Spiritual Traditions Research Articles

Reimagining Nature in Selected Hawaiian Literature: An Indigenous Ecological Perspective

This study analyzes four selected works of Hawaiian literature, focusing on the refiguration of nature, presenting it as an active and conscious subject. Contrary to Western anthropocentrism, which instrumentalized nature, Hawaiian literature underscores the profound interconnectedness shared between humanity and the more-than-human world. This distinctive environmental imagination permeates the narratives and rejects Western distinctions between the human and non-human realms by intertwining the supernatural and human agency. The reading of selected Hawaiian literature analyzes how nature is positioned as an active subject with its agency, not merely a passive, static setting. Personification in Hawaiian literature primarily focuses on female figures, Pele as the volcano goddess and various ancestral spirits known as ‘aumakua. This critique of anthropocentrism is deeply entrenched in Hawaiian cultural and spiritual traditions, where gods, goddesses, and ‘aumakua personify various elements and forces within the environment. This reimagining invites us to consider a different environmental imagination, recognizing the active agency of the non-human world. In conclusion, this study highlights how the Native Hawaiians ecological discourse seeks to reorient humanity’s relationship with the natural world.

Exploring the Sociocultural Influence of Music Traditions Across Different Cultures

Music, often heralded as the universal language, wields an unparalleled power to bridge gaps, transcend borders, and knit together the mosaic of global cultures. It manifests in a kaleidoscope of forms, each echoing the unique cultural heartbeat of its origin, painting a rich tapestry of human society with its melodious strokes. This paper sets out to explore the enthralling diversity of musical traditions that span the globe, delving into the complex relationship between music, culture, and the fabric of society. From the ethe-real strains of classical Indian ragas, steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition and philosophical depth, to the pulsating beats of African drumming, acting as the vibrant pulse of community life and social gatherings, we uncover the deep-seated influence of music. Music serves not only as a reflection of cultural identity and societal values but also as a pivotal force in shaping them. It mirrors the historical, social, and spiritual narratives of its people, while also acting as a catalyst for social cohesion and identity formation. Through communal singing, dancing, and the shared experience of music-making, it forges strong bonds among individuals, knitting them into a cohesive social fabric. The exploration of music’s varied traditions across the world reveals its role as a cultural lodestar, guiding societies through the currents of time and change. By tracing the intricate interplay of music with cultural and societal dynamics, we gain profound insights into its role as a potent force in shaping the essence of our collective human experience. Music, in its myriad forms, not only entertains but also educates, inspires, and unites, highlighting its indispensable place in the mosaic of human culture. Through this journey across the musical landscapes of the world, we appreciate the universal language of music in all its diversity, understanding its capacity to embody the shared emotions, experiences, and aspirations of humanity.

Japoński synkretyzm wyznaniowy

Syncretism is a conceptual model that signifies the alliance, amalgamation, or combination of the assumptions of different religious, philosophical and cultural systems that are objects of interest in cultural, religious and social studies. Nevertheless, less attention has been paid to this process as an educational phenomenon. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the issues related to Japanese religious syncretism. It comprises the presentation of the main religious currents and spiritual traditions present in contemporary Japanese culture, as well as the idiosyncrasies associated with their peculiarities that carry the potential for informal cross-cultural education. This translates into some peculiar features of the cultural identity of the Japanese with their eclectic and inclusive qualities. In contrast to the negative connotations associated with syncretism in the context of the European cultural milieu and Christian dynamics, Japanese syncretism in this regard has positive connotations because it implies reconciliation between religious traditions and communities that would otherwise be considered as competing with each other. Insights into the nature of religious syncretism in contemporary Japan as a process of heterogeneous fusion of faiths and beliefs (and the resulting traditions, rituals and symbols) present in the public space and sacred architecture, and identified in cultural discourse, will specify the capital for cross-cultural learning and cross-religious tolerance.

