Spiritual Meaning Research Articles

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

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

The Application of Dhikr Spiritual Therapy to Reduce Signs of Risk of Violent Behavior in the Mawar Room at dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat Hospital

The risk of violent behavior is a condition when an individual will endanger the safety of himself, others, family, community, because of his aggressive behavior. Spiritual dhikr therapy is a therapy that can help reduce signs and symptoms of the risk of violent behavior because when patients listen to reading the Al-Qur’an it can reduce stress hormones, increase feelings of relaxation and divert attention from fear, anxiety and tension. This study aims to apply how to apply spiritual dhikr killing treatment therapy in patients at risk of violent behavior. The method employed is through a case study research design using 5 nursing processes. The patients accept the implementation of nursing strategies to cotrol violent behavior using physical, drug, verbal and spiritual means. Interventions for clients with a risk of violent behavior are adjusted to violent behavior implementation strategies (SP) and then receive additional non-pharmacological therapy in the form of spiritual dhikr therapy at each meeting. Spiritual dhikr therapy is carried out for 10 consscutive days, each meeting consisting of 5 sessions with reading tahlil, tasbih, tahmid, takbir, istighfar. Each session reads the dhikr sentence 33 times wtithin 5 minutes. Before giving dhikr, spiritual therapy there were 9 signs of violent behavior, whereas after giving therapy for 10 days there was a decrease to 2 signs of violent behavior. Spiritual dhikr therapy can reduce signs and symptoms of violent behavior because dhikr can purify the heart and soul, be grateful for what Allah has given, make the body healthy, and prevent oneself from the dangers of lust. Nursing strategies (controlling violent behavior physically, drugs, verbally and spiritually and spiritual dhikr intervention can effectively reduce signs of violent behavior. This can reduce stress hormones, increase feelings of relaxation and distraction of fear, anxiety.

The Method of Scriptural Interpretation according to Origen

The practice of interpreting Scripture by the Church Fathers has become a precious legacy and has significantly contributed to the development of current methods of interpreting Scripture. One of the figures in this context is Origen. This paper explores Origen’s method of scriptural interpretation through observation of his homily on the figure and story of Rahab (Jos 2:1–24) contained in his Homilies on Joshua. The research method used is a literature study. Based on the analysis of his homily on Rahab, it was found that Origen intensely used allegory as a method to convey profound spiritual meaning in interpreting Scripture. In addition, he also combined allegorical with other methods such as typological, Scriptura scripturae interpres, Christological, and ecclesiological. The findings can make significant contributions for Christians today. First, by interpreting the physical violence in the story of Rahab as ‘spiritual violence’, Christians are invited to counteract and prevent the misuse of violent texts in Scripture as motivation and justification for committing wrongdoing. Secondly, by placing Rahab as a symbol of divine love and mercy, Origen shows that all people can belong to the family of God through faith in Jesus, repentance, and good deeds.

Betel Eating Culture on Periodontal Health Batak Karo Women

The culture of eating betel has become a strong tradition in Batak Karo society, especially among women. This tradition is not only an ordinary habit, but also has important social, spiritual and identity meaning. However, on the other hand, the ingredients used in eating betel, such as betel leaves, areca nut, lime, and tobacco, are known to have potential risks to oral health, especially periodontal health. This study aims to explore the relationship between betel eating culture and periodontal health status in Batak Karo women. A literature study was carried out to look for previous research and review the results of previous research. The research results show that the practice of eating betel has a very important cultural value in the lives of the Batak Karo people, especially as a symbol of social status, respect and beauty for women. However, it was found that the majority of Karo Batak women experienced poor periodontal conditions, such as gingivitis, periodontitis and premature tooth loss.

