Spiritual Interpretation Research Articles

Critique of Spiritual Concepts in Transpersonal Psychology and Their Interrelation with The Qur’ān

Spirituality holds a significant position within transpersonal psychology, where it is deemed crucial for individual development and psychological well-being. This research conducts a critical analysis of spiritual concepts within transpersonal psychology vis-à-vis the teachings of the Al-Qur'ān. The primary aim of this research is to delineate the similarities and disparities in the understanding of spirituality between transpersonal psychology and Qur’ānic concept of spirituality through an in-depth examination of literature and theoretical perspectives. The outcomes of this study are intended to highlight the importance of comprehending the multifaceted and diverse interpretations of spirituality across various contexts. In addition, a content analysis approach will be employed in this study, in which the gathered data will be meticulously screened. This research finds out that transpersonal psychology places spirituality as a central theme in its studies. In transpersonal psychology, spirituality refers more to human aspirations for a meaningful life and as a source of human qualities. In other words, spirituality in the transpersonal psychology conception focuses more on aspects of human spirituality without touching on broader spiritual dimensions as taught in religions. While Qur’ānic concept of spirituality encompasses more than just their inner attributes that are connected to transcendental objects; it also includes their spirit's essence and existence, which has a unique purpose that transcends their physical function, reason, and soul.

Meaning Making and the Significance of Nang Kwak in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the demand for spiritual merchandise has surged, with a notable increase in the trade of foreign enchanted items, including those of Nang Kwak, the Thai female spirit or deity associated with wealth and prosperity. Despite seeming out of place in local culture and conflicting with the state’s anti-superstition stance, Nang Kwak is widely traded in Vietnam. This article explores the political economy of Thai enchanted items in Vietnam, focusing on how Nang Kwak’s meanings are perceived and negotiated. It identifies three key frameworks used by sellers to align Nang Kwak with local beliefs: Buddhism, female spirits, and the God of Wealth. The article also discusses how unequal exchanges between buyers and sellers influence Nang Kwak’s spiritual interpretation and highlights how cyberspace serves as a platform for negotiating its perceived superstition.

Materialism in Chawaka's Philosophy

Materialism is the name given to the metaphysical doctrine which holds that matter is the only reality. The doctrine tries to explain mind and consciousness as the products of matter. In general outlook materialism represents the tendency that seeks to reduce the higher to the lower or explain the higher phenomena in the light of the lower ones. In this respect it is opposed to spiritual interpretations of the universe. Though materialism in some form or the other has always been present in India, and occasional references are found in the Vedas, the Buddhistic literature, the Epics as well as in the later philosophical works, we do not find any systematic work on materialism, nor any organised school of followers as other philosophical schools possess. But almost every work of other school’s state for refutation, the materialistic views. Our knowledge of Indian materialism is chiefly based on these. Charvaka was even originally a common description name given to a materialist either because he preaches the doctrine of eat, drink and be merry.1 Some writers again regard Brhaspati as the founder of materialism.

"Locating Meister Eckhart's Interpretation in Indonesia": A Dialogue between Modern Biblical Interpretation and Spiritual Interpretation of Ecclesiastes 10:5-7

This article presents a compelling case for the transformative potential of Meister Eckhart's spiritual interpretation in the context of Indonesian biblical studies. It sets out to accomplish two primary objectives. First, the article conducts a thorough analysis of Eckhart's distinct spiritual interpretation, positioning it in dialogue with contemporary biblical methodologies. Second, it leverages Hans Georg Gadamer's concept of 'fusion of horizons' alongside Paul Ricoeur's 'phenomenological interpretation' framework to appropriate Eckhart's insights in the Indonesian context. Methodologically, the article examines Eccl 10:5-7 through the lens of modern biblical interpretative approaches including historical-critical and literary-critical perspectives. It then contrasts these with Eckhart's spiritual interpretation via a dialogical analysis. The culmination of this study is the application of Eckhart's interpretive strategies to Indonesian biblical interpretation, guided by the theoretical underpinnings of Gadamer and Ricoeur. The ultimate goal is to enrich Indonesian biblical studies, emphasising spiritual formation grounded in Eckhart's teachings.