Hindu Religious and Philosophical Concept in Context of Globalization and Multiculturalism: “Jivatman”

In the 20th and 21st centuries, active interactions have occurred between representatives of various cultures and traditions. This influences religious and philosophical concepts, including those in India. Modern people wish to learn more about ancient Hindu concepts and values. The concept of the soul plays an important role in the formation of personal and cultural identity. In this article, we focus on the term “jivatman.” Within the framework of Indian culture and philosophy, concepts such as “Atman,” “Paramatman,” “jiva,” and later “jivatman” are integral to the traditional heritage that is preserved and passed down through generations. In the context of philosophical knowledge, it is important to distinguish concepts such as Atman and soul, since they have different meanings in the religious and philosophical traditions of India. Atman is the inner Higher Self, while the soul (jiva) is the bearer of life and is subject to the laws of karma. Some philosophers and researchers identify “jivatman” as a synonym for “jiva,” meaning the soul, while others equate it with the concept “Atman.” Cultural memory plays a key role in preserving this heritage, and the various interpretations of the term “jivatman” can be attributed to the processes of globalization and the politics of multiculturalism. We examined the interpretation of the term “jivatman” in dictionaries, analyzed its use in ancient texts, and considered the opinions of philosophers, neo-Hindu religious leaders, and researchers, including Mircea Eliade, Sri Aurobindo, Srila Prabhupada, and others. The emergence of representatives of the “new Indian mythmaking,” such as Devdutt Pattanaik, also influenced modern Hindu religious and philosophical thought. Analyzing his works, we observe a tendency to conflate the two terms (Atman and jiva) leading to their identification as a single concept. Our research indicates that Devdutt Pattanaik’s analysis often lacks depth and fails to delve into the fundamental essence of Indian philosophy. This tendency towards simplification can lead to a superficial comprehension of the foundational principles and ideas that form the basis of Indian spiritual traditions.

ЗАКОНОДАТЕЛЬСТВО И ДУХОВНО-НРАВСТВЕННАЯ БЕЗОПАСНОСТЬ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ: МЕХАНИЗМЫ СОХРАНЕНИЯ, ЗАЩИТЫ И КОНСТИТУЦИОНАЛИЗАЦИИ

The article is devoted to the consideration of mechanisms for the preservation and protection of traditional spiritual and moral values. The author notes that the adoption of the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation dated 11/19/2022 No. 809 "On Approval of the Foundations of State Policy for the preservation and strengthening of traditional Russian spiritual and moral values" is an important stage in the development of the Russian state and legal system, taking into account its socio-cultural, civilizational background. The emphasis is placed on the fact that the Constitution of the Russian Federation unequivocally prohibits the establishment of a state or mandatory ideology, there are no barriers to the presence of a public ideology in the state. According to the author, it is necessary to consolidate the concept of "traditional spiritual and moral values" in the legislation by making a number of changes to existing normative legal acts. According to the author, the legislation of the Russian Federation should develop along the path of integration of law and morality. A certain set of measures is required to institutionalize state support and protection of traditional spiritual and moral values. To date, there is a legally extremely significant gap in the definition of the concept of "public morality". Ensuring spiritual and moral security and protecting spiritual and moral human rights must be legislatively defined as a priority task of the State. According to the author, the main task of the state today is to preserve the family and the strength of marriage as the basic value of society and the state. The family, as a priority value, should be enshrined in a special federal law, providing this state-forming institution with special guarantees for the realization of the right to a decent existence, cultural and moral security, upbringing and education of children in traditional spiritual traditions.

Music in the Bektashi Order in RN Macedonia: Aspects of Performance

The spiritual tradition of the Turkish population in RN Macedonia is rich and still nurtures some segments of Sufism from the Ottoman period such as the Bektashi dervish order. In the period before the arrival of the Ottomans (around the 13th century), numerous Sufis were active in these territories, which in some way represented a transition point for the conquest and settlement of the Turks. Numerous Bektashi tekkes were built during the Ottoman period, several of which are still active today. Depending on the ethnic composition of the followers, the linguistic dominance of these Sufi structures also changes. The only Bektashi tekke whose members are Turks is the tekke ‘Dikmen Baba’ located in the village Kanatlarci near Prilep. This tekke is one of the few in the Bektashi orders that, despite several divisions in the spiritual leadership, has operated without interruption since its founding in the 16th century. Such divisions did not affect the essence of the spiritual beliefs nor the ritual forms of this dervish order which remain almost identical to those practised at the very beginning. The main focus of this paper will be the musical tradition of the ritual, and for the following reasons: 1. music, as the main activity of the Bektashi rituals, is the essential vehicle for spreading and reinforcing beliefs and wisdom for everyday community life, 2. its importance as a fundamental tool in the expression of mystical theosophy, and 3. variations in the repertoire as a result of drawing upon and integrating sacred music from local populations. For this purpose, field research, interviews, and the analysis of audio materials from the sacred rites of the Bektashi tekke Dikmen Baba in the village of Kanatlarci have been carried out.

