Spiritual Insight Research Articles

Exploring the Spiritual Synergy: An Analytical Examination of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar’s Bhakti Poetry

Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar are the two most reverential figures in Indian spirituality. This paper aims to explore the philosophical ideas and spiritual insights of the Sant Dhyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram. The Dnyaneshwari and Abhangas remain timeless works with significant relevance in the modern world. At the heart of Dnyaneshwari, lies a profound exploration of the human experience, delving into the complex interplay between the individual and the societal constructs that shape our reality. In the corporate world, people are under tremendous intentional stress due to the pressure of output and expectations, and Sant’s teachings often bring comfort and solace. With his heartfelt Abhangas, Sant Tukaram taught the essence of devotion and spiritual liberation on the basis of social equality and inner purity, which fostered a spiritual revolution in Marathi culture and tradition. Similarly, Sant Dhyaneshwar, with his balanced intellectual candour combined with spiritual fervour, offered a holistic approach to spirituality

Models of Valuing Used by Christian Religious Education Teachers to Enable Secondary School Learners Acquire Social, Spiritual and Moral Insights Secondary Schools in Kenya

This investigation was motivated by the extant evidence which indicates that social, economic and political vices are on the rise in Kenya. For example the Kenya police report indicates that nationally crime among the youths stood at 22% between the years 2004 and 2006 from 08% in the period 1998 to 2003. Kisumu East was among the most hit areas with the crime index at 38% in 2006. In addition to this school dropout stood at 31% whereas HIV and AIDS prevalence stood at 12.5% in the same period. This scenario created a need to examine the mechanisms put in place by the Kenyan society to enhance moral growth of the learner more so in Kisumu East district. The study sought to determine the valuing methods used by the Christian Religious Education (C.R.E) teachers in secondary schools with the view of establishing whether or not, the methods equipped the learners with the ability to use valuing models in societal context. The design of the study was descriptive survey and it was conducted in Kisumu East District of Nyanza Province in the Republic of Kenya. The study population consisted of forty seven schools, forty eight teachers and three thousand two hundred and twenty five form two students. Using stratified sampling technique, fifteen mixed secondary schools, five from each of the three administrative units in the district were randomly selected for the study. A population of three hundred and forty three students determined by use of the Fischer formula and then simple randomly sampled formed the sample. Added to the above sixteen C.R.E teachers within the study schools were sampled purposively for the study. Data was collected as follows: the teachers were observed using a rating scale as they taught C.R.E. Secondly, the learners were given a test to ascertain their affective achievements with regards to value identification in societal context and an in-depth interview was conducted with the teachers. Data was also generated through documents analysis in which the teacher's schemes of work, the syllabus and curriculum guides were scrutinized to determine their adequacy in addressing the learners' value needs. To ensure the usefulness of the instruments in collecting data, they were piloted to ascertain their reliability. They were also critiqued and corrected by the experts from the faculty of Education to determine their face validity. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, means and percentages then presented in form of tables. Information from the interviews and documents was analyzed qualitatively by transcription and organization into categories as per the emergent themes then reported and presented in narrative form. The research revealed that the teachers were not acquainted with the valuing models that are supposed to be used in teaching morals to enable learners to acquire social and spiritual insights in societal context. The research concluded that moral decadence experienced in Kisumu East district is due to teachers' inability to use the right valuing models of teaching values using C.R.E. Due to this, there is an urgent need to review the C.R.E. teaching curriculum guide to emphasize on valuing skills. The findings of this study are useful to the designers of curriculum at Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development, the Quality Assurance and Standards Officers in the Ministry of Education as well as the C.R.E teachers in a secondary school classroom since it contributes to the theory and practice of value education.

ANTI CANCER EFFECT OF THE SIDDHA POLYHERBAL FORMULATION ASWATHY CHOORANAM AGAINST BRCA 1 GENE USING IN SILICO MODEL

India is one among the countries with enormous antiquity of health care practices. Siddha system is the pride of South India with alchemy and enormous spiritual insight in its root. Traditional medicines support primary health care needs of about 70% of Indian population. Cancer is the leading non communicable diseases with high mortality rates in which the abnormal cells divide uncontrollably with a potential to invade other parts of the body. Aswathy chooranam is a polyherbal drug with a potency to cure a wide range of diseases. The constituents are of hot potency and hence can be an effective choice to mitigate Kapha humour which is the main cause for formation of vippuruthi (tumour). The present study is performed in silico to evaluate the anti-cancerous potential of Siddha herbal formulation Aswathy chooranam through inhibition of BRCA 1 genes. Withaferin A, Glycyrrhizin, Gingerenone- A, Piperic acid, Piperine, Grandisin, Myristicin, Picroside I, β-caryophyllene and Vitexin in the formulation are found to have remarkable action against BRCA 1 genes. Compounds such as Withaferin A and Glycyrrhizin are well known for inducing apoptosis of cancer in vitro and in vivo and also in management of post chemotherapy management. Myristicin has potent inhibitory activities on cytokines, chemokines and nitric oxide. Piperine and piperic acid have been reported to have effective chemo preventive activities. The computational analysis shows effective binding against target Breast Cancer gene BRCA1. Hence Aswathy chooranam can be a promising choice for management and treatment of Breast Cancer.

