Spiritual Discipline Research Articles

The Ten Commandments in Reformed Worship Traditions

This paper examines the role of the Ten Commandments in Christian worship and its influence on believers’ spiritual and ethical formation. Although historically the use of the Commandments in public worship was limited, particularly outside Reformed traditions, they remain a powerful tool for moral reflection and spiritual discipline. By reciting, singing, or creatively incorporating the Commandments into worship, believers are invited to engage in continuous self-reflection and reaffirm their commitment to living according to God’s will. This paper argues that, while not mandatory for every service, the regular use of the Ten Commandments provides essential moral guidance and helps shape the ethical identity of Christians, offering a framework for navigating relationships with God and others in a faithful, disciplined way.

Internalisasi Nilai - Nilai Tasawuf Dalam Pembentukan Sikap Moderasi Beragama

There are three aims of this research, namely to describe the values of Sufism, explain the process of internalizing Sufism and describe the relevance of internalizing Sufism values in forming an attitude of religious moderation in the Thoriqoh Syadziliyah Al Masudiyah Jombang Congregation. The Sufism values taught include Simplicity (Zuhud), Humility (Tawadhu'), Compassion and Kindness (Ihsan), Patience and Perseverance (Sabr), Rejection of Negative Lust (Mujahadah). The process of internalizing Sufism is influenced by supporting factors and challenges in implementation. Supporting factors: Thoriqoh Syadziliyah, which is muktabaroh and famous for its easy practices for the congregation. Challenging/inhibiting factors: Struggle with Ego and Worldly Desires, Maintaining Spiritual Discipline, Negative Environmental Influences. The relevance of internalizing Sufism values in forming attitudes of religious moderation. By practicing the values of Sufism, the thoriqoh congregation will form a high attitude of tolerance. By practicing Sufism, the congregation has openness and inclusiveness (tawas), which encourages religious moderation. With a simple lifestyle and Zuhud, the congregation is not easily provoked into committing terrorism and other intolerance. A balanced lifestyle meets the needs of the world, and Akirat helps to encourage the stability of religious harmony in the surrounding environment

Role of yoga in prevention of obesity (Sthaulyata) a lifestyle disease

: Srotas are the internal transport system of the body which provides assistance for the activites of significant biofactors like tridosh, seven dhatu , the oja etc. Acharya Charak described 13 srotas and Acharya Shushrut described 11 pair of Srotas. Medovahasrotas is mentioned of meda to the destination tissue i.e., the channel which supply nutrition to medodhatu is known as medovaha srotas. Each srotas have their own places of origin known as moolasthana. and are the moolasthana of medovaha srotas mentioned in ayurvedic literatures. Medovaha srotas is vitiated by different Ahar, Vihar like etc these factor cause medo dushti resulting in medovridhi/sthaulyata. WHO defined obesity as a common chronic disorder of excessive body fat. India rank among top 10 obese nations. Obesity is caused from lack of physical activity with increased intake of food. The sedentary habits, lack of exercise and various variety among daily diet. eg., fast food, frozen food, increase amount of soft drinks canned food results in obesity. Yoga is essential a spiritual discipline based on an extremely subtle science which focuses on bringing harmony between body and mind. It plays important role in management of obesity and for effective prevention of progression complication.: The world is looking towards drugless therapies like Yoga and Naturopathy. Both are rapidly growing as the best alternative treatments. Sushruta has also mentioned the drugless therapy and quotes that the diseases may be cured by following proper diet and lifestyle without any medicine. But in the absence of proper diet and lifestyle, even after giving hundreds of medicines, the disease cant be cured. An attempt to evaluate utility of Yoga in the management of overweight and obesity has been made through this study.: The present study is a conceptual study done in P.G. department of Kriya Sharir, State Ayurvedic college and Hospital, lucknow : Life style modification involves altering long term habits, typically for eating or physical activity and maintaining the new behaviour. Yoga and life style modification can be used to treat a range of disease include obesity. Some Yoga and Asanas which are very helpful in reduce weight in obese persons are Trikonasana, Pawanmuktasana, Sarvangasana, Dhanurasana etc.