Konsep Tasawuf Martin Lings dan Relevansinya dengan Inklusivitas Beragama

<p><span lang="EN-US">This article aims to examine the concept of perennial Sufism developed by Martin Lings and its relevance to religious inclusiveness. Using qualitative approach with text analysis and through literature study, Martin Lings' works related to perennial sufism are analyzed in depth. The results showed that perennial sufism developed by Martin Lings teaches that the core of all spiritual traditions is the search for absolute truth and unity in a mystical experience that transcends religious differences. Perennial sufism emphasizes the unity of spirituality in religious diversity, respecting, and recognizing the essential values of each religious tradition. This research concludes that Martin Lings' perennial sufism has relevance to religious inclusiveness in promoting moderate patterns of religiosity. The concept offers a foundation for a more harmonious and respectful interfaith dialog, and provides a strong spiritual foundation for an inclusive and tolerant appreciation of religions.</span></p>

Illumination of Divine Love: Rediscovering the Hikmats of Sufi Ahmad Yasawi

Divine love, rooted in religious and spiritual traditions, remains relevant today as it represents unconditional, selfless love and fosters empathy, compassion, and understanding among individuals. Embracing the principles of divine love can promote unity, tolerance, and interdependence, fostering global harmony and peace. This study uses a philosophical framework to examine the complex concept of divine love, specifically looking at the historical development and subtle meanings of love-related terms in Islamic Sufi literature. Special attention is given to Sufi poetry, specifically the works of the renowned mystic Shaykh Ahmad Yasawi and his 12th-century collection, Devon-i Hikmat or Hikmats, which are highly respected in Turkish culture. The research explores the stages of love and offers philosophical interpretations to understand the complex implications and profound nature of this concept. This study enhances our understanding of Sufi literature’s perspective on divine love by emphasizing its enduring significance as a universal and timeless facet of human experience that transcends temporal and cultural boundaries. Consequently, it fosters a profound understanding and appreciation for the enduring themes and cultural heritage found in Turkic Sufi poetry. The research highlights the lasting significance of divine love and the cultivation of deep respect for the timeless themes and rich cultural heritage found in Turkic Sufi poetry.

Scorsese'nin Silence Filmi Üzerinden Sessizliğe Yaklaşımlar: Batı ve Doğu Perspektifleri Arasında Bir Karşılaştırma

Silence, the film, revolves around Christian missionaries who traveled to Japan in the 17th century to propagate Christianity and explores their interactions with the local population. The film portrays silence by strongly associating it with martyrdom and alludes to the suffering of Jesus Christ. This glorification of silence reveals findings related to Western perspectives and an Orientalist attitude. These findings will be analyzed according to Orientalist theory, a theory that investigates Western culture's tendency to exoticize and dominate Eastern cultures, in order to examine how the Western missionaries in the film observed and represented Japanese culture. The analysis will employ content analysis methodology to delve into the themes, symbols, and representations in the film. Additionally, it will draw upon Edward Said's theory of Orientalism and the concept of self-Orientalism. The film identifies instances where the Western representation associates silence with martyrdom and belittles Eastern culture. Examples such as the claim that the Japanese people do not understand Christianity, the depiction of Japan as a barren land, the presentation of Japanese characters as stereotypical figures, and the relegation of Eastern spiritual traditions to a lower status all demonstrate the denigration and marginalization of Eastern culture by the Western perspective. Furthermore, the fact that the film is based on a novel written by a Japanese author necessitates an examination of self-Orientalism.