Coping with cancer pain: a qualitative study to explore pain perception and self-coping strategies of patients with cancer in Sri Lanka

Pain is one of the most debilitating symptoms of cancer, substantially diminishing one’s quality of life. The level of pain experienced is eventually determined by the pain coping strategies adopted...

Community beliefs and practices about diabetes and their implications for the prevention and management of diabetes in Southeast Ghana

BackgroundDiabetes is a major public health issue, and over half a billion people are estimated to be living with diabetes, with 6.7 million deaths reported in 2021. The global diabetes burden has been recognised and included in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to achieve a zero increase in diabetes cases and reduce one-third of premature diabetes deaths by 2030. However, local beliefs about the causes of diabetes have affected its prevention and management. This study examined community beliefs and practices about diabetes and how they affect the prevention and management of diabetes in the community.MethodsThis study was carried out in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region of Ghana. We conducted 33 in-depth interviews with 18 patients with diabetes, 5 carers (caretakers of patients with diabetes), 3 traditional healers, 2 religious leaders, 3 community elders, and 2 assembly members who were purposefully selected from urban and rural areas across the municipality. The interviews were recorded digitally and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was applied to analyse the data using QRS NVivo 20.ResultsDiabetes was described locally as sukli dɔ (sugar disease), which affects humans. Diabetes is believed to be caused by spiritual forces (juju, bewitchment, and punishment from gods) and physical factors (unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, eating fruits and vegetables sprayed with pesticides and insecticides, sugary and starchy foods, smoking, and abuse of alcohol). In terms of the management of diabetes, participants said traditional remedies are performed for spiritual interpretation, deliverance, fortification, and cleansing before biomedical and physical remedies are sought. Diabetes was likened to HIV/AIDS, and the sufferers were described as bringing the condition upon themselves as a result of their bad deeds. They were stigmatised, coupled with delays at the hospital, and poverty has also affected the prevention and management of diabetes.ConclusionThe local belief that diabetes is caused by spiritual forces, likened to HIV/AIDS, delays at hospitals, and poverty, has affected the prevention and management of diabetes. Incorporating local beliefs and practices into the intervention design using culturally sensitive health education programmes and improving social determinants of health may help improve the prevention and management of diabetes in communities.

Protestant Hermeneutics and the Persistence of Moral Meanings in Early Modern Natural Histories

Abstract Peter Harrison explains the disappearance of symbolic meanings of animals from seventeenth-century works in natural history through what he calls the “literalist mentality of the reformers.” By contrast, the present article argues in favor of a different understanding of the connection between hermeneutics and Protestant natural history. Martin Luther, Philipp Melanchthon, Johannes Brenz, Johannes Oecolampadius, and Jean Calvin continued to assign moral meanings to natural particulars, and moral interpretations can still be found in the writings of Protestant naturalists such as Conrad Gesner, Caspar Heldelinus, Jeremias Wilde, Thomas Penny, and Thomas Moffett. If there are differences between Protestant and Catholic interpretations of animals, then these differences derive from the reformer’s greater insistence on providing textual support for assigning symbolic meanings, their resulting greater reluctance in assigning prophetic meanings to animals, and their elimination of spiritual interpretations of animals that are in tension with central tenets of Protestant theology. These differences in hermeneutics and theology may explain some of the divergences between the symbolic interpretations of animals proposed by Protestant natural historians and their Catholic colleague, Ulisse Aldrovandi.

