Spiritual Practices 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.

Spirituality in the Therapy Room

Therapeutic presence brings one’s whole self into the encounter with another in the therapy room. It is a fundamental aspect of the relationship between therapist and client, the cornerstone of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy. Therapeutic presence can be strengthened through spirituality, meditation, mindfulness, or other practices such as the intention to enhance the therapeutic encounter for both client and therapist. Despite its importance, standard experimental techniques cannot readily measure and investigate therapeutic presence. However, reflective narratives can be used to explore the importance of strengthening therapeutic presence. The purpose of this paper is 1) to examine how one’s spiritual orientation offers the possibility to deepen the level of engagement within the therapeutic setting and 2) to illustrate, using reflective narratives, the use of presence and intention grounded in a spiritual orientation. The qualitative methodology of reflective narratives is ideally suited to illustrate the clinical issues presented in this paper. The requirements for reflexive engagement with one’s therapeutic practice and willingness to continually refine oneself outside of the therapy room are discussed. Three vignettes are provided illustrating 1) engaging through therapeutic presence with the client by use of imaginal exposure, 2) the use of intention to deepen connection and facilitate the sacred burial rites in the context of profound loss and trauma, 3) the negative consequences when the therapist is not fully present, 4) letting go of preconceived notions and judgments to be fully present with the client, and 5) using experiences from a spiritual practice throughout the encounters to enhance therapeutic presence. The implications for the practice of therapy are discussed with regard to spirituality, presence and intention as a way of being in the world over and above the discipline required to work as a therapist.

Religious Experience Of Sapta Darma Followers In The Temple Centre Sapta Rengga Yogyakarta City

This research aims to understand the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents through the theoretical perspective of Joachim Wach. Sapta Darma believers are a group of believers who have spiritual views and practices that are 'unique' in Indonesia. In this study, researchers used Joachim Wach's theoretical framework, religious experiences were analyzed through three main components: experience dimensions, expression dimensions, and consequence dimensions. This research uses a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach to explore the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with believers and participant observation of their religious rituals and practices. The results of the research show that the religious experience of Sapta Darma Sanggar Sanggar Candi Sapta Rengga, Yogyakarta City includes religious experiences which are often experienced through prostration, digging and special rituals. The expression dimension is seen in the form of prayers, mantras and symbols used in religious practices. Meanwhile, the consequence dimension includes changes in behavior and outlook on life of Sapta Darma adherents. Analysis based on Joachim Wach's theory reveals that the religious experiences of Sapta Darma adherents not only provide meaning and purpose in their lives but also form a strong spiritual identity. This study provides insight into how religious experiences can be articulated and internalized in local cultural contexts.

Moving money to support social justice movements: A spiritual practice.

Wealth inequality is rising, and millennials will be the future recipients of the largest intergenerational wealth transfer. Meanwhile, there is a need to move more money to support transformative social justice movements. This study examines the impact of spirituality as a motivator for the social justice movement giving among progressive young adult activists with wealth and class privilege, organizing toward the equitable redistribution of wealth, land, and power. Using survey data (n = 560), regressions and mediation models suggest that spiritual motivation was a significant positive predictor of how much participants monetarily gave to social justice movements. While religion did not significantly predict movement giving, indirect effects models showed that spirituality positively mediated the effect of being raised with any religion on movement giving compared to those indicating no religion. Implications are explored for how transformative organizing models draw upon secular spiritual practices in their pursuit of individual and collective change.

Phenomenological study: Spiritual life of older adults

Purpose: As getting older, individuals may face various physical, mental, and social challenges that are a natural part of life. In recent times, an increasing number of individuals have been exploring the potential benefits of spirituality in enhancing the overall quality of life and well-being for older adults. Spirituality can take on many forms, including religious beliefs, the pursuit of purpose and significance, and the comprehension of faith, among other areas. This research aims to thoroughly examine and uncover the spiritual practices and beliefs of older adults residing in East Java, Indonesia. Method: This study involved qualitative research using a phenomenological methodology to gather data from ten older adults (60-90 years old) living at home in Malang Raya, Jawa Timur Provinces, Indonesia. Data was gathered through in-depth interviews and observations which were analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological methodology. A total of 10 questions were asked in the interviews. Result: After conducting research, it was discovered that the spiritual experiences of older adult Indonesians could be categorized into eight distinct areas, which could be further grouped into two major themes and three minor themes. The two major themes were the recognition of an invisible power during the aging process and the importance of building a strong connection with God. Conclusion: The spiritual life of senior citizens is a significant source of strength and fortitude, providing them with the necessary resilience to face the physical and mental challenges that come with transcendence. It is essential to recognize the transformative nature of a strong spiritual foundation, which can uplift and empower older adults to overcome the difficulties that may arise in the later stages of life.