Feet in Hell, Spirit in Heaven: Spiritual Transformation of Chinese Travelers on the Camino de Santiago.

The study aims to understand the precursors, catalysts, and dimensions of the spiritual transformation of Chinese travelers on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage-tourist route in Spain. This research has adopted the theoretical framework of spiritual transformation by Pargament and his colleagues in collecting the transformative experience of Chinese Camino travelers reported in 139 blogs and stories. Thematic analysis is employed in analyzing the data. The study results show that Chinese travelers underwent spiritually transformative experiences, as observed in the changes in their relationship to themselves, others, nature, and the transcendent. These four dimensions are interconnected and experienced as something integrated with Chinese cultural and spiritual traditions. This study also explores the transculturality of spiritual experience, the important role of embodied engagement, and the critical and essential qualities of liminality in the transformative process on the Camino de Santiago.

БИОГРАФИЯ А.И. СОЛЖЕНИЦЫНА В ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ КУЛЬТУР ФИЛОСОФСКОГО ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ ЛИТЕРАТУРНОГО НАСЛЕДИЯ ПИСАТЕЛЯ

In 2023, the 105th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding writer, thinker, historian, researcher of cultural and philosophical aspects of Russian history, public figure Alexander Solzhenitsyn is celebrated (11.12.1918 – 03.08.2009). Literary and artistic works belonging to the pen of leading Russian writers are an important part of the national cultural and historical heritage. The inclusion in the research programs devoted to the study of the literary heritage of writers, issues related to their biography, promotes penetration into the creative laboratory of the masters of the word, as well as a more accurate understanding of the relevant literary and artistic works. Consideration of the relationship between the biography of A.I. Solzhenitsyn and his creative path is the purpose of this work. The research is based on general scientific methods and interdisciplinary methods of scientific cognition. During the work on the article, the author turned to cultural philosophical analysis, content analysis of scientific literature, as well as to the biographical method. According to the results of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that A. I. Solzhenitsyn lived with an understanding of his purpose, the title theme, developed and pondered the idea, architecture and content of his central work – the epic "Red Wheel", and when there was such an opportunity, he tirelessly implemented it. An important place in the biography of A. I. Solzhenitsyn was occupied by the Orthodox spiritual tradition, which was invariably reflected in his works. Naturally, in his journalistic works, the writer appealed to readers to live not by lies, limit themselves in external goods, believe in Divine Providence and its manifestations.

Ideology of Sarmatism and its Implementation in Polish Piano Music of the XIX – XX Centuries

The purpose of the study is to identify the genre-stylistic specificity of the reproduction of the spiritual and ethical instructions of Sarmatism in Polish piano music of the XIX-XX centuries. The research methodology is based on the application of the following approaches: genre-stylistic, etymological, interdisciplinary, historical-cultural, which reveal the peculiarities of the reproduction of Sarmatian ideology in Polish piano music of the specified period. The scientific novelty of the article is determined by its analytical perspective, which takes into account the peculiarities of the reproduction of the Polish "Sarmatian" image of the world Polish piano (dance) music of the XIX-XX centuries. Conclusions. The Polish national "image of the world", which was historically formed on the basis of the noble ("Sarmatian") spiritual and ethical tradition, formed in the heyday of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and appealed to such dominant qualities as pride, honour, knightly service, honouring the merits of the family, family patriarchal values and traditions in their high spiritual and religious sense, in many ways determined the specifics of Polish culture and the genre and style preferences of its musical art, focused on revealing the special significance of the song and dance tradition in its salon representation. The poetics of polonaise, mazurka, Krakowiak, thought and other genres related to it, corresponding to the spiritual and patriarchal traditions of Biedermeier in its Polish guise (“Warsaw Biedermeier”, “noble Biedermeier”), also determined the historical and evolutionary paths of development of Polish piano music of the 19th and early 20th centuries (F. Chopin, Z. Noskovskyi, V. Malyshevskyi, M. Karlovych, M. Zavadskyi, K. Szymanovskyi, L. Rogovskyi, A. Panufnik) and reproduction of the national "noble-Sarmatian" quality in it. Keywords: Sarmatism, Polish culture and music, noble Biedermeier, polonaise, mazurka, kujaviak, krakowiak.