Development of Islamic Character Education Through The Naqsyabandiyah Qadiriyah Order Among The Sasak Wetu Telu Community

This study aims to analyze the development of Islamic character education through the Naqsyabandiyah Qadiriyah Order among the Sasak Wetu Telu community. As part of the local Islamic tradition, the Wetu Telu community has a unique approach to religious practice and social life. The approach of this order is not only aimed at strengthening spiritual understanding, but also at shaping the moral character of the community through Islamic values, such as honesty, patience, and discipline. The study used a qualitative approach with a field study method involving observation and in-depth interviews with order leaders and the local community. The results of the study indicate that the teachings of the Naqsyabandiyah Qadiriyah Order play a significant role in shaping adaptive Islamic character among the Sasak Wetu Telu such as strengthening Islamic identity, impacts on personal and social life, the role of exemplary tarekat figures, character formation through spiritual discipline, integration of Islam with local culture especially in terms of developing spirituality integrated with local socio-cultural values. These findings confirm that the integration between the order and character education can be a contextual and relevant model of Islamic character development for communities with local Islamic traditions.

STRATEGI PENGINJILAN DALAM MENINGKATKAN MINAT PEMUDA BERIBADAH DI GEREJA KRISTEN KUDUS INDONESIA MUJIZAT TELAGAPUNGGUR

Regarding strategy, it’is always related to obtaining results or achieving goals, therefore it is important to have an evangelism strategy or discipleship service for church growth. The current situation in service activities and youth worship activities at GKKI Mujizat Telaga Punggur is not good and requires more intensive education what researcher have seen so far. This research uses qualitative methods and the informants in this research are five young people who were able to collect data from interviews. The results of the research found youth problems such as low time and spiritual discipline, responsibility in carrying out service tasks and not yet fully structured guidance in groups of young people. The purpose of this research is to describe how the process of this evangelism strategy influences young people's interest in worshiping at GKKI Mujizat Telaga Punggur, because evangelism is very important for church growth. There are lot of obstacles that hinder young people from attending youth worship at church, apart from the lack of availability of things to support the smooth running of worship as well as inadequate human resources. So there are several evangelism strategy efforts that need to be implemented, there are also forms of increasing interest in worship that need to be implemented and whether the impact of the evangelism strategy is in line with the hopes and plans to be achieved. So that we can find out how the implementation or application of the evangelism strategy offered goes according to plan and has an impact on the ministry and even the growth of the youth population.

Building a Universalized Theory for Spiritual Disciplines: Beyond Denomination, Personality, and Socio-Historical Experience

This article addresses the pervasive timidity toward spiritual disciplines foreign to one’s own context for the ultimate purpose of drafting a universalized theory for engagement with spiritual disciplines that transcends socio-historical, denominational, and personality barriers. It is my belief that certain disciplines – such as contemplation, fasting, or secrecy, for example – fluctuate in popularity according to denominational biases, personality differences, and experiential eclipses. This contemporary confusion can be resolved by emphasizing the need for a more universalized, orthopraxical approach toward spiritual practices at both the individual and corporate level. While the body of this paper seeks to deconstruct certain barriers that perpetuate spiritual discipline skepticism – such as sacred-secular dualism, contextual difference, personality variations, “denominational jingoism,” and so on – through the lens of critical theory, its main thrust is toward a universalized theory for engagement with the spiritual disciplines that creates an openness to pursue any spiritual discipline that can enrich transformative encounters with the Triune God at the individual and corporate level.

Spiritual Disciplines in Philosophical Counseling Clinical Education with the Self-Dialogue Seminar

In order to contribute to the discussion of pathological problems that occur in today’s “phase transition phenomenon of relationship,” this article focuses on “self-deception”—an example of a distorted relationship with oneself. It explores ways to overcome such issues through philosophical counseling. The specific measure is the Self-Dialogue seminar, a part of the Philosophical Counseling Clinical Education (PCCE) program. The second Section, therefore, begins with the question “How do we deal with the phenomenon of self-deception (on the part of the counselor or client) that we might actually encounter in philosophical counseling?” and discusses where and how philosophical counseling can intervene in the entire process of self-deception. In preparation for the possibility of encountering different levels of self-deception, the third section examines the contexts of three types of self-deceptions. The fourth section explores the possibility that a client or philosophical counselor can discover and change their own points of deception through the Records of Self-Dialogue seminar. Finally, the article argues that philosophical dialogue, if attained within a community predicated on individual equality and mutuality, can be a valid prescription for self-deception in the modern world.

