Abstract
This scientific article explores the profound influence of yoga on the restoration of faith in a higher power among individuals participating in a case study. Employing a semi-structured interview method, the study unfolds within the serene setting of a yoga retreat, featuring 11 participants aged 32 to 55. Central to this investigation is a single, pivotal question: "How is your relationship with Divinity after you started practicing yoga?" The majority of participants share a resounding sentiment that extends far beyond mere intellectualization. Their accounts unveil a profound transformation in which yoga not only facilitates a conceptual understanding but, more notably, enables a visceral experience of the divine presence. These revelations culminate in the unfoldment of true believers who firmly affirm the existence of a benevolent higher power, one that guards and loves them unconditionally. The article embarks on a comprehensive journey, unraveling the structure and main ideas that emerge from this case study. The study's unique focus on a single pivotal question provides valuable insights into how yoga, as a spiritual practice, transcends the realms of the physical and mental, fostering a direct and tangible connection with the divine.
Reference18 articles.
1. "[1] Archer, D. (2007). The secret power of yoga: A woman's guide to the heart and spirit of the Yoga Sutras.
2. [2] Büssing, A., Hedtstück, A., Khalsa, S. B., Ostermann, T., and Heusser, P. (2012a). "Development of specific aspects of spirituality during a 6-month intensive yoga practice." Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM 2012:981523. doi: 10.1155/2012/981523.
3. [3] Csala, B., Springinsfeld C. M., Koteles, F. "The relationship between yoga and spirituality: a systematic review of empirical research." Frontiers in Psychology, 2021, 12: 695939.
4. [4] Desikachar, T. K. V. (1999). The heart of yoga: Developing a personal practice. Simon and Schuster.
5. [5] Dillette A.K, Douglas A.C, Andrzejewski C. (2019) "Yoga tourism - a catalyst for transformation?," Annals of Leisure Research, 22:1, 22-41, doi: 10.1080/11745398.2018.1459195