In the Quest of Deeper Meaning of Life: Perspectivising the Bliss of Mystic Experiences by Following Spiritual Gurus

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic forced us not only to think but also to pause and objectively reflect on how to deal with the situation that has arisen and how to develop well-being and resilience strategies for the welfare of humanity at large. We long to be in those vicinities where we want to calm our minds in the quest for a deeper meaning of one existence. It can be a nature-based destination, a pilgrim destination or a part of a religious tour depending on one's faith, belief and orientation towards spirituality and bliss. The abundance of natural resources available in nature is the prime source of overall wellness in all parts of the world, as are the traditional Indian practices of Yoga, Ayurveda and the practices suggested by traditional holy scriptures. This chapter attempts to see the wave of spiritual gurus boosting the wellness sector associated with travelling. Gurus like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadguru Vasudev Jaggi and HH Dalai Lama are some of the international gurus who have influenced spiritual and wellness tourism to a large extent. The discourse analysis revealed that people long for spirituality for peace and wellness. It also reveals being spiritual has no fixed dimension; it varies from person to person.

Citation

Arora, M. (2024), "In the Quest of Deeper Meaning of Life: Perspectivising the Bliss of Mystic Experiences by Following Spiritual Gurus", Tanrisever, C., Pamukçu, H. and Sharma, A. (Ed.) Future Tourism Trends Volume 1 (Building the Future of Tourism), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 133-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83753-244-520241010