Rhetorical use of Sobolo (Hibiscus drink) as Yesu Mogya (Blood of Jesus) for Holistic Healing in Contemporary Ghanaian Christianity: A Critical Analysis from the Perspective of Biblical Theology and Christian Ethics

This article sought to survey the rhetorical use of Sobolo (hibiscus drink) as Yesu Mogya (the blood of Jesus) for holistic healing in contemporary Ghanaian Christianity. From the perspective of Biblical Theology and Christian Ethics, it argued that the phenomenon of using plant products and symbolic objects for miraculous healing is both explicitly and implicitly rooted in the Bible. Contrary to the dispensationalist perspective with its emphasis on the cessation of miraculous healing in some Western contexts and within scholarship, the continuous relevance of miraculous healing in Ghanaian Christianity is not much debated in the ecclesial context. It is, therefore, maintained that the use of symbols such as Sobolo for healing creates opportunities for the wholistic needs of the members of the church to be met. These needs are claimed to be fulfilled by spiritual means. From a Christian ethical perspective, this paper, however, cautions that sobolo as a miraculous drink in the Ghanaian Christian context should not be used as an exclusive means of physical well-being and development of society. It is further argued that the cyclical use of sobolo as a healing juice for all and diverse kinds of miraculous healings needs to be questioned in the light of biblical theology. Keywords: Wholistic Healing, Worldview, Biblical theology, Christian Ethics, Sobolo

Perayaan 1 Muharram: Sejarah, Tradisi, Dan Makna Dalam Konteks Islam

This article discusses the celebration of 1 Muharram, which marks the Hijri New Year in the Islamic calendar. In celebrating or commemorating the Islamic New Year 1446 Hijri, some people commemorate it with various activities such as a torch parade around the village. In Wates village, there are many traditions and customs in commemorating this special day. The purpose of this celebration is a spiritual form that is still attached to the local community. This research covers the history of the beginning of the celebration, traditions that developed in various parts of the world to those that developed in Indonesia, especially in Wates Village, Batang, as well as the spiritual and social meaning of the day for Muslims. The research method includes literature study and qualitative data analysis from primary and secondary sources. From this explanation, it can be seen how attached the tradition and culture in the local community will be to the presence of the Islamic New Year.

Origen and Jerome as Exegetes of the Parables from the Gospel of St. Matthew - Elements in Common and Differences

The article is an attempt to examine the degree of dependency of Jerome’s exegesis of the parables from the Gospel of St. Matthew on the exegesis of the same texts by Origen. The primary sources are Jerome’s Commentary on the Gospel of St. Matthew written in 398 AD, when he was already an enemy of the Alexandrian, and Origen’s Commentary on the same Gospel. A detailed comparative analysis of the exegesis of the selected parables led to the following conclusions. The differences between the approaches of both authors are limited to three issues: (1) Jerome’s interpretations reflect the spirit of the post-Nicene period, marked by Trinitarian disputes; (2) The Stridonian dissociates himself from all associations with Origen’s dubious theological suggestions, such as the pre-existence of souls or apocatastasis, which can be noticed concealed in the exegesis of the Alexandrian; (3) Jerome’s comments are short and concisely convey the main spiritual meaning of the parables in question, but this difference in the length of comments is quite secondary. Despite the above differences the reliance of the Stridonian on the Alexandrian is significant. Jerome’s elaborations are very similar to those of Origen in terms of exegetic methodology and spiritual content extracted from the text of the Gospel. Even if Jerome does not accept all the solutions proposed by the Alexandrian, he is in constant dialogue with him and remains in his work an Origenist dependent on the allegorical orientation of exegesis.

Symbolic Meaning of Kecak Dance Performance in Balinese Culture

This research discusses the meaning and significance or semiotic theory of Balinese culture, focusing on a dance called the Kecak Dance. Researchers used descriptive qualitative methods using a semiotic theory approach from Osgood, C. E. Focus on meaning. Mouton. The sources for this research are several journals, videos and local residents. The collection technique in this research is the reading and note taking technique. The results of this research show that (1) There is a spiritual meaning in every Kecak dance movement. (2) There is a meaning that can be called a communication to Sang Hyang or God Almighty. (3) There is a meaning regarding the form of balance like diversity.

