SUPERNATURALS :

BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
Spiritual self is one of the four constituents of the “self” according to
William James in his book. The Principles of Psychology in 1890. The
spiritual self is the most intimate inner subjective part of self. Its is the
most intimate version of the self because of the satisfaction
experienced when thinking of one’s ability to argue and discriminate
of one’s moral sensibility and conscience and of our unconquerable
will is purer that all other sentiments.

The ability to use moral sensibility and conscience may be seen

through the expressions of religion its belief and practices.
RELIGION

Works on the definition of religion “as a set of cultural beliefs and practices that
usually includes some or all of basic characteristics. These Characteristics are:
1. A Belief anthropomorphic supernatural being such as spirit and Gods
2. A Focus on the sacred supernatural where sacred refers to a feeling of reverence
and awe.
3. The Presense of supernatural power or energy that is found on supernatural beings
as well as physical beings and objects/
4. The performance of ritual activities that involves the manipulation pf sacred object
to communicate to supernatural beings and/or to influence or control events.
5. The Articulation Of worldview and moral codes through narratives and other means
An individual lives in a society where there are many practices of religion. The
Choice of religious belief lies within the spiritual self. Although the choice maybe
influence by the society and its culture.
RITUAL

Ritual is performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a tradition or

sacred law. Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behavior
exhibited by all known societies. It is thus possible to view ritual as a
way of defining or describing human.
THREE FUNDAMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS OF RITUAL

1. A feeling or emotion of respect, awe, Fascination, or dread in relation to the

sacred
2. Dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed in the language of
myth.
3. Is symbolic in relation to its reference
 SOME WORLDS RELIGIOUS BELIEF AND PRACTICES

There are difference religious belief and practices. Some of the

major world religious are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism,
islam and Judaism.
BUDDHISM
BELIEFS

Buddhism believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there

are suffering, pain and frustations. When people suffer, they want
to experience the goodness of wanting and hating, like and dislike
and craving and aversion. This reactive cycle can be broken
through the practices of mediation, acquiring more wisdom and
deeper understanding and acceptance of things as they are.
CUSTOM AND PRACTICES

There are two types of mediation process: Samatha and Vipassana.

Samatha is practiced as mindfulness of breathing and development
of loving kindness (Metta Bhavana). Vipassana practices aim at the
developing insight into reality.
Some of the major Buddhist celebrations are Parinirvana Day in
February: Buddha Day (Wesak) In May, Dharma Day in July:
Padmasambhava Day in October And Sangha Day In November.
CHRISTIANITY
BELIEFS

Christian believe in Trinitarian God. One God in three personas: God

the Father (Creator). God the Son (Savior), and God the Holy Spirit
(Sustainer) Eternal Life after death will be achieved through the faith
in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the God the Son who came into flesh,
to spread the Good News of salvation. HE died on the cross for the
sin of the humanity but resurrected from the death so that anyone
who believes in Him will be saved and have eternal life. The Holy
Bible is a selection of books which is divided into two, the Old
Testament and New Testament.
CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES

Sacrament of Baptism and Sacrament of Communion are practiced by

Christian Churches. The sacrament of Baptism Symbolizes the Birth in
Christian World. While the Sacrament Of Communion Is an act of
remembrance of Jesus Christ Unconditional Love.

Christmas and Resurrection (Easter) are the Two major celebrations in

Christianity.
HINDUISM
BELIEFS

Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional belief and religious

groups there is no leader or founder.
Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth death and rebirth
governed by karma. Karma is concept where the reincarnated life
will depend on how the past life was spent.
Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other important text of hindus
CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES

Diwali and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of the hIndus.
Diwali si festival of lights while Navrati is the festival of nine nights
which celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Hindus have set of
dates to honor particular manifestations of God.
ISLAM
BELIEFS

Muslims Belief in Allah who is their “One God”. They Believe in the
unity and universality of God. Muslims also have strong
community or ummah and awareness of their solidarity with all
Muslims worldwide. Islam means “willing submission to God”

Mohammad is the last and final prophet send by God. The Holy
Book Of islam is called the Quran. Which was taught and recited in
Arabic because any translation is seen as inadequate.
 CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES
Muslism Believe in five Pillars in Islam
1 . Shahadah – statement in faith “There is no God but the one true God and
Mohammed and his messenger.
2. Salat – the prayer that is practiced five times a day.
3. Zakat – the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It comprises the 2.5%
if a Muslim assets.
4. Hajj – the yearly pilgrimage to mecca. Muslims who can afford are asked to do
the pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime.
5. Sawm – the fasting Muslims do fasting from food drink and sexual act during
the celebration of ramadan.
The Two Major Festivals in islam are Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Adha. Eid ul
Fitr is the celebration in the end of Ramadan. While Eid ul adha is
celebrated within the completion of the pilgrimage the hajj.
JUDIASM
BELIEFS

The Jews Belief in the God of Abraham the same God that liberated
the Hebrew slaves from Egypt to Canaan. The promised land through
the leadership of Moses and later Joshua.

The Jews believe in the coming of messiah the savior. The sacred
scripture of the jews are called the torah or the Law. The Torah is the
guide of the Jewish living
CUSTOMS AND PRACTICES

There are five major festivals

1. Rosh Hashanah – the new year
2. Yom kippur – The day of atonement
3. Pesach – Passover
4. Shavout – Pentecost
5. Sukkot – Tabernacies. The jewish sabbath begins on the Friday evening at sunset.
Religious belief ,rituals, practices and customs are all part of the
expression of the spiritual self. What to believe and how to manifest
the belief is entirely dependent on the individual to the self. A person
might believe that there is a higher being supernatural being usually
termed as God but not necessarily want to to be affiliated or identified
with a certain religious group. Others may have religious practices
which are perceived to be contrary to the practices of other groups.
Religious belief and practices, therefore are formed relative to its
context and culture.