritual activities (sub-themes: daily prayers and attending Jewish classes); (2) Finding inspiration in a role model (sub-themes: a woman who survived IPV, a well-appreciated rabbi); and, (3) Planning the future (sub-themes: commitment to a new project, helping other women to cope with IPV, and commitment to the future and well-being of their children). Conclusions An integrative synthesis of the findings reveals two distinctive forms of coping: spiritual-based and practical-based coping strategies, that demonstrate the survivors’ multifaceted perceptions and coping narrative with IPV. The strengths and limitations of this study are addressed along with implications for practice and theory.

Mengintegrasikan Praktik Sufi Dalam Pendidikan: Kerangka Strategis Untuk Mengembangkan Karakter Religius Pada Siswa

Religion is the primary foundation for character formation. However, religious values have not yet fully integrated into the students’ psyche. This research explores the development of religious character by integrating Sufi practices in education. The study was conducted at an Islamic boarding school, Aliyah madrasah, in Malang. The findings indicate that integrating Sufi practices into the educational curriculum significantly impacts the development of religious character. The strategy begins with the preparation of a clear vision and mission, an integrated curriculum, and the presence of teacher role models, all of which are crucial for fostering religious character. A conducive environment, regular evaluations, and religious extracurricular programs are also essential. In conclusion, a comprehensive educational process emphasizing responsibility, obedience, regular evaluations, religious extracurricular programs, partnerships with families and communities, and spiritual strengthening activities can effectively enhance students' religiosity.

The creation of artistic / aesthetic values within the choreographic art education

Choreographic art is not only a rich treasure trove of artistic/aesthetic values, but also a process that involves and makes responsible individualities, through its specific means of reflecting the surrounding world. The development of artistic/aesthetic values within the education of choreographic art is closely related to the creation of the artistic image (the work of art) and the assimilation through activities of creative thinking in images and artistic thinking. Artistic thinking largely includes elements and structures of logical thinking that are expressed in compositions, drawings and choreographic techniques. Aesthetics is the product of a spiritual activity, which appeared within individual perception and appreciation. The categories of aesthetics/ beauty, through their invaluable significance, develop not only the creative thinking of the future choreographer, but also form his value/aesthetic orientations, which consequently determine his life position. Beauty represents an aesthetic category of the highest aesthetic value that has the ability to characterize choreographic works from the performance point of view.

What does the Thinking about Relationalism and Humanness in African Philosophy imply for Different Modes of Being Present in the Metaverse?

In this article, I interrogate whether the deployment and development of the Metaverse should take into account African values and modes of knowing to foster the uptake of this hyped technology in Africa. Specifically, I draw on the moral norms arising from the components of communal interactions and humanness in Afro-communitarianism to contend that the deployment of the Metaverse and its development ought to reflect core African moral values to foster its uptake in the region. To adequately align the Metaverse with African core values and thus foster its uptake among Africans, significant technological advancement that makes simulating genuine human experiences possible must occur. Additionally, it would be necessary for the developers and deployers to ensure that higher forms of spiritual activities can be had in the Metaverse to foster its uptake in Africa. Finally, I justify why the preceding points do not necessarily imply that the Metaverse will have a higher moral status than reallife on the moral scale that can be grounded in Afro-communitarianism.

The contribution of Imam Kashfelasrar to the spiritual and moral education of the Tatar diaspora in Northwestern China

The relevance of the presented topic lies in the fact that the activities of the Imam of Ghulja were not the subject of research. Based on the analysis of interviews with representatives of the Tatar diaspora of the Republic of Kazakhstan and memoir-epistolary material, the author examines the life and work of the Tatar Imam Kashflasrar in a foreign language space. The article points out his great contribution to the spiritual and moral education of representatives of the Tatar diaspora of Northwestern China, as well as the historical role of the imam in the process of repatriation of Tatars to the USSR. As a result of the conducted research, it can be concluded that largely due to the spiritual and educational activities of the imam, the Tatar diaspora has not lost its identity, its religion, language and culture, which is an important factor in preserving identity in a foreign-speaking country.

PRINCIPLES OF PREPARING FUTURE TEACHERS FOR SPIRITUAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY

In this article, the principles of spiritual and educational activity are considered as a set of requirements and rules that guide educators in educational institutions, and it is determined by the tasks of educating a well-rounded person, and universal education is correct. based on the doctrine of " and the achievements of scientific and pedagogical education, reflecting its laws, observing these principles, develops the quality indicators of spiritual-educational activity and increases its effectiveness. Based on the existing theories of world and national pedagogy, the principles of preparing future teachers for spiritual and educational activities are classified.

Waldensians: The Unique Way of Life of the Past Centuries

The Waldensians are fundamentally Protestants living in the valleys of the Alps. This group of people could be written about from numerous perspectives, examining various historical periods. The present study undertakes to focus on the main characteristics of the Italian Waldensians during the period from the medieval world to the early modern and modern ages. Although the examined period covers a quite broad span of time, I dared to highlight it; thus, beyond introducing the Waldensian culture, I find their attitude towards life particularly noteworthy. Although this presentation is not deep enough, it can provide sufficient information for those interested in the topic to continue reading about it. Within the marked theme, I would like to discuss the Waldensians’ physical appearance, their dress, their mental, spiritual, and physical activity, their attitude towards learning, problem solving, and their social competencies. Keywords: Waldensians, Protestants, culture, Italian, history