The Integration of Computer Science in the Study of Central Asian Scientific-Spiritual Heritage and Eastern Peripatetic Philosophy

This study examines the integration of computer science into the analysis of Central Asian scientific-spiritual heritage, with a focus on the contributions of Eastern Peripatetic philosophers such as al-Farabi and Ibn Sina during the First Eastern Renaissance (9th-12th centuries). The research highlights how these scholars developed comprehensive philosophical frameworks that bridged the intellectual traditions of the East and West, contributing significantly to the development of European Renaissance thought. By applying contemporary computational methods to the study of these ancient texts, this research aims to enhance our understanding of their philosophical and spiritual insights. The study underscores the relevance of these historical contributions to modern scientific and philosophical discourses, emphasizing the importance of preserving and systematically analyzing this heritage through innovative technological approaches.

An Assessment of Empirical Thinking in Islam

This research explores the intersection between empiricism and Islamic epistemology, focusing on the limitations of sensory perception in capturing reality. Although empiricism plays an important role in Islamic thought, its exclusive reliance on sensory experience limits the understanding of phenomena beyond perception. Through a comparative analysis of Islamic philosophical texts and empirical literature, this study reveals the compatibility of empirical inquiry with metaphysical insights in Islam. By advocating a holistic approach to acquiring knowledge, this research contributes to the broader philosophical discourse, emphasizing the synthesis of empirical methods with spiritual insights for a comprehensive understanding of reality. Highlights : Empirical limitations: Highlighting the constraints of sensory perception in grasping reality. Compatibility of methodologies: Demonstrating the harmony between empirical inquiry and Islamic metaphysical principles. Synthesis of knowledge: Advocating for a holistic approach that integrates empirical methods and spiritual insights for a comprehensive understanding of reality. Keywords: Empiricism, Islamic epistemology, Sensory perception, Metaphysical insights, Holistic approach

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF AL-MAKKI AND AL-GHAZALI ON SPIRITUAL DIMENSION OF RAJA’ (HOPE) APPROACH IN TREATING DRUG ADDICTS

Drug abuse is a global alarming concern that affects the world community, including Malaysia with the significant numbers increasing day by days. Drugs were scientifically proven as a damaging substance to brain functionality, which controls social behaviour, reward systems, and human motivational systems. Drug dependency has impacted severely for individuals and society. However, drug addicts are constantly looking for drugs, knowing the fact that the substances are affecting them for a prolonged period. As a response, drugs have been banned in Islam considering their impact on humanity. Thus, several interventions were initiated as a preventative mechanism to address the issue properly. Several types of approaches have been carried including pharmacological, psychological, and psychodynamic treatments to overcome the problem of drug abuse. Therefore, this study seeks to find an alternative treatment for drug addiction based on the religiosity and spirituality approach of the Islamic dimension. This study also intends to evaluate the differences between Al-Makki's views regarding raja' as compared to al-Ghazali. This study is qualitative in nature and therefore, it depends much on in-depth textual analysis. The data was analytically studied from the relevant works of al-Ghazali and Abu Talib al-Makki and later were compared to develop the concept of raja' as suggested by Islam. The finding shows that both figures have extensively discussed the prevalent concept of raja’ as a salutary employment of hope of the soul. It is also suggested that al-Ghazali' ideas was highly influenced by al-Makki, however, he strategizes the concept in an extensive arrangement. Al-Makki emphasizes raja' or hope as the powerful desire of a human being upon requesting something from Allah. The fundamental elements of hope, especially inner meaning, and inner action, can be regarded as a spiritual model for a drug addict considering these spiritual insights are still applicable in modern Muslim society. Hope is believed to be spiritual motivating factors for them to stop the addiction with the help of medication and support from surrounding. This implies that spirituality dimension is a complimentary to a holistic treatment of most illness especially in dealing with addiction. Thus, is it suggested for a structured models to be made based on the concept of raja’ for future study.