Unveiling the Alchemical Nexus: Exploring the Profound Interplay between Terrace Gardening, Indoor Gardening, and Human Biochemistry

The intricate interplay between terrace gardening, indoor gardening, and human biochemistry uncovers a captivating world of possibilities. Terrace gardens, revitalized from ancient times, transcend their role as urban landscapes to become alchemical laboratories where plants synthesize an array of bioactive compounds. These compounds hold immense potential to shape human biochemistry, offering transformative effects on our physical and mental states. Similarly, indoor gardening, a response to urban living, not only purifies the air but also emits subtle vibrations that harmonize with our physiological and psychological well-being. The symbiotic exchange of energy between humans and indoor plants influences our moods, cognition, and overall vitality. In this fascinating exploration, we witness the convergence of ancient wisdom, spiritual traditions, and scientific disciplines such as biochemistry, botany, pharmacology, and neuroscience. By recognizing plants as intricate allies, we can tap into their latent powers and forge a harmonious coexistence with the natural world, ultimately reclaiming our inherent connection to nature. The alchemical nexus invites us to embark on a transformative journey, where the boundaries between science, spirituality, and horticulture dissolve, allowing us to harness the energies that surround us and embark on a remarkable path of self-discovery and ecological harmony in the midst of rapid urbanization and technological advancements.

THE RUSSIAN WORD: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL APPROACH

The article is devoted to discovering the phenomenological potential of the word, which has Indo-European roots, and its consideration in the language of Russian traditional spiritual culture. The research interest to deep, essential semantics of a word-concept allows to present it as an “archetype of culture” (G. G. Shpet) and as a “live” phenomenon of the Russian spiritual tradition, restoring our cultural memory and our national self-consciousness.

Spirituality In Leadership – A Psychological Approach

The concept of spirituality and leadership is widened in this research to include strategic leadership as well as traditional spirituality. It will be necessary for future advancement in the subject of spirituality and leadership to have greater clarity on the degree of research being conducted, as well as the distinction between individual and societal spirituality. A framework is presented to accomplish this goal, and it illustrates how a top-level leader's personal spiritual beliefs may be utilized as a schema to filter and organize data during strategic decision-making. This functioning is moderated by the leader's progressive growth and meta-belief, which are impacted by the organization's setting and leadership method, among other variables. A complex understanding of spirituality and leadership may be gained via the use of this framework. It also provides as a starting point for examining many different types of spirituality that can be found in organizations.

Client experiences of virtual energy healing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic medical and holistic health practitioners turned to utilizing virtual healthcare. As energy healing practitioners and educators who shifted to an online format, it seemed important to document descriptions of client experiences of virtual energy healing. To describe client experiences of virtual energy healing sessions. Descriptive pre-post intervention design. Two experienced and eclectic energy healing practitioners developed a protocol and conducted energy healing sessions via Zoom. A convenience sample of Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet (CSJ) Consociates, people of diverse life-styles and spiritual traditions who are committed to living the mission of the CSJs in the St. Paul Province. Pre-post 10-point Likert scale rating of relaxation, well-being, and pain. Pre-post primarily qualitative questionnaires. Results indicated significant pre-post differences: pre-session relaxation (M=5.036, SD=2.9) and post-session relaxation (M=7.86, SD=6.4): t(13)=2.16, p=.0017*; pre-session well-being (M=5.86, SD=4.29); post-session well-being (M=8, SD=2.31), t(13), p=.0001*; pre-session pain (M=4.0, SD=6.15) and post-session pain (M=2.25, SD=3.41), t(13)=2.16, p=.004*. Thematic analysis revealed six themes related to client experiences of virtual energy healing: 1) embodied sensations, 2) relaxation, 3) release - a letting go of tasks/anxieties/worries, 4) sense of peace/joy/calm, 5) connection to themselves, others, and something larger, and 6) surprise that virtual energy healing works. This was a descriptive study using a convenience sample, therefore, there was not a control group, a large sample size, and the sample might be more prone to report better results than the general population because of their spiritual perspectives. Results were not generalizable. Clients reported positive descriptions of virtual energy healing and say they would do it again. However more research is needed to understand the variables that influenced the results and the underlying mechanisms of action.