Rhythms of Tradition Explores the Rich Heritage of Folk Music and Dance in Western Odisha

This study explores the rich heritage of folk music and dance in Western Odisha, delving into its cultural, spiritual, and social significance. Western Odisha is home to folk traditions such as Ghumura, Danda, Leela, Dhap, Sankirtan, and Daskathia, all of which reflect the region's deep historical and religious roots. These performances are not merely artistic expressions but serve as vehicles for transmitting cultural knowledge, reinforcing community bonds, and maintaining religious and spiritual practices. Instruments like Ghudka, Sarangi, and Devgunia are integral to these performances, symbolizing identity and tradition. The study reveals that many of these traditions are tied to religious rituals and agricultural cycles, with performances occurring during specific festivals or times of the year. Furthermore, the research highlights the role of these folk traditions in social functions, particularly in promoting community cohesion and facilitating courtship among youth. However, the influence of modernization, coupled with a lack of formal documentation, poses challenges to preserving these traditions. The increasing popularity of classical dance forms like Odissi in the region adds to the cultural transformation. The discussion emphasizes the need for institutional support and more excellent documentation to preserve these folk traditions for future generations. Festivals, workshops, and financial support for folk artists are proposed as potential solutions to safeguard this intangible cultural heritage. In conclusion, while the folk music and dance of Western Odisha continue to thrive, proactive efforts are essential to protect and sustain these traditions in the face of modern challenges.

Workplace Spirituality and Employee Performance: Can it be Moderated?

This research focuses on workplace spirituality and employee performance. This study aims to identify the influence of workplace spirituality on employee performance by moderating employee engagement. This research was conducted using a survey method with government staff respondents in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The sampling technique used purposive sampling which collected 340 questionnaires. The data analysis method uses Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The study results show that workplace spirituality has a positive effect on employee performance. This study found interesting results, namely, employee engagement moderates and strengthens the influence of workplace spirituality in improving employee performance. The implications of this study describe how spirituality in the workplace, strengthened by employee engagement, affects employee performance. The findings of this study instill spiritual beliefs and practices in the workplace as a culture to stimulate employees to achieve performance.

Evaluation of Psychological Symptoms in Terms of Childhood Traumas, Spirituality, and Conflict Tactics in Sheltered Battered Women.

The aim of this study was to evaluate psychological symptoms in terms of childhood traumas, spirituality and conflict styles in women victims of violence staying in women's shelters. Violence against women is a major public health problem. Spiritual values and practices are especially important for women to cope with the negative effects of violence. The study was conducted in women's shelters in two provinces of the Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Türkiye. The sample consisted of 92 women who had been subjected to violence and stayed in a women's shelter for at least 15 days. The data were collected using the "Brief Symptom Inventory", "Conflict Tactic Scale", "Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS)", "Childhood Abuse Experiences Scale Short Form", and "Introductory Information Form" created by the researcher, and the data obtained were evaluated in SPSS 22.0 program. Frequency, percentage, Pearson Product Moment correlation analysis, t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used in the evaluation of the data. In all statistical analyses, p<0.05 was accepted as the significance level. It was found that 64.1% of the women in the study had at least one psychiatric diagnosis and major depression was in the first place (32.2%). According to the mean scores of the Brief Symptom Inventory, the relationships between all subdimensions except the somatization subdimension and the mean scores of the SWBS were found to be inversely significant at p<0.05 significance level. According to the mean scores of the SWBS, the relationships between all subdimensions except the transcendence subdimension and the mean scores of the Conflict Methods Scale were found to be inversely significant at the p<0.05 level of significance. According to the findings obtained from the study, it has been concluded that women should be encouraged to support them in order to be able to cope with the mental problems experienced in the psychiatric sense and to realize their spiritual beliefs and practices.

Indigenous Spirituality, Health, and Well-Being in the Young: Yarns With the Victorian Aboriginal Community.