Eating for Eternity: The Social Dimensions of Gregory of Nyssa’s Interpretation of the Petition for Daily Bread

Abstract Gregory of Nyssa’s interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer’s request for daily bread is difficult to place in the history of the petition’s exegesis. Early interpreters—among them Tertullian, Cyprian, Origen, Cyril of Jerusalem, Ambrose, Augustine, and Peter Chrysologus—stressed what is often called, in Henri de Lubac’s phrase, a “spiritual interpretation” of the bread as knowledge, the Eucharist, or Christian doctrine. The majority of modern commentators, in contrast, understand the petition to ask for material food. Gregory, however, troubles simple contrasts between ancient and modern and spiritual and material interpretation. In his fourth homily on the dominical prayer, he draws upon Origen’s exegesis, interpretating the bread within a metaphysical framework distinguishing between the perceptible and intelligible, but Gregory understands the bread to be material bread and the necessity of eating to be central to the human creature’s imitation of the impassible and immaterial God. Even more unique than this departure from the spiritual interpretation of the bread is Gregory’s argument that luxury and excess—eating more than the minimum required by the body—are practices not only bad for the soul but harmful and unjust to one’s neighbors. This article takes both these dynamics in turn: first, putting Gregory’s interpretation in relief by comparing it not only to the spiritual interpretation of bread by Origen but also the materialist interpretations offered by Chrysostom and Theodore; and second, bringing to light Gregory’s remarkable deployment of a perceptible/intelligible ontology to argue for the purpose of material sustenance and its importance for a just society.

Digitisasi arsip dan doktrin religius pada komunitas Kristen Mormon

Introduction. This research examines two questions: first, what is the relationship between archive digitalization and religious doctrines within the Mormon Christian Community? Second, how do these implications affect the interpretation of archival spirituality? The Mormon Christian Community has developed archival institutions as one of the early organizational units and established the world's largest digital genealogical archive site. This site is open and accessible to anyone. However, studies on the connection between archive digitalization and Mormon religious doctrines are still relatively scarce. Data Collection Methods. The research used a qualitative method based on archival research and was conducted in Indonesia from July to October 2022. Data Analysis. The researchers used technical data analysis techniques such as selection, reduction, categorization, and conceptualization. Results and Discussion. The familysearch.org site is a digital genealogical archive portal developed by the Mormon Christian Community. This portal evidences that archival spirituality within this community encompasses the comprehensive management of archives legitimized and oriented toward religious doctrines. Conclusion. Archive digitalization is a part of sacred practices. In this context, archival spirituality occurs as archive management receives legitimacy and orientation from religious doctrines. Therefore, religious communities can advance archive digitalization by employing religious doctrines as a basis.

Finnish Palliative Care Nurses' and Physicians' Perceptions of Spirituality and Spiritual Care Related to Their Attitudes toward End-of-Life Care.

Spiritual care constitutes an indispensable aspect of palliative care (PC). Health care professionals encounter challenges when addressing spiritual care at the end of life. Developing appropriate attitudes toward end-of-life care can facilitate the acquisition of competencies needed for effective delivery of spiritual care. To explore the perceptions of spiritual care and attitudes toward end-of-life care among PC professionals. The Finnish version of the "Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale" (SSCRS-FIN) and a newly developed "Attitudes toward End-of-Life Issues" (AEOLI) questionnaire were validated and utilized. Both questionnaires were distributed to PC professionals involved in PC through an online survey. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. The newly derived factors were subsequently examined for their associations with age, gender, profession, affiliation with a religious community, personal interpretation of spirituality, and years of professional experience. A total of 204 participants took part in the study (163 nurses, 19 nursing students, and 22 physicians). Exploratory factor analysis demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency, as indicated by Cronbach's alpha coefficients, for the five factors of SSCRS-FIN: "Spirituality" (0.733), "Existential" (0.614), "Spiritual Needs" (0.599), "Passive Spiritual Care" (0.750), and "Active Spiritual Care" (0.665); and for the seven factors of AEOLI: "Anxiety" (0.823), "Discussion" (0.924), "End-of-Life" (0.573), "Education" (0.692), "Medically Induced Death" (0.859), "Suffering" (0.671), and "Knowledge" (0.444). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated satisfactory fit values for both questionnaires. Significant positive correlations were observed between end-of-life care and the factors "Existential," "Spiritual Needs," and spiritual care factors, whereas an inverse correlation was found among "Anxiety," "Medically Induced Death," and all factors of SSCRS-FIN. Valid and reliable questionnaires for assessing spiritual care (SSCRS-FIN) and attitudes toward end-of-life care (AEOLI) were developed. Attitudes toward end-of-life care were positively correlated with perceptions of spiritual care.