THE RIGHT TO DIGNITY - BETWEEN ASPIRATION AND LEGISLATION

The study aims to analyse one of the essential rights of the human being, the right to dignity, with particular implications for the evolution of communities, societies and humanity as a whole. Dignity is also an ethical and legal value, which runs like a guiding thread through the evolution of individuals, whether viewed in isolation or in a larger or smaller group. Dignity is the cornerstone of the architecture of fundamental rights and freedoms, a conclusion drawn from its inclusion in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, in the sequence of its component parts, as its first title. Article 1(3) of the revised and republished Romanian Constitution regulates the values declared supreme in the Romanian State and guaranteed in the spirit of the democratic traditions of the Romanian people and the ideals of the December 1989 Revolution. The first of these values is human dignity. Then follow, in succession, the rights and freedoms of citizens, the free development of the human personality, justice and political pluralism. Hence the conclusion that, in the view of the Romanian constitutional legislator, human dignity is also the pedestal of the values which are the essential elements of the Romanian state's identity. We say this because we are referring to the first article of the Fundamental Law, whose name is “the Romanian state.”

Organization and composition of the Socialist-Revolutionary Party 
 at the beginning of the XX century

The idea of the organizational state and composition of one of the most significant parties in pre-revolutionary Russia – the party of Socialists Revolutionaries – gives a lot to understand its essence. The agreement on the creation of the party was made in the spirit of traditions of illegal conspiratorial organizations. The party appeared as an extremely amorphous formation. Until the turn of 1905–1906, its organizational principles were not formulated and were not approved by the general party forum. The competencies of the structural divisions, the criteria for membership were not clear to everyone. The party structure evolved spontaneously, in the spirit of the traditions of the revolutionary organizations in Russia in the 1970-ies and 1990-ies of the XIX century. Simultaneously existing «non-party» and «party» committees and groups characterized two dimensions: a socio-political movement and a political party. Consolidation in general terms was completed by the end of 1905. At the beginning of the XX century. the main part of the Socialist-Revolutionary organizations was located in the provinces of European Russia. Basically, the Socialist-Revolutionary organizations operated in the intellectual and industrial centers of the country, areas of concentration of the intelligentsia. A significant part of the party leadership was made up of representatives of the generation of the 40–60-ies of the XIX century of birth. The committees were dominated by young people of the 70–80-ies of the XIX century of birth. The party included representatives of various social groups, first of all the intelligentsia, then workers and peasants. Intra-party ties were weak and intermittent; the main unifying center was «Revolutionary Russia». Theoretical, tactical and organizational problems were discussed behind the scenes. In the structure of the party, the features of an illegal circle organization were clearly manifested.

A New Day for Perennialism: the Case for a Perennial Phenomenology, or ‘Soft’ Perennialism

AbstractThis paper argues for a ‘perennial phenomenology’ (or ‘soft’ perennialism) varying from the traditionalist notion of a ‘perennial philosophy.’ Perennial phenomenology offers a more nuanced form of perennialism that focuses on spiritual/mystical experiences rather than the teachings and beliefs of different religions. While teachings and beliefs vary greatly, the mystical experiences associated with different mystical traditions have striking commonalities. I suggest four experiential aspects that support a perennial phenomenology. These aspects also necessitate a reconsideration of the debate between perennialism and constructivism. Significantly, these experiential elements are present when mystical experiences occur outside the context of spiritual traditions, to people who know little or nothing about spirituality and consider themselves non-religious. Treating mystical experiences exclusively in the context or religion and spiritual traditions has been a major failing in debates between constructivists (or contextualists) and perennialists. There is a common landscape of mystical experience that precedes interpretation and conceptualization by spiritual traditions. This paper contributes to a reopening of discussion about perennialism that has been underway in recent years.

Drawing on Eastern Spiritual Traditions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as Guideposts in an Increasingly Unpredictable World

Drawing on Eastern Spiritual Traditions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as Guideposts in an Increasingly Unpredictable World