This essay explores the spiritual quest, also known as the spiritual journey, emphasizing movement. As pilgrims and companions of the cosmos, like celestial bodies and all living beings, we remain in constant motion, with nothing ever fully concluded.
In many societies and eras people have wanted to cross the borders of their familiar territories to go in search of the solution to their problems and the earthly home of a God (Morinis, 1992).
Religious pilgrimages have been for devotional purposes, nowadays modern society is looking for answers.
The spiritual crisis of the West has created a desperate attempt to discover and recover original religious experiences: pagan practices, shamanism and Orientalism.
This individual pursuit focuses on personal growth and the experience of spirituality. (Kujawa, 2017).
That is why the ancient traditions have guided the human being to achieve wisdom to live in a better way.
The Spiritual Philosophy of Ancient Traditions
This requires self-knowledge, as emphasized by ancient Greek wisdom in the temples of Delphi, where the principles of moderation are expressed: “know yourself” and “nothing in excess” (Piñas Saura, 2022).
The Sufi wisdom in the same way :
“The right way to know the absolute is to know ourselves”.
For the Tao the knowledge of oneself is not something cognitive but rather intuitive and the knowledge outward something more intellectual, they are two different forms of knowledge, one sensitive and the other rational (Preciado,2018).
Thus many of us have had as a goal as Pindaro says: to learn to be what you really are.
And for Jung to reach the central point between the exterior and the interior “God in us” (Piñas Saura,2022). For this, it is necessary to have passed tests, challenges and initiations.
The very interesting guide of the Myths, can give us light in this society in search of meaning, for Campbell the search of the hero has phases and characteristics:
The self departs, breaking away from all it has been part of, driven by a fall into misfortune. It then begins initiation, experiencing transcendence and encountering suffering.
Finally, the self returns, transformed, either to society or another world, in an act of revolt (Ternas, 2017).
The ultimate goal is neither liberation nor happiness, but wisdom and power to serve others (Campbell,1988).
Author : Joan De la colina Roman
An invitation
Embark on your spiritual journey with guidance and support. Our services are designed to help you uncover your true self, connect with universal rhythms, and find growth through every step of your path. Begin your transformation today—because your spiritual quest deserves more than just contemplation.
References:
- Morinis, A. (1992). Introduction. En A. Morinis, Sacred Journeys: The antropology of pilgrimage Westport: Greenwood press.
- Kujawa, J. (2017). Spiritual tourism as a quest. Tourism Management Perspectives, 1-8.
- María del Carmen Piñas Saura (2022), La esperanza habitada: Filosofía antigua y conciencia hermética.
- Preciado Idoeta, Iñaki,(2018) La ruta del silencio: Viaje por los libros del Tao
- Ternas, Richard.(2006) Cosmos y psique: indicios para una nueva visión del mundo .Atalanta
- Campbell, Joseph.(1988) El poder del Mito.