Ulu al-Albab in the Qur'an: Meaning, Characteristics, and Role in Social Change

This study aims to examine the Qur'anic verses that mention "ulū al-albāb." Using a qualitative research design and content analysis, the primary data were sourced from the Qur'an, while secondary data were collected from tafsir texts and scholarly articles. The findings reveal that "ulū al-albāb" possess profound intellectual and spiritual insight, characterized by knowledge, adherence to divine covenants, maintaining family ties, fear of God, patience, prayer, altruism, and repelling evil with good. These attributes distinguish them from ordinary intelligent individuals. "Ulū al-albāb" are well-suited to lead and implement "dakwah" (Islamic propagation), especially in methods requiring deep understanding and strategic implementation. They are expected to serve as agents of social change by occupying significant positions in societal institutions, leveraging their influence to drive positive transformations. This study highlights the importance of integrating textual and contextual approaches in understanding "dakwah" and the critical role of "ulū al-albāb" in Islamic thought and social change.

Divine Brews and Spiritual Insights: Exploring Islamic Preaching through Coffee Culture in Aceh

Divine Brews and Spiritual Insights: Exploring Islamic Preaching through Coffee Culture in Aceh

Religious Dimensions of Confucius’ Teachings on Ren and Li in the Analects

This essay examines whether Confucius aligns more with humanism or religious thought, asserting that his philosophy defies simple classification. It highlights his use of religious motifs, especially the concept of li 禮, which he broadened beyond mere rituals to include societal behaviors, infusing them with a sacred essence. Additionally, this essay delves into Confucius’s notion of de 德, perceived as having an almost magical influence without coercion, closely tied to his ideas on li and governance. This reflects a belief in a universal moral order, challenging the view of Confucius as purely a humanist. The text also explores his nuanced understanding of tian 天, a central yet complex aspect of his philosophy, suggesting a spiritual dimension. Ultimately, this essay advocates for recognizing Confucius not only as a moral guide but as a thinker embodying significant religious or spiritual insights.

Investigating the Health Claims and Regulatory Considerations of Kangen Water: a Comprehensive Analysis with Python and Spiritual Insights

In recent years, Kangen water has emerged as a subject of intense interest due to its purported health benefits attributed to its alkaline nature. Produced via a process known as ionization, Kangen water exhibits a higher pH level compared to regular tap water, purportedly offering numerous health advantages. However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims remains ambiguous and inconclusive. This paper embarks on a thorough exploration of Kangen water, beginning with an elucidation of the electrolysis process fundamental to its creation. Following this, the alleged health benefits are scrutinized against the backdrop of existing scientific literature, delving into studies examining its impact on various health parameters. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the regulatory framework surrounding Kangen water is provided, shedding light on the legal and compliance aspects governing its production, distribution, and marketing. Additionally, pragmatic considerations such as cost-effectiveness, maintenance requirements, and consumer preferences are meticulously examined to offer a holistic perspective on the practical implications of Kangen water consumption. By synthesizing scientific research, regulatory insights, and practical considerations, this paper endeavors to furnish a comprehensive understanding of Kangen water, enabling consumers to make informed decisions regarding its usage while facilitating regulatory agencies in formulating appropriate guidelines to ensure public health and safety.

EXPLORING CONSCIOUSNESS THROUGH THE QUR'AN: A PHILOSOPHICAL INQUIRY

This paper delves into the concept of consciousness as explored through the Qur'an, presenting a comprehensive philosophical inquiry into Islamic perspectives on the mind, self-awareness, and the nature of human understanding. Employing a hermeneutic approach to interpret Qur'anic verses, the study highlights the unique contributions of Islamic thought to the global discourse on consciousness. By juxtaposing Qur'anic teachings with contemporary philosophical and scientific theories of consciousness, this inquiry sheds light on the interplay between divine wisdom and human intellect in understanding the essence of consciousness. The research adopts a multidisciplinary methodology, integrating insights from Islamic theology, philosophy, psychology, and cognitive science to explore the Qur'anic conceptualization of consciousness. The analysis reveals that the Qur'an offers profound insights into the nature of consciousness, emphasizing its multifaceted dimensions, including self-awareness, perception, intentionality, and the soul's journey. Furthermore, the paper discusses the implications of the Qur'anic perspective on consciousness for ethical behavior, personal identity, and the pursuit of knowledge. It argues that the Qur'an advocates for a holistic understanding of consciousness that encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, encouraging a harmonious balance between material and transcendental aspects of human existence. The study concludes that exploring consciousness through the Qur'an enriches the philosophical inquiry into the nature of the mind and provides valuable ethical and spiritual insights. This interdisciplinary exploration contributes to bridging the gap between religious wisdom and contemporary scientific understanding, offering a nuanced perspective on one of human existence's most profound and complex phenomena.