Who are “the least?” Ἐλάχιστος (Mt 25:31-46) – a hermeneutical reconsideration

The present paper deals with the interpretation of one of the Matthean texts that still raises problems to modern exegesis, namely the one relating to the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46), and this because of a term – ἐλάχιστος (v. 40) – translated with “the least”. The question to which the author tries an answer is: “Who are the little ones?” The approach of the work is not so much one of an exegetical nature, but it is of a hermeneutical nature. Beyond the difficulties that modern exegesis seems to have failed to overcome, the real challenge is the spiritual interpretation of this text, an interpretation which depends very much on identifying those who are “the least”. This work attempts to harmonize the textual exegesis with the patristic interpretation, having the stated purpose of applying this text to the spiritual life, both relating to the person and community.

Pattern Analysis of the Relationship Profile of Students’ Curiosity and Internalization-Interconnection of Qur’an and Science

This study aims to analyze the profile of curiosity and the pattern of linkages of students' curiosity at all levels of Madrasah Ponorogo to the internalization-interconnection of science material with Qur'anic values. This research employed qualitative research with a naturalistic design. The sampling technique was carried out by purposive sampling of seven people spread across every level of education. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation. Then the data was analysed through descriptive quantitative and qualitative. The results of the research on the curiosity profile of students at each level tend to be associated with events in the observed surroundings, develop according to experience and age, can internalize-interconnect the context of natural events with verses of the Qur'an when they have reached the stage of exploring (adventures) and the pattern of linkages between students' curiosity towards the internalization-interconnection of science material with Quranic values creates the ability for Spiritual-Scientific Accommodation due to stimulation in the form of incentives, attention, scientific dogma, and spiritual interpretation.

How the Gospel of Truth Depicts Paul’s Secret Teaching: A Study in Second-Century Reception History

AbstractThis article shows that the Gospel of Truth (NHC I, 3), dense with allusions to sources now in the New Testament, most often explored for its resonances with Johannine literature, also offers significant evidence for second-century reception of Paul’s letters, while highlighting poetic images often overlooked. Correlating the language and literary structure of such Pauline passages as 1 Cor 1–6 with the opening of the Gospel of Truth shows that the latter implicitly claims to reveal the secret and primordial “wisdom of God” that Paul declares he teaches only orally to initiates (1 Cor 2:6–7). Thus, this text exemplifies a kind of “heretical” reading that heresiologists like Irenaeus deplore, when, for example, he cites this very passage to complain that “each of (the heretics) declares that this ‘wisdom’ is whatever he invents (fictionem videlicet), so that sometimes they claim that the truth is in Valentinus, or in Marcion, or in someone else …” (Haer. 3.2.1). Furthermore, this research suggests that the Gospel of Truth, narrating primordial creation, followed by a dramatic account of Christ’s incarnation and redemption, claims to offer, as the “true gospel,” a spiritual interpretation that far transcends the brief kerygmatic version set forth in 1 Cor 15:1–3. Finally, I suggest, investigating the Gospel of Truth’s interpretation of Paul’s teaching (which here includes echoes of Ephesians and Colossians) invites us to recognize elements of Paul’s letters most often overlooked. For, from patristic times to the present, exegetes who accept Irenaeus’s insistence that Paul had no secret teaching have dismissed the apostle’s emphatic claim that he did. Furthermore, those focused on dogmatic and ethical themes in Paul’s letters often miss poetic and mythological language at play in sources like the Gospel of Truth.