The extant literature has scant detail about everyday spiritual practices that aid Indigenous young people. This paper systematically explores Indigenous Spirituality, health, and well-being through Elder-governed yarns conducted via Zoom with 44 Aboriginal Elders, Healers, and Senior and Junior people involved in health and well-being of the Victorian Aboriginal community. These yarns were analyzed through an innovative, constructivist, multi-perspectival discursive grounded theory method. Key findings are that Spirituality is crucial for health and well-being, leading to a clear mind and at-peace "center" in a person. Aboriginal spiritual practices reflect the unique characteristics and essential rhythms of Country. Spiritual development is incremental and increases the obligations and responsibilities a person has to community and Country and leads to increased caring for Country. This paper provides rich detail about practical spiritual techniques to aid Indigenous young people and their kinship networks. It has the potential to shape future policy.

Correlation of nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care with spiritual care practices in Indonesia: A cross-sectional survey.

Spiritual care is essential to nursing practice, contributing to holistic patient care. However, the relationship between nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care with their engagement in spiritual care practices remains underexplored, particularly in Indonesia. Understanding this relationship is crucial for enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. This study aimed to examine the correlation between nurses' perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care with their spiritual care practices in Indonesia. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, involving a total of 300 nurses working in healthcare facilities across Indonesia. Data were collected via an online survey conducted from March to May 2024, using validated questionnaires: the Indonesian adaptation of the Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS) and the Nurse Spiritual Care Therapeutic Scale (NSCTS). Spearman Rank Correlation was used to assess the relationship between nurses' perceptions of spirituality and their engagement in spiritual care practices. The study found that nurses held a positive perception of spirituality, with a mean score of 3.85 (SD = 0.41) regarding statements related to spirituality and spiritual care. However, they reported providing spiritual care only occasionally, with an average frequency of 3-6 times over a 72 to 80-hour work period. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.235, p <0.001) of nurses' perception of spirituality and spiritual care with their engagement in spiritual care practices. The study highlights the need for targeted education and training to enhance nurses' competencies in spiritual care practices. Addressing spiritual needs is vital for holistic patient care, and improving nurses' perceptions and practices in this area can significantly benefit patient well-being.

Enhancing Islamic Moderation in Pesantren: The Role of Kiai Exemplary, Curriculum, and Santri Activities

This research aims to examine the strengthening of Islamic moderation through the exemplary role of Kiai, the educational curriculum, and the daily activities of Santri. Through a qualitative approach, the research was conducted on three Pesantren in Bandar Lampung. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation. The analysis follows the procedure of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that Kiai as a role model in strengthening Islamic moderation through various approaches, namely emphasizing Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamâ'ah and participatory leadership; integrating spiritual practices with social engagement; and focusing on a balanced interpretation of the Qur'an by emphasizing justice, knowledge, and discipline. Assalafi al-'Aafiyah's curriculum prioritizes traditional methodology and respects multiple interpretations; Al-Hikmah combines traditional with modern teachings; and Darul Hidayah emphasizes character development and ethics in addition to memorizing the Qur'an. Santri's daily routines reflect different approaches, with Assalafi al-'Aafiyah focusing on a structured schedule of activities and community service, Al-Hikmah integrating formal education with community rituals, and Darul Hidayah prioritizing ethical development. This research calls on policy makers to increase support for strengthening Islamic moderation in pesantren.

Secular Mindfulness as Skilful Means (Upaya-kaushalya)

AbstractThis paper explores a pivotal question raised by a group of Indian Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) trainee teachers from poor, ex-Dalit communities who converted to Buddhism in the mid-1950s. The question—“How is this MBSR meditation different from the meditation we do as Buddhists?”—highlights the perceived differences between traditional Buddhist meditation aimed at enlightenment and secular mindfulness practices designed to alleviate psychological and emotional distress. Adopting a somewhat heuristic approach, using the Buddhist Wheel of Life, the discussion elucidates how MBSR can be viewed as a contemporary skilful means (upaya-kaushalya) designed to alleviate various forms of suffering without religious affiliation. This perspective aligns MBSR with Buddhist compassion principles, addressing tensions about whether contemporary Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBIs) dilute the Buddha’s teachings (Dharma). By positioning MBIs within the broader context of skill-in-means, this paper underscores their role in extending compassion to those who might not seek traditional religious teachings, thus bridging the gap between secular and spiritual practices. This discussion aims to deepen the understanding of MBSR as a legitimate and compassionate extension of Buddhist principles, adapted for contemporary needs.