Laughing and humor in ancient Egyptian monasticism

Abstract The goal of this article is to analyze laughter and humor in the Egyptian monastic and ascetic movement in the 4th and 5th centuries with a special focus on solitary and non-humorous laughter. The article argues that laughter and humor were part of a strict emotional regime. It shows that several of the monastic stories include a laughter which is not humorous and where no one else laughed apart from the main character. This laughter was a means to show spiritual excellence and superiority. The other side of the emotional regime was that monastics were scolded for laughing and joking. There is a division between illegitimate laughter caused by humor and frequently connected to eroticism and a legitimate laughter of spiritual insight and authority. The article argues that non-humorous laughter should get more attention in contemporary research.

Shortcuts to God: Large language models trained on religious texts are flooding the Internet, claiming to offer instantaneous spiritual insights. What could go wrong?

Shortcuts to God: Large language models trained on religious texts are flooding the Internet, claiming to offer instantaneous spiritual insights. What could go wrong?

New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for ad hoc human health risk assessment of food and non-food products - Proceedings of a workshop

RIVM convened a workshop on the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) for the ad hoc human health risk assessment of food and non-food products. Central to the workshop were two case studies of marketed products with a potential health concern: the botanical Tabernanthe iboga which is used to facilitate mental or spiritual insight or to (illegally) treat drug addiction and is associated with cardiotoxicity, and dermal creams containing female sex hormones, intended for use by perimenopausal women to reduce menopause symptoms without medical supervision. The workshop participants recognized that data from NAM approaches added valuable information for the ad hoc risk assessment of these products, although the available approaches were inadequate to derive health-based guidance values. Recommendations were provided on how to further enhance and implement NAM approaches in regulatory risk assessment, specifying both scientific and technical aspects as well as stakeholder engagement aspects.

Shanti and Second Birth: S. Radhakrishnan on Literature, Art and Spiritual Values


 Radhakrishnan, as a visionary educationist in his writings, has been a chief votary of the ideal of Gyanam -Vigyanam sahitam, meaning wisdom and the sciences go together. This paper investigates the thoughts of S. Radhakrishnan on how literature and art give a second birth in the spirit through wisdom. He holds that great works of literature and art give a spiritual birth regarded as a second birth in Indian culture. Once born in the vision of the spirit, Buddhi, that is, intelligence, works on the light of spirit, spiritual value or truth, stabilizing the mind, a zone of thoughts and feelings. A stable mind thus becomes divine by spiritual insight and vision. Literary compositions and arts born out of this state lend a person in Shanti tranquillity, a clear and pure mind capable of spiritual vision. Thus, writers and artists create the minds of the people and the nation.

A Stylistic Analysis of Gabriel Okara’s The Call of The River Nun

Gabriel Okara's poem "The Call of the River Nun" is a profound exploration of the intricate relationship between the speaker and the natural world, particularly the river. This study employs a Functional Stylistic approach to dissect the linguistic and thematic nuances embedded within the poem. Through an examination of contextual variations, registers, and communicative functions, this analysis unveils the dynamic evolution of the speaker's connection with the river, culminating in a contemplation of life's transient nature and a quest for spiritual insight. The poem initiates with a direct acknowledgment of the river's call, establishing a context of auditory perception and suggesting a spiritual connection between the speaker and nature. As the poem progresses, the language evolves, reflecting a deepening emotional attachment to the river and a yearning for intimate communion. The poem transitions to a dynamic context, emphasizing the river's role as a driving force in the speaker's journey through life. In the final stanzas, the poem contemplates the passage of time and the approaching culmination of the speaker's journey. The sea-bird call emerges as a metaphor for transition, signifying the impending conclusion of a cycle. The language becomes symbolic and metaphysical, reflecting the speaker's contemplation of life's transient nature and the pursuit of spiritual insight. This Functional Stylistic analysis illuminates the intricate interplay between language, emotion, and the natural world in Okara's evocative poem. It underscores the transformative power of the river's call and the profound existential questions it raises. Ultimately, this study offers a deeper understanding of the poem's thematic concerns and the role of language in conveying those concerns, providing insights into Okara's skillful use of stylistic elements to evoke a spiritual connection with nature.