A Study on the Concept of Stoic-style Spiritual Discipline : Focused on the Dichotomy of Control

A Study on the Concept of Stoic-style Spiritual Discipline : Focused on the Dichotomy of Control

Exploring the Synergy between Yoga and Mindfulness Sport Practices: Enhancing Mental and Physical Well-Being

Yoga, rooted in ancient India, is a holistic practice for harmony and well-being, blending physical, mental, and spiritual disciplines. Evolving over millennia, it promotes health, mental clarity, and spiritual growth. Yoga and sports, seemingly distinct practices, share commonalities that can significantly enhance physical and mental well-being when integrated. This paper examines the synergistic relationship between yoga and sports, highlighting their shared emphasis on physical movement, mental focus, stress reduction, and community building. Both disciplines promote flexibility, strength, and concentration, which are essential for athletic performance and overall health. Additionally, they facilitate stress management and emotional well-being by releasing endorphins and relaxation techniques. Furthermore, yoga and sports foster a sense of belonging and social support, contributing to holistic wellbeing. By integrating yoga into sports training and vice versa, individuals can unlock their full potential, leading to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. Traditional and modern perspectives on yoga and sports are discussed, emphasising their enduring value in promoting holistic wellness. The application of yoga and sports in the education system is explored, highlighting their benefits for student development and well-being. Lastly, strategies for promoting yoga and sports as a healthy culture at national and global levels are proposed, encompassing education, community outreach, public health initiatives, infrastructure development, cultural promotion, professional training, inclusive programming, and research evaluation. By adopting a comprehensive approach, nations can foster a healthy, well-being, and active living culture, benefiting individuals and societies.

Strategies for Fostering Nationalism through Buya Hamka's Sufism Educational Lens in the Digital Era

This study examines how Buya Hamka's Sufism education can foster the spirit of nationalism in the digital era. This study employs the phenomenological hermeneutic and content analysis approaches to extract and analyze Buya Hamka's views on spiritual intelligence and its role in fostering social purity. The findings reveal strategies from Buya Hamka to promote nationalism in the digital age by incorporating Sufism principles and practices into the educational framework. Hamka considers Sufism a unifying force capable of transcending divisions based on ethnicity and region. Sufism provides a common ground for Indonesians of various backgrounds to unite under a shared Islamic identity. Further, he argues the significance of Islam's inner and spiritual dimensions, such as spiritual discipline, as integral components of Islamic education. Education should stress elevating cognitive intelligence and nurture qualities such as compassion, humility, and integrity. In Hamka's view, Islamic education combines traditional Islamic teachings, Sufism principles, and a commitment to developing a strong national character.Contribution: This study provides a new perspective on education promoted by Buya Hamka to shape national identity in the digital era. Hamka insists on character building, cognitive and spiritual intelligence, and building nationalism character in Islamic education.

The process of spiritual transformation to attain Nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah in Islamic psychology

Positive changes or transformations have been the subject of study within spiritual traditions as well as humanistic and transpersonal psychology. The aim of the current study is to understand the process of transformation among Moslems in Indonesia, who follow spiritual practices, to achieve the nafs al-muṭma ínnah [tranquil self]. Ten participants in Yogyakarta province were involved in this study. They were recruited using nafs al-muṭmaʾinnah scale developed by the authors. In-depth interviews of both the participants and their significant others were conducted. To analyse the data, an interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed. Five themes emerged from the data, including deviation from the basis of religious environment, spiritual discipline, transformative experiences, new characters and a continuous process. We conclude that participants experience spiritual-religious transformation and achieve the state of nafs al-muṭma ínnah [tranquil self]. The process of transformation occurs gradually after a sudden experience, and it continuously happens throughout the course of life. Three factors contribute to the transformation, including the role of predisposition, the role of a spiritual guide and the role of spiritual experiences.Contribution: As the study of spiritual-religious transformation is mainly conducted within a Judea-Christian tradition, this study significantly contributes to the literature by providing spiritual-religious transformation from an Islamic-Sufi perspective.