The Dimensions of Spirituality Inventory

The Dimensions of Spirituality Inventory (DSI) is a 50-item quantitative assessment of spirituality. Whereas “spirituality” has seemed to some to be too vague for research purposes, the DSI follows earlier qualitative research in showing that usage of the word points to an intelligible conceptual structure. Instead of defining spirituality and then operationalizing it, as most extant instruments do, the DSI defines and operationalizes 21 relatively uncontroversial elemental components of spirituality, so the overall interpretation of spirituality can only emerge after factor analysis. Just as an alphabet flexibly expresses words and sentences, so the 21 DSI dimensions permit the discovery of latent constructs corresponding to cultural packages of spirituality at the present time. The DSI avoids culturally parochial formulations of items, thanks to intense multidisciplinary engagement among social scientists, scholars of religion, and psychologists of religion, and thus is suitable for cross-cultural application. This paper reports on a study based on a participant pool recruited for ExploringMyReligion.org , in part from Prolific (N = 820, after culling unreliable responses). The DSI is interpreted and validated in relation to several other relevant measures, and the factor analysis is strongly resonant with prior qualitative studies. The psychometric properties of the DSI make it usable as an overall spirituality scale as well as a sensitive inventory of types and configurations of spirituality.

Концепция человека и его духовности в современных нейронаучных исследованиях: философский анализ

The article is devoted to a critical review of a qualitatively new project of human understanding, which has been developed in modern scientific interdisciplinary research. The latter refers to neuroscience research that affects not only neurophysiology, but also claims to revolutionize the philosophical understanding of human nature and spirituality. This revolution concerns, first of all, the interpretation of spirituality as a special subjective reality, as well as the solution of the so-called "hard mind problem" ("complex problem of consciousness"). The author turns to the analysis of the concept of spirituality, which is interpreted in the context of neuroscientific research on subjective reality. Spirituality in these studies is identified with subjective reality. In the neurosciences, spirituality as a sphere of human existence, aimed at transcendental values, is replaced by subjective reality, which ultimately comes down to the activity of brain neurons. The author gives a critical assessment of this interpretation of spirituality. A special place in understanding the subjective reality of neuroscience is assigned to the problem of consciousness. The author analyzes the solution of the "complex problem of consciousness" from the standpoint of modern neuroscience. In this regard, special attention is paid to the concept of neuropsychoanalysis by Mark Solms. The author considers the concept of Marx Solms as one of the many reductionist projects that exist in modern science, reducing human nature to biological and neurophysiological processes occurring in the brain. The author points out that such reductionism leads not only to a rethinking of human nature, but also to a new vector in the development of modern philosophical anthropology – as a secondary doctrine of man that complements neuroscience.

Beyond Mind– Body Dualism: Pluralistic Concepts of the Soul in Mongolian Shamanistic Traditions

Soul belief is a universal of human culture and belief in multiple souls is common, especially in pre-modern traditions. This essay illustrates how a three-folded structure appears in the soul concepts of Mongolian shamanistic traditions. The reported accounts of the three souls among various Mongolian ethnic groups are somewhat divergent — especially in their consciousness-related attributes — which may reflect the cultural bias of data collectors, inconsistencies between data providers, and the evolution of these concepts due to historical events, socio-economic changes, and external cultural influences. Despite these confounding effects, the soul concept of Mongolian shamanism is similar in its pluralism to the beliefs of many other cultures. Mongolian Indigenous concepts and their descriptions reveal key elements of consciousness. Although these soul concepts evoke spiritual interpretations, they nevertheless reflect aspects of an innately-disposed mindset which extends conceptualizations of consciousness beyond mind-body dualism.

A Sufistic Interpretation in Letto’s Songs: Exploring the Relationship between Humans and God through Religious, Philosophical, and Spiritual Elements

This research describes the Sufism and spiritual interpretation of several Letto Songs. This research uses descriptive qualitative. The analysis shows that religious meanings may be detected in the lyrics of Letto's song entitled “Sebelum Cahaya, Sandaran Hati, Ruang Rindu, Permintaan Hati, Lubang di Hati, Dalam Duka, Sebenarnya Cinta, Jalan Yang Hilang”. Overall, the religious sentiments contained in the Letto band's songs demonstrate that the words in Letto's songs may be utilized as reflection material or guidance for the general audience to better comprehend the religion. The meaning of Letto's song lyrics penetrates deep and sublime love, they make up the lyrics as if they were only conveyed to humans. Letto’s songs usually also tell stories about spirituality or contain religious values that are very strong in their song. If we understand Letto's songs, we must go through two understandings of text and non-text (meaning hidden behind the depths of words). If we only understand it from a textual point of view, we will only find Letto's songs are just love songs between a pair of humans. However, if we dissect the non-textual side, we will find a Sufistic understanding that songs are a reflection of the animosity between man and his Beloved; Lord. If we are more careful and absorb the lyrics of some of Letto's songs, we will surely feel as if we are being transported to a situation wherein in that space there are only us and God. In the Sufi world, the lyrics and stanzas of a song are a form of expression of love for God the Creator.