Pendampingan Thaharah Tata Cara Mensucikan Najis Kepada Anak LKSA Darul Aitam Muslimat NU

Thaharah assistance is an important practice in Islam related to the procedure of purifying uncleanness. Najis in this context refers to substances or objects that are considered unholy according to Islamic law. The process of purifying uncleanness involves certain steps that must be followed with care and cleanliness. thaharah assistance to the students can ensure that this procedure is carried out correctly by religious teachings. This study discusses various aspects of thaharah mentoring, including important stages in the process of cleansing unclean such as using clean water, staying away from contamination, and ensuring purity in the end. In addition, efforts to understand the philosophy and spiritual meaning behind this ordinance are also the main focus of this research. This study uses the PAR method or Participatory Action Research. Participatory Action Research is a research model that seeks something that connects the research process with the process of social change. Data was collected through direct observation and in-depth interviews with students and thaharah practitioners. The results of the study show that thaharah assistance is not just a physical process, but also has a deep psychological and spiritual dimension for the students.

In Search of Beauty Formula

The main category of aesthetics — beauty is the focus of the study. Our epoch is a revision of some spiritual meanings both in the sphere of human life and in science and art. The aim of this paper is to derive a universal formula of beauty through the image of Venus on the basis of a comparative analysis of works of classical art, art of postmodernity, as well as to determine the possibilities of modern neural networks. Art of the 21st century is multifaceted, neuro-art is another of its aspects, artificial intelligence and Man of Art compete here. Neural network is a program built on the principle of organisation and functioning of nerve cells of a living organism. The neural network was tasked to represent the modern ideal of beauty in the image of Venus, similar to the way painters of previous epochs acted. Can modern neural networks create? Create spiritual values? Create beauty in art? In total, more than a thousand images were generated according to our requests, which allows us to draw certain conclusions about the representation of the image of Venus by artificial intelligence. An attempt to derive a formula of beauty for each period of art development and to find a universal one is presented. The modern understanding of beauty has absorbed all historical paradigms, but on a qualitative, essential level. Beauty is a subjective sensual perception of the appearance of an object that is capable of evoking positive emotions. It is not the beauty itself that is important, but the feeling of beauty. Beauty is the dominant value of being, which contains a harmonious combination of absolute values, what makes a person a Personality.

Leadership, spirituality and empowerment: examining the experiences of women of color in fortune 500 companies

PurposeThis paper investigates the meaning of spirituality and empowerment from the perspective of women of color (WOC) in Fortune 500 companies how it impacts their leadership.Design/methodology/approachDetailed data were collected through in depth semi-structured interviews documenting their experience as lived in the context of their daily work environments. Twelve WOC in leadership positions were interviewed, and transcripts analyzed using thematic analysis. Their narratives provide insight into the experiences of discrimination and bias and the stress and disenfranchisement that result from these experiences.FindingsAnalysis shows that for these women, spirituality was more than a philosophical orientation but comprised a core facet of their identity, empowering them to cope with adversity and uplift others through a leadership style defined by compassion, trust, strong interpersonal relationships and purpose.Practical implicationsImplications for creating more compassionate and inclusive environments that draw on principles of empowerment and spiritual leadership are provided.Originality/valueThis study contributes uniquely to the literature by exploring the perspectives of understudied women leaders who identify as African American, South-Asian and Latina on spirituality and empowerment and their impact on their leadership.