Spiritual Formation

Spiritual disciplines offer a framework for spiritual formation. But there are some disciplines that inform everything else we do as we abide in Christ. They are essential parts of a daily walk with the Lord and the first things we teach new believers.

Developing Spiritual Growth Journal for Pre-service English Teacher

This paper aims to elaborate on the steps of developing a printed spiritual growth journal for pre-service English teachers at the University of Pelita Harapan Teachers College. As a Christian university with a solid vision and mission applying holistic education, it is urgently needed to nurture and develop students’ spirituality and to redeem learning lost due to COVID-19. The first part of Gall et al.’s (2015) research and development model is employed to produce a printed spiritual growth journal that begins with a needs analysis as initial research and information collection with lecturers from the Faculty and Christian religion education study program participated in it. The printed journal is designed to be used in nine weeks with four points to be filled and reflected to help the pre-service English teachers evaluate and understand self, express thoughts and feelings to the Lord, remember God’s work in their life, and record their progress in all spiritual disciplines. This journal is recommended to be used not only for the new students but also for the existing ones, with feedback from the lecturer. For future research, it is suggested to replicate and modify it for 1st-year novice English teachers in their reciprocation as a means for professional development.

Revising the guide for reflective practice: problems and readiness

ABSTRACT This article provides a revision, further clarification, and minor updates to the published Guide for Reflective Practice (GRP). As an executive editor for a journal that uses the GRP as an author guide, I recognize the need to continually modify and update the guide to keep it relevant. First, based upon recent published work on reflective orientation, a reflective readiness section was added. Next, through coaching faculty on its use, I have noticed the need to provide greater clarity on how to identify, define, and articulate problems of practice, so further clarification is provided on this section of the GRP. Lastly, minor updates to the guide since its last publication are provided. Recommendations for future research include creating ancillary material to explain difficult concepts in the working ideas, evaluation of ideas, and decision sections; additional research on reflective readiness, such as examining the role of practical and spiritual disciplines in enhancing the attitudes for reflection; and developing a Dewey-based model for reflective practice as a research method.

Psychological Type and the life of faith

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTITM) is widely used in Christian churches as an aid to deeper understanding of one’s own personality and that of one’s fellow believers. It is also presented as a guide to those practices that will be most helpful in developing a Christian’s spiritual life and discipleship. The article examines and critiques the latter notion, concluding that it is unwise to displace and ignore tried-and-tested classical spiritual disciplines on the grounds of incompatibility with one’s personality. Instead, knowing one’s Personality Type should help identify the spiritual disciplines that are attractive and congenial and also those equally important but less congenial disciplines, which may well require determined effort.

From Understanding to Embodying: Moving Beyond Teaching for Understanding of the Spiritual Disciplines Through Using Psychological Theories of Motivation and Behavior

Spiritual formation is the Spirit-directed process of forming pupils of Jesus into His image. Willard (2002; 2005) and Wright (2012) provide effective guidance for the spiritual growth process and place spiritual disciplines at the heart of change. Porter (2023) expresses the need for followers of Jesus to embody the spiritual disciplines and for those communicating about the process to do so in actionable ways. The current paper takes up this call by presenting psychological theories of motivation and behavior that can be seen in Jesus’ teaching of the spiritual disciplines in the Sermon on the Mount and that Christian leaders and teachers should use when teaching the disciplines to increase the likelihood that their students will embody the practices. Initial empirical support for using the Reasoned Action Approach when teaching meditation is highlighted. The paper concludes with practical suggestions for using both theories when teaching and communicating about the spiritual disciplines.

