Seeking transcendence in the depths of the soul: an exploration into current spiritual journeys

Recent research on spiritual tourism has largely emphasised physical and psychological well-being, often overlooking an ontological dimension of spirituality and its potential to address fundamental human pursuit. This study advances the understanding of spiritual tourism by examining transcendental...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Wang, Shaohua, Blasco Franch, Daniel, Verschuuren, Bas, Hamzah, Amran
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión aceptada para publicación
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Varias* (Consorci de Biblioteques Universitáries de Catalunya, Centre de Serveis Científics i Acadèmics de Catalunya)
Repositorio:Recercat. Dipósit de la Recerca de Catalunya
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:recercat____::5aaf9830124d3cfc83c6dd379d3e854d
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10256/28924
https://hdl.handle.net/10256/28924
Access Level:acceso embargado
Palabra clave:Turisme espiritual
Spiritual tourism
Espiritualitat
Spirituality
Transcendència (Filosofia)
Transcendence (Philosophy)
Descripción
Sumario:Recent research on spiritual tourism has largely emphasised physical and psychological well-being, often overlooking an ontological dimension of spirituality and its potential to address fundamental human pursuit. This study advances the understanding of spiritual tourism by examining transcendental experiences among Chinese spiritual tourists in nature. Using semi-structured, in-depth interviews, we gathered rich narratives that were thematically analysed, revealing four distinct types of transcendental experiences: transcendence from social constraints, transcendence of ego, transcendence of awareness, and transcendence of ontological insecurity. Findings suggest that nature-based spiritual tourism offers a pathway to transcend the absurdities and mundanity of society, as well as the ontological anxiety associated with mortality. Unique experiences, such as a state of oblivion, realising eternity in nature, and transcending the conventional meaning of death, appear to resonate with Buddhist and Taoist philosophies. Future research is needed to continue exploring spiritual tourism from an ontological perspective across diverse cultural and tourism contexts