Impact of Income, Gender and Age of the Tourist on Spiritual Tourism in Varanasi

Varanasi is the oldest city of the world. It is also known as Kashi. It is famous for spiritual tourism for all religions. Hindus visit here to see the temple of Lord Shiva and Ganga Aarti, Buddhist visit here for the Sarnath. This study highlights the impact of income, gender and age of tourists on spiritual tourism in Varanasi. Spirituality means belief and religion has been since and in future will be one of the major factors for tourism. Using the correct stimuli called spirituality the tourism industry can excel. The search for spirituality has always been and will remain a major motivator for tourist for exploring religious and spiritual destination. There were the main objective of this study to analyze the impact of income, gender and age of tourist on spiritual tourism in Varanasi. There were three hypothesis were formulated. 50 respondents were selected for data collection. In analysis part correlation test has been used. All three null hypotheses were rejected and all three alternative hypotheses were accepted. Therefore we can say that there is a strong impact of income, gender and age of tourist on spiritual tourism in Varanasi. This study will further help to others researchers who can do research on this topic with different variables and timeframe.

The associations of spirituality and Hispanic ethnicity with neuroendocrine biomarkers among patients with colorectal cancer

ObjectiveDealing with cancer evokes not only physical and emotional distress, but may also promote resilience through spirituality. Patients with cancer are vulnerable to neuroendocrine dysregulation. This longitudinal observational study examined the degree to which spirituality was associated with neuroendocrine biomarkers and the moderating role of Hispanic ethnicity. MethodsParticipants were adults who were recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer (n = 81, 55 years old, 66% male, 63% Hispanic, 72% advanced cancer, 7 months post-diagnosis). The domains of spirituality (faith, meaning, and peace) and ethnicity (Hispanic vs. non-Hispanic) were self-reported. Cortisol and alpha amylase (sAA) were assayed from saliva samples collected at waking and bedtime on seven consecutive days. Mean levels at waking and bedtime, and diurnal slopes over seven days were calculated. Age and cancer stage were covariates. Results: Overall, patients reported moderate to high levels of spirituality. General linear modeling revealed that greater faith was associated with higher levels of sAA at waking and bedtime as well as more blunted diurnal pattern of sAA only among Hispanic patients (p ≤ .045). Greater peace was associated with steeper diurnal pattern of sAA, regardless of ethnicity (B = 0.021, p = .005). Meaning and cortisol were not significantly associated with study variables. ConclusionsFindings indicate that presence of peace facing a cancer diagnosis associated with neuroendocrine regulation, whereas drawing on one's faith, particularly among Hispanic patients, associated with neuroendocrine dysregulation during the first months after the diagnosis. Further investigations of psychobiobehavioral moderators and mediators for healthy neuroendocrine functioning among patients with cancer are warranted.

NATION’S RESURGENT CULTURE THROUGH THE LESSONS OF ‘RAMAYANA’

People are focusing more of their time and energy on achieving economic freedom, probably as a result of commercialization and other so-called development agendas. We are on the verge of giving up all of our ethics and principles in the rush to make large profits quickly. Ancient epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana have the unwavering power to change people's computerised lives in the present era. Our appearance never deviates from our objectives since our lives are centred around achieving our unique aspirations. We need the guidance of such great individuals as Lord Ram or Lord Krishna in this situation. Objective: The study is to seek how to restore the resurgence of our rich culture through the lessons of Ramayana. Methods and Materials: The information is gathered from secondary sources of ancient Indian knowledge, including texts like the Ramayan, articles, websites, and online journals published over time. Result and Discussion: In addition to discussing the meaning of life, ‘The Ramayana’ is regarded by the Indian populace as a traditional and sacred text that imparts knowledge, wisdom, and the spiritual meaning of life. However, this tale offers numerous life lessons that apply to a range of circumstances and are suitable for everyone. Findings: One of the oldest books in Bharatiya history, the Ramayana is significant regardless of age, social status, sex, or level of income. Its significance has been acknowledged in many contexts and disciplines, such as politics, history, morality, and otherworldliness. Conclusion: The entire family can enjoy and learn a lot about their roles from the epic Ramayana. With stronger ties between families and society as a whole, the Ramayana can assist us in reestablishing those multigenerational family values.