Vinoba Bhave's Views on Education

Education is one of the essential aspects of human life. Education is the most effective way to teach people the value of quality work, speak out against demarcation, and practice good habits. Education research is conducted in many areas, including psychology, philosophy, curriculum, and organization. Educational philosophy is the study of the foundations of education and the pros and cons of various educational plans. A survey of this type helps direct to the outcomes of any educational thought. As a result, the field of educational philosophy is as important as that of statistical methodology. Vinoba Bhave has experimented with various facets of education and formulated his concept in this matter. His points of view are unique and thought-provoking, and they cover a broader and deeper range of education from the social, ethical, economic, and spiritual perspectives. He attempted to codify Mahatma Gandhi ji’s educational ideas. His independent and scholarly education thinking has resulted in the spiritual interpretation of Nai Talim's principles and programs, the teaching of various subjects, the teacher-pupil relationship, and the uplift of villages. Vinoba's contribution is the magical touch to the analysis and the formulation of educational programs, which can be claimed to be independent of his master’s. This paper aims to show the interpretation of the educational ideas of Vinoba Bhave in the contemporary world.

Интерпретация духовности в китайской философии

The article attempts to analyze the problem of spirituality in the works of Chinese authors. The authors emphasize that in the studies of Chinese philosophers, ethnographers, historians, the problem of spirituality is presented in two aspects. Chinese authors explain spirituality as a spiritual culture that determines the degree of human spiritual activity in the study of Chinese culture. This explains the following fact. Chinese philosophers view Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism as the spiritual activities of the great sages. We see a different attitude towards the concept of spirituality when they interpret Russian Orthodoxy in China and its role in the formation of Russian culture. In the first case, we are talking about the role of the Orthodox Church in China directly. Therefore, Chinese authors focus on Orthodoxy as a liturgical activity in the context of their research. When they analyze the role of the Orthodox faith in Russian culture, they write about it as a factor that shapes the Russian character and mentality. An analysis of the works of Chinese authors led to the following conclusion. The interpretation of spirituality in the works of Chinese authors is presented as a spiritual social activity. The article presents the works of Chinese philosophers who have not been addressed in Russian studies.

Stvaralaštvo žena kompozitora u srpskoj muzici 20. veka u opštem muzičkom obrazovanju

The Curriculum for Music Education in primary and high schools includes Serbian music in the 20th century, both modern and postmodern, as a teaching topic. The opus of the composers such as Ludmila Frajt, Ljubica Marić, and Isidora Žebeljan has left an indelible mark on Serbian music and has become part of the world's musical heritage. However, their creative work is not adequately represented in the teaching practice of primary and secondary schools, nor in the Curriculum that prescribes and suggests the selection of compositions for singing and listening. A special emphasis is placed on their individual and unique music style, the preservation and interpretation of Serbian folklore heritage and spirituality in their creative work, as well as on the educational and pedagogical potential of their work within the framework of general music education. The representation of the work of these artists in teaching practice, teacher training for practical implementation of these teaching topics, teachers' attitudes and motivation - all these elements are the subject of the qualitative research presented in this paper. The research was conducted by means of an online survey of seventeen music education teachers, i.e., members of the Association of Music Education Teachers of Serbia, using the digital tool Google Forms. The paper will provide a summative and descriptive presentation of the results of the survey consisting of a total of twenty-one questions. Considering the artistic, educational, and pedagogical significance of the composers' work, the authors of the paper have articulated paradigmatic methodological guidelines for teaching this topic, within the framework of educational standards and the Curriculum for Music Education, with a focus on the development of competencies and targeted outcomes.