Spiritual studies deal with combining science and theory. Although the course is still at a nascent stage in India, there are many schools and universities that are keen to pick it up. According to researchers, spiritual studies could open up a lot of avenues for a person who completes his PhD in this field. One can also open a spiritual school, says Sangeeta Yadav
Spirituality studies are rapidly growing in India and abroad. From yoga, meditation, healing process, to studying ancient scriptures, religion and scientific phenomena, spirituality is a vast subject.
Recently, a Centre for Spiritual Studies in Amrita University in Kollam in Kerala was launched, offering spiritual research options in Sanskrit and study in scriptures, arts, science, technology, literature and astrology.
“The centre has multi-dimensional goals that drive the mission to educate children for life rather than educating them for a living. A lot of science and technology goes into learning about the creator of the universe and all creations. It is a matter of consciousness and human values which can be learnt by studying about the self and universe through saints, Upnishads, Vedas etc. It’s more about exploring the practical aspect that would benefit the person and mankind. We’ll be providing spiritual teaching through the lineage of renowned spiritual experts,” Dr P Venkat Rangan, vice-chancellor, Amrita University, says.
It is assumed that a child has already been taught the relevance of worshipping an idol, taught to meditate and perform yoga. He has studied books that connotes human values, principles, traditions and culture. But through this advanced discipline and through a well moduled programme this teaching will be further harnessed.
“There is an urgent need for a spiritual centre in our country. Scientific spirituality facilitates the students in developing positive attitude towards the practical issues of the society. A holistic approach will emerge in every aspect of their lives. It develops research skill that promotes a deeper understanding of integration of science and spirituality. The course also enhances leadership abilities in them to lead in social reformation activities in forming a healthier, more value based and scientifically more prosperous society,” Dr Rangan explains.
At the college level, a lot of research is done to understand the spiritual science and how the amalgamation to the two works. An in-depth study takes place on the interdisciplinary complexity of the spirituality and the development of corresponding generic methodologies and theories.
"Spiritual studies as a mainline career option deals with wider application to the development of skills for interdisciplinary research. It deals with studying literature on spirituality like Holy Books, ancient theories, languages, symbolism and scientific and spiritual revelations in sectors like healthcare, fitness. A course in MA or PhD in Spiritual Studies provides specialisation in spirituality be it in the fields of health, teaching, sociology, and social work,” Dr Rangan tells you.
MODUlES
There are three approaches of scientific studies — Pedagogical Approach which deals with understanding of spirituality to models of professional practice in medicine, nursing, social work, and education, especially as these are directed towards the spiritual needs of service users.
Second is the interpretative approach which deals with finding possible meaning of spirituality in texts, sculptures, and social norms. It involves cultural and linguistic analysis of old and contemporary theories, symbolism, prayers and beliefs. Third is the discursive approach which includes understanding care, education, and spiritual practices in relational way. This interdisciplinary approach focuses on the influence of social location, ideological determination, cultural embeddedness, paradigm-bound rationality and contextualised knowledge on the notions of spirituality and spiritual care. Rather than seeking to determine the meaning of spirituality or spiritual care, it aims at fostering dialogues about spiritual care and spiritual formation.
The research part introduces students to the comprehensive nature of spirituality that can be fit into many subjects. An intense study is required from different perspectives including sociological, psychological, anthropological, philosophical and theological.
CHAllENGES
There are many challenges in this field which varies from fundamental questions of how to think about and study spirituality, to more practical problems of how to identify and provide for the spiritual needs of service users. Cultural and social influences are also important considerations, as they give rise to spiritual forms.
JOB PROSPECT
From counsellors and professors at university and school to researchers, and spiritual writers, there is a plenty of options available for these scholars who complete their masters or PhD in this field. One can also open their own spiritual centre to teach spirituality, meditation and yoga. Through spirituality, one can study world as a subject and find out solutions in external issues.
WHERE TO STUDY