The Moral Shock of the War in Ukraine and the Mobilization of World Resources in the Light of the Philosophy of Mind

The relevance of the article lies in the need to study the moral side of war and the mobilization of world resources in the context of educational philosophy. In the context of metaphysics, war has an anti-materialistic, spiritual meaning and is "a certain test for the nation", which can be a manifestation of artificial intelligence. It is during war that society fights for the highest principles of civilization, not for the state or its ambitious aspirations. Both war and heroic experience can awaken deep forces connected to the foundations of race. On the contrary, materialists, especially Marxists, saw the cause of wars solely in social-class inequality and the antagonistic confrontation "between labor and capital." At the same time, war in society is not just a phenomenon of armed struggle guided by politics, a way of achieving one's goals with the use of armed violence. It is followed by a change in the course of numerous social processes and the involvement of economic, ideological and other forces of society in the struggle. War tests the economic and organizational strength of every nation. Therefore, it is important to understand the war as provoking a moral shock in Ukraine and mobilizing world resources in the light of the philosophy of reason. Its impact on social development is associated with a significant disruption and change in the usual functions and nature of the existence of elements of this or that social organization.

The importance of time – surveying spiritual meaning and growth during the COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantine

ABSTRACT This study presents the results of two surveys based on the conceptual design and research framework as proposed by De Beer (2021). The empirical study analyses the data of the survey to determine factors that influenced people’s spiritual experiences during the 2020–2021 pandemic, in order to contribute to the identification of factors that influence people’s experience of spirituality in challenging times. A total of 227 adults, aged 18–81 from different countries participated in the study. The data were analysed and tested for predicting factors through the calculation and comparison of median values and an ordinal logistic regression. The study concludes with recommendations for spiritual workers, healthcare workers, faith communities, and religious leaders to assist people with their spiritual journey in times of crisis. The novel contribution of this study is that it made use of the opportunity provided by the COVID-19-pandemic to learn more about people’s spiritual experiences in unprecedented times as an important factor in people’s well-being.

TRACING THE ETHEREAL: EXPLORING AESTHETIC HERITAGE AND CULTURAL IDENTITY IN HISTORIC GARDENS - A CASE STUDY OF SHALIMAR GARDEN

Mughal gardens are a prominent figure in the history of landscape architecture, serving as a symbol of artistic talent and horticultural genius. The Mughal gardens thrived throughout the Mughal Empire's rule in South Asia, and this dissertation investigates the profound philosophy that underpinned its design planting methods. The study explores the sociocultural factors that influenced Mughal gardening practices within the historical framework of that period. This study makes use of both primary and secondary sources to illuminate the main components of Mughal Garden design, including the widespread use of geometric patterns, water features, and the blending of architecture and landscape. A strong link between the gardens and the Mughal worldview is shown when the research additionally looks at the spiritual and metaphorical meanings connected to the fauna and plants selected for these gardens. Additionally, the study focuses on the cultivation practices used by Mughal horticulturists, showcasing their creative approaches to attaining a harmonic fusion of form and function. Mughal gardens are renowned for their overall visual effect, mostly due to the careful selection and placement of their flora. This dissertation tries to uncover the underlying plantation philosophy of Mughal gardens through a thorough investigation of historical records and garden ruins, highlighting the complex interactions between art, culture, and environment throughout this era. Modern landscape designers and hobbyists may take inspiration from the Mughal approach to horticulture and apply its timeless wisdom to contemporary gardening techniques by comprehending the fundamental ideas that guided the building of these gardens.