Embracing Psychology for Theology: The Role of Developmental Theories in Christian Spiritual Formation

Spiritual formation is a critical component in faith development toward Christlikeness. When the Christians are no longer growing, they are actively dying. Therefore, various efforts need to be made to help Christians grow. However, many spiritual formation efforts are still segregated, fragmented, or isolated from other discourses. This approach tends to focus only on the spiritual dimension and ignores that an individual has complex dimensions that cannot be separated from one another. To realize a more holistic spiritual formation, this article explores some developmental psychological theories to find approaches that might help to nurture the faith of believers holistically. The research method employed for this research is descriptive qualitative. Data collection was done by library research on various developmental theories from various developmentalists. From the results of the investigation, the author found different insights to realize more effective spiritual formation, namely by involving the community as a social context, taking into account every human dimension, giving space to the process, accommodating the nature of spiritual growth as multi-faceted and multi-directional, and presenting various experiences in the process of forming spiritual disciplines.

Biblical Courtship and Spiritual Entities: An Exegesis of Philippians 2:3-4

The relationship between biblical courtship and spiritual entities is multifaceted and interconnected. In Christian courtship, this means being mindful of the other person's needs and desires and working together to build a relationship that is centered on mutual respect and support. The focus of this paper is to analyze Philippians 2:3-4 and examine the relationship between biblical courtship and spiritual entities. This research uses a descriptive method. Data collection in this research as primary data uses document analysis and also supported by secondary data from previous research. Data analysis process is through classifications, interpretation, compare the data, and analyze the context and meaning. The result found exegesis of Philippians 2:3-4 provides valuable guidance for Christian courtship by embracing humility, selflessness and spiritual practices to cultivate the qualities necessary for a healthy and loving relationship with another person. Biblical courtship would prioritize empathy, compassion, communication, practicing forgiveness, seeking to understand and meet the needs of one's partner. Spiritual entities provide guidance and tools for individuals to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and their partners by cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with God and prioritizing spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study and worship. By incorporating these practices and principles into courtship, couples can build a strong foundation for a lifelong, Christ-centered relationship. In conclusion, biblical courtship should be grounded in a biblical worldview with individuals seeking to align their values and priorities with those of Christ.

Pursuit of Spiritual Happiness: Abu Hamid al-Ghazali on The Theory of Human Nature

This article explores the philosophical and spiritual perspectives of Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, focusing on his views on the nature of humanity, the spiritual and material aspects of existence, and the pursuit of happiness. Al-Ghazali's philosophy is deeply rooted in Islamic thought and draws upon the Quranic and Prophetic teachings. Al-Ghazali posits that humans are composed of both a physical, ephemeral dimension (the material aspect) and an intellectual-transcendental dimension (the spiritual aspect). The article delves into al-Ghazali's classification of existence into two realms: the realm of decrees ('ālam al-amr) and the realm of creation ('ālam al-khalq). Human beings, according to al-Ghazali, embody both of these realms, with their physicality falling under the realm of creation and their spirituality under the realm of decree. Al-Ghazali introduces various terms to describe the spiritual entity within humans, such as al-‘aql (intellect), al-nafs (soul), al-qalb (heart), and al-rūh (spirit). He argues that while the body is material and earthly, the spirit is divine in origin and immortal. The soul, as God's creation, reflects this governance by ruling over the body without being located in any specific physical part. It emphasizes that the spirit belongs to the realm of Divine decrees, making it distinct from material entities. Al-Ghazali identifies different qualities within the human spirit, ranging from animalistic to angelic. He argues that the angelic quality, associated with the worship of God and the pursuit of Divine Beauty, represents the true essence of humanity. To attain happiness, individuals must purify themselves from worldly desires and base instincts. The article underscores the importance of knowledge in al-Ghazali's philosophy, with knowledge being derived from God and serving as the criterion that separates humans from other creations. Knowledge enables individuals to understand their purpose, responsibilities, and the path to happiness. The article explores al-Ghazali's perspective on happiness, highlighting his belief that it is primarily a spiritual and intellectual state. It emphasizes the significance of attaining knowledge of God for true happiness, as well as the importance of spiritual discipline and self-purification.

Anthropology as spiritual discipline

AbstractThis essay invites us to understand ethnography not only as a science‐like comparative enterprise but also as a spiritual discipline. This is because ethnography enables us to imagine other ways of living in the world. The fieldwork, the writing, and even the reading of ethnographies provide people with some external perspective on themselves. Ethnography thus allows people to develop a more a nuanced sense of what, for them, should constitute the good.