WISDOM INHERENT IN MYSTICAL PHILOSOPHY: T CRITICAL DISCOURSE ANALYSIS OF SHAMS TABRIZI'S FIRST SIX RULES OF SPIRITUAL LOVE FROM THE FORTY RULES OF LOVE BY ELIF SHAFAK

Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love captures a strong association between the spiritual love and the Sufi’s love. Numerous studies investigated the various phenomenon in the Shafak’s novel, however, no one focused on Shams’ wisdom behind the rules presented. This study aims to explore the wisdom inherent in Mystical Philosophy, through analysing Shams’ first six rules of spiritual love. Using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) method, first six rules of the God’s love are identified as: (1) We see God as a direct reflection of ourselves (2) Heart is the primary source of truth & God (3) There are four levels of insight (4) God is not confined to one place (5) Intellect and love are composed of different materials (6) Do not ever take words, explore meanings through silence. The mirror, fearless & pure heart, compassion, soul, spiritual insight, universal, timeless knowledge, patience and silence are found as the chief components of spiritual love. The study provides the significant information in extracting the desired information and reaching the conclusion. These results are thus helpful in generalizing the outcomes in particular context.

Breastfeeding and transpersonal values

This inquiry explored the impact of breastfeeding on mothers’ transpersonal values. It acknowledged societal obstacles mothers’ experience when attempting to breastfeed and included 12 participants who had a breastfeeding experience that reflects the current recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO), meaning six months of exclusive breastfeeding followed by a combination of breastfeeding and solid foods for at least two years. The study followed an Organic Inquiry design which allowed for the incorporation of elements of feminism and environmental responsibility. Participant stories were collected through semi-structured online interviews, and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. Participants felt that breastfeeding enhanced transpersonal qualities at a personal level and noticed that these gave rise to transformative action at a community level. Six themes were identified: Transpersonal self-concept, spiritual insights, interconnectedness, discernment, alignment with nature and transformative changes. All participants regarded breastfeeding as a transformative experience which contributed to a sense of alignment with the natural world. Participants insights suggest a congruence of transpersonal psychology’s current focus on social engagement and environmental protection and global breastfeeding support efforts carried out by the WHO.

Semantics and functions of the symbol in the prose of realism and modernism

The article attempts to combine the structural and comparative historical methods of symbol research. This is its scientific novelty, since modern symbolology is dominated by studies of a structural and semiotic nature and there is a clear lack of works that address the issue of the symbol's dependence on specific cultural and historical epochs. The author clarifies the concepts of the denoting and denoted symbol in the context of the ideas of linguistic conceptology and narratology, and also explores the problem of the conditionality of the meaning of the symbol and the means of its embodiment in the text by the artistic method and the type of narrative corresponding to it. The article proves that in realist prose the symbolic image is multifunctional. Firstly, it appears as an element of a landscape or interior description. Secondly, it performs a conceptual function, correlating its deep meaning with the main idea of the work. Thirdly, it plays a role in the development of the plot, in particular, it anticipates a significant and often unexpected turn within it. Fourthly, if it functions in the character's speech, it becomes one of the means of characterization, since the ability to perceive, comprehend and experience the symbolic meaning of an image is always evidence of the beginning of the character's spiritual insight. As for the symbolist, in particular ornamental, prose with its characteristic weakening of the plot, the symbol here has a completely different meaning. Firstly, it performs the function of a leitmotif - a figurative characteristic of the character, which is constantly repeated, because it expresses their essence. At the formal level, the function of symbols-leitmotifs is to organize the coherence and integrity of a literary text, which in realistic prose is ensured by the cause-and-effect relationships between the events that organize the plot. The author emphasises that these differences are due to the peculiarities of the worldview on which the respective artistic methods are based.

Hermeutical Analysis on Ibn Arabi's Poems

The purpose of this research was to analyze or interpret Ibn Arabi’s poems on Tarjuman Al-ashwaq. The method used in this research is a qualitative descriptive method with content analysis, by analyzing poems with a hermeneutic approach. This abstract explores the use of hermeneutical analysis in interpreting the poems of Ibn Arabi, a prominent Sufi philosopher and poet. Hermeneutical analysis is a method of interpretation that focuses on the meaning and significance of a text. The poems of Ibn Arabi’s poems have many symbolism and metaphors that are rooted in Islamic mysticism, and hermeneutical analysis provides a framework for understanding the deep spiritual and philosophical themes in his poems. Through this approach, the abstract examines the various layers of meaning in Ibn Arabi's poems, including the spiritual insights they offer, the relationship between the individual and the divine, and the concept of divine love. Overall, this abstract highlights the importance of hermeneutical analysis in unlocking the profound and complex meaning of Ibn Arabi's poems.