Phenomenological Exploration of Mystical Experiences and Religious Identity in Eastern Religious Traditions: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Religious education plays a crucial role in shaping students' spiritual and personal development. While previous studies have explored the impact of religious education on students, few have examined the subjective, transformative experiences that students undergo through spiritual-based learning. The existing literature fails to fully capture the depth of these personal transformations, particularly in terms of how students make meaning of their spiritual experiences. This study aims to address this gap by investigating how spiritual-based learning in religious education influences students’ personal growth and belief systems. We employ a phenomenological approach, specifically Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), to explore the lived experiences of students in this context.  Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 12 participants, revealing that spiritual learning led to significant personal transformation, emotional growth, and a deeper connection to faith. Students reported enhanced self-awareness, a stronger sense of purpose, and greater spiritual reflection, all of which contributed to their personal and academic development. These findings provide a richer understanding of the role of spiritual education in religious learning and highlight the need for more reflective, integrative approaches in curriculum design. The implications of this study suggest that spiritual-based education can have a profound impact on students' holistic development, offering insights for future educational research and practice in religious education.