RESTRAINING INFLUENCE OF MIND WITH BHAKTI YOGA PHILOSOPHY BY GNANESHWARI GEETA

This is a matter of experience which saints have taken and explained in scriptures written by them. Combination of Karma, Gyan and Bhakti Yoga explains attaining one-pointedness of mind. In this series of restraining influence of mind Gnaneshwar Maharaj in his Gyaneshwari Geeta, commentary on Bhagwat Geeta, explains with his verses. Gnaneshwari Geeta has verses for improving mental health. Gnaneshwari Geeta educates mind and advances the inner processor of aspirant to uplift from ill thoughts to universal appreciation. Winning mind is a tedious process. Controlling mind’s fickleness and making it restrained is another difficult task. Though once conquered mind can be conditioned to healthy state and can travel towards the journey of God and Self-Transcendence. Controlling mind’s restlessness three factors which work together are one-pointedness of mind, moderation and regulation in life style and third is balance and harmony in perspective. One-pointedness of mind requires mind to restrained and controlled. Moderation and regulation in life style implies actions must be in measured way and balance and harmony in perspective having a positive and constructive outlook towards actions. These three together make up a healthy mental state. For achieving these three ones need to practice for the same and detaching from the action done. In worldly affairs, one needs concentration and focus. It is not that the qualities needed for worldly success are different from those needed for spiritual progress. Spirituality means nothing but purification of worldly life and concentration or focus is the key to success. Success is hard to come without one-pointedness, focus of mind and strong strengths. The mind should, in fact, go on getting stronger and soul should become stronger as one gets older. In reality it happens exactly opposite. So, attaining one-pointedness of mind is very important to achieve all round success. May it be worldly and spiritual. For that one need to fix the mind in the self and withdrawal from ill thoughts. We may put a stop to worldly activities but the inner wheel or processor continues to revolve all around the world. Just like not putting inputs through outer wheel but output of memories continues. One must be able to stop the inner processor. This processor needs power of self for enlightenment. When thought process starts to process through self-power it is priceless treasure. Saints have shown what a man can achieve even while remaining caged within the body.

From the Socio-Psychological Aspects of Digitalization to the Reflection of the Nature of the Word Phenomenon

In connection with the ongoing processes of social transformation, informatization and digitalization, there is a tendency to increase emotional tension and anxiety in society. Studies of the impact of digitalization on the security of the individual and society, analysis of the positive and negative aspects of digitalization are relevant. Part of the population is afraid of depersonalization, replacing the name with a digital code. Against this background, the search for a philosophical understanding of the word, as well as the name, is actualized in a comparative analysis with a digit and a digital designation, the problem of attention to the word as a spiritual phenomenon and cultural historical value is posed. Thus, the process of digitalization is a complex cultural, historical and socio-psychological phenomenon. At the personal level, the realization of personal freedom and responsibility in choosing worldview values and aspirations contributes to reducing frustration in an era of change, at the social level it is important to maintain the priority of spiritual values and meanings, where the word should remain as the highest ability that distinguishes a person from the world of animals and things.

Youth and Contemporary Cultures: Bible and African Youth’s Engagement with Technology

This research paper examines the intricate relationship between African youth, technology, and the Bible, highlighting the profound impact of contemporary digital cultures on the religious experiences and practices of young people in Africa. In an era characterized by unprecedented advancements in technology and rapid globalization, the intersection of faith and digital innovation emerged as a compelling subject of study. This research investigates the multifaceted ways in which African youth engage with the Bible through various technological mediums, such as smartphones, social media, and digital applications. The paper begins by contextualizing the religious landscape in Africa and the enduring significance of the Bible as a spiritual guide and cultural touchstone for diverse African communities. It then explores the evolving digital habits and preferences of African youth, showcasing the pivotal role of technology in shaping their daily lives. Through an extensive review of the literature, the study reveals how digital platforms have become dynamic spaces for religious expression, community building, and the dissemination of religious knowledge among African youth. Furthermore, the research examines the challenges and opportunities that arise from this intersection of faith and technology, including issues related to authenticity, interpretation, and religious authority. It also sheds light on the potential for digital technologies to bridge geographical and cultural divides, fostering a sense of global interconnectedness among African youth with shared religious beliefs. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of the intricate dynamics between youth, contemporary cultures, the Bible, and technology in Africa. It underscores the need for nuanced perspectives on the impact of digitalization on religious practices and offers insights into how African youth navigate the complexities of faith and technology in their pursuit of spiritual meaning and identity within an evolving globalized world