Organ Symphony "Noёl" by Paul de Maleingreau and the Christian Mystery of Christmas

The purpose of the work is to reveal the poetic-intonational spiritual-symbolic aspects of the organ symphony "Noël" by P. de Malengro in the direction of stylistic and spiritual-philosophical searches of the Franco-Belgian culture of the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Research methodology. An interdisciplinary, genre-stylistic, historical-cultural approach was essential for this work, allowing to explore the factors contributing to the discovery of the spiritual-semantic specificity of the concept of "symphony" in all its variety of meanings. The scientific novelty of the work is determined by the introduction into musicological use of materials from the organ symphony "Noël" by P. de Malengro, the poetics of which was formed at the intersection of the artistic, spiritual and musical traditions of the Northern Renaissance and French modernism. Conclusions. An overview of the use of the term "symphony" in the cultural-historical and spiritual practice of different eras testifies not only to the breadth of its semantic and applied meanings, but also to the presence of general semantic indicators, in accordance with which a symphony ultimately implies a certain integrity in which merge, different numerous components are combined. A symphony as a musical work is an equally complex and comprehensive concept that represents the most diverse "models" of this genre. The organ symphony "Noël" by P. de Malengro represents the typology of the "spiritual symphony". Its expressiveness, related to the biblical mystery of Christmas, is strengthened by the composer's appeal also to the masterpieces of the Northern Renaissance (Rogir van der Weyden and the van Eyck brothers). Symphony "Noël" is a free composition (4 parts) of the suite-variation type, a "symphony-mystery", the thematic basis of which is Gregorian chants, as well as the corresponding principles of their texture and mode-intonation development (monody, heterophony, various forms of polyphonic development, reproduction of the spiritual and vocal practice of discanting of the Notre Dame School). The poetics of such a "symphony-mystery" is significantly supplemented by an appeal to the timbre qualities of the so-called "symphonic organ", the universalism of performance, dynamic and timbre-intonation capabilities of which turned out to be literally correlated with the universalism of the symphony genre as such.

Healthy in ancient and modern times

Background: Health practices have evolved from ancient holistic approaches to modern scientifically driven methods. This comparative study aims to explore the continuity and transformation in healthcare practices from ancient times to the present, highlighting the enduring principles of wellness and the advancements in medical science. Methods and Material: The research employs a comparative analysis of ancient health practices, such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine, against modern health practices influenced by scientific and technological advancements. Sources include archaeological findings, historical texts, and contemporary scientific literature. Results: Ancient health practices emphasized a holistic approach, integrating diet, lifestyle, and spiritual practices to maintain balance and harmony. Modern health practices prioritize evidence-based treatments, technological interventions, and preventive care, leading to significant improvements in health outcomes. Both approaches highlight the importance of preventive measures, personalized care, and a comprehensive understanding of health and well-being. Conclusion: This study reveals that despite the methodological differences, the fundamental objective of fostering health and well-being remains constant across time. Integrating ancient wisdom with modern scientific advancements offers a more holistic approach to health, addressing physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of well-being.

Unveiling Patience: The Intersection of the Qur'an and Hadith in Buya Hamka’s Thought

This article examines the concept of patience in the thought of Buya Hamka, focusing on the integration between the Qur’an and hadith in Tafsir Al-Azhar. As a central theme in Islam, patience is not only understood as a passive reaction to adversity but as an active attitude reflecting spiritual strength and depth of faith. This article identifies how Buya Hamka interprets patience through the bi al-ma’thūr method, using hadith as an explanatory tool to deepen the meaning of patience-related verses. With a qualitative analysis that emphasizes textual study, this article presents evidence that Buya Hamka relates patience to social and individual contexts and creates practical guidance for Muslims in facing the challenges of daily life. Through this approach, the author shows how patience can serve as a tool to achieve emotional balance and mental resilience. The contribution of this study lies in the emphasis on the relevance of Hamka’s tafsir in the modern context, as well as the functionalization of hadith in expressing the profound values of patience. By filling an existing academic gap, this research offers new insights into the relationship between historical Islamic texts and contemporary spiritual practices, making Tafsir Al-Azhar an essential resource in guiding Muslims to understand and apply patience in their lives.

Spirituality in social entrepreneurship: an ethical approach to sustainability

Purpose This study aims to present a sustainability framework that advances the conceptual understanding of the role of spirituality in the context of social entrepreneurship. Design/methodology/approach Through a systematic literature review of spirituality at both the individual and organisational levels, the triple bottom line framework of sustainability, and business ethics, this study offers a sustainability framework for social entrepreneurship. It explains how spirituality at these levels influences various dimensions of social entrepreneurship and helps achieve social, economic, environmental and ethical outcomes. Findings The study proposed that individuals with spiritual practices are more likely to engage in entrepreneurial, social, ethical and environmental orientations, while organisations with spiritual practices are more likely to engage in employee, market and ethical orientations. Spiritual capability can serve as a strategic advantage and contribute to the sustainable development of social enterprises. Originality/value This study makes three significant contributions. First, it presents an emergent framework for integrating spirituality (at both individual and organisational levels) and sustainability within the social entrepreneurship literature, offering implications for both social entrepreneurs and social enterprises. Second, this study proposes incorporating ethics as the fourth dimension of sustainability and argues that spirituality can act as a catalyst for achieving sustainability in social entrepreneurship. Third, this study identifies seven critical dimensions of social entrepreneurship: spiritual capabilities, entrepreneurial orientation, social orientation, environmental orientation, market orientation, ethical orientation and employee orientation, all of which contribute to ethical and sustainable development.

Hope Is Here! Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community by Luther E Smith

<i>Hope Is Here! Spiritual Practices for Pursuing Justice and Beloved Community</i> by Luther E Smith

Staging the Soul: Allegorical Drama as Spiritual Practice in Baroque Italy by Eugenio Refini (review)

Staging the Soul: Allegorical Drama as Spiritual Practice in Baroque Italy by Eugenio Refini (review)

Analisis Nilai-Nilai Spiritual dalam Tradisi Posuo Masyarakat Buton

This research examines spiritual values in the posuo tradition of the Butonese people. The posuo tradition is a traditional ceremony for girls that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood, carried out once in a lifetime. The approach and type of research used is a qualitative approach with library research. Data was obtained through relevant literature, including books, journals, articles, and research reports. The findings show that the posuo tradition contains four main spiritual values based on Notonegoro's theory, namely the values of beauty, truth, goodness, and religiosity. The value of beauty can be seen in traditional clothing and ceremonies, The truth value of implementing customs is by the teachings passed down from generation to generation and still refers to a combination of Islamic teachings and established customary rules., the value of goodness from ethical and moral education, and the value of religiosity from spiritual practices during ceremonies. This tradition not only functions as a means of self-cleaning but also as a medium for education and character formation which is important for Butonese women in living their adult lives.

Effectiveness of Counseling and Sound Therapies, Including Mobile Applications and Quran Therapy, in Managing Subjective Tinnitus: randomized controlled trial study

Introduction: Subjective tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, affects approximately 15% of the global population. Despite its non-life-threatening nature, tinnitus significantly impacts the quality of life, causing distress, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and depression. Objectives: This study assesses the effectiveness of counseling therapy combined with two sound therapy modalities; mobile applications and Quran therapy in managing tinnitus symptoms. Methods: This randomized controlled trial study involved 270 participants with subjective tinnitus, recruited from a medical center and a private audiology clinic in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq. Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving counseling therapy and sound therapy via mobile applications (ReSound Tinnitus Relief and Beltone Tinnitus Calmer), and the other receiving counseling therapy combined with Quran therapy (Quranic recitation in Maqam Al-Bayati style). Tinnitus severity and its impact on quality of life were measured using the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (TPFQ-CK) and the Tinnitus Handicap Questionnaire (THQ-CK) before and six months after the intervention. Results: Both therapy groups showed significant improvements in tinnitus severity and quality of life. The TPFQ-CK total scores decreased from 38.18 to 14.99 in the Quran therapy group and from 38.34 to 17.82 in the mobile application group. The THQ-CK total scores decreased from 43.46 to 22.99 in the Quran therapy group and from 43.74 to 25.25 in the mobile application group. Significant reductions were also observed in tinnitus annoyance and loudness levels. Conclusions: Counseling therapy combined with sound therapy, whether through mobile applications or Quranic recitation, effectively reduces tinnitus severity and improves the quality of life for individuals with subjective tinnitus. Quran therapy, leveraging spiritual and cultural practices, showed a slight edge in effectiveness over mobile applications, suggesting that culturally relevant and accessible sound therapy options can enhance tinnitus management.