Self-transcendence through Futuwwah and Dharma: Islam and Hinduism Perspectives

Abstract

As a field of study, psychology has been on the path of sustained evolution. From psychoanalysis to Logotherapy, we have come a long way. The advent of spirituality, positive thinking, and the renewed interest in human potential have led to the emergence of various sub-fields in psychology. From denying the role of religion and spirituality in the therapy setting to designing interventions around these concepts, we have approached a contemporary phase in under­standing human behavior and attitudes. A novel concept born out of the evolution of psychological concepts is the idea of self-transcendence. According to Maslow, there is a progressive movement towards uncovering people’s potentials and being the best version of the self. Maslow proposed that a self-actualizing individual would eventually have to move up the hierarchy of needs and transcend the ego to relate to something beyond it. This process, known as self-transcendence, is often facilitated by selfless values and moral behaviors that allow the ego to transcend itself. The present paper looks into Maslow’s theory of self-transcendence as recorded in two particular religious philosophies; Futuwwah (Islam) and Dharma (Hinduism). Both Futuwwah and Dharma, despite cultural and religious differences, foster similar values and moral acts in people. The current paper attempts to establish that the moral acts prescribed in Futuwwah and Dharma would eventually lead to an individual's self-transcendence. To do so, we will first attempt to define self-transcendence, theories of self-transcendence from multiple disciplines, and related concepts such as peak experiences and flow. Further, the paper will strive to explore traces of self-transcendence as expressed in religious philosophies, namely; Futuwwah and Dharma.

Adaptation of Transcendence at Work Measuring Instruments for Muslim Employees

“…There are several definitions of transcendence, Yaden et al (2017) define transcendence as a state of mind characterized by strong relationships with others. Maslow in Bulut (2021) explains transcendence as the highest and most inclusive or holistic level of human consciousness, behavior, and relationships, as an end rather than a means to oneself, others, other species, nature, and the cosmos In the context of management and organization, transcendence is one aspect of organizational culture, where the purpose of transcendence in the organization facilitates the relationship of individuals with inner life in employees to give "meaning" to work (Vandenberghe, 2011). Transcendence was also found to be associated with work productivity (Srirangarajan & Bhaskar, 2011), ethical behavior (McGhee & Grant, 2017, and organizational commitment (Tongo, 2016) on workers.…”

“…The concept of transcendence is quite closely related to the teachings of Islam (Jadidi et al, 2022). Through religious practices and rituals, one can enter the highest consciousness so that one of its manifestations can make one focus on oneself to find the value of life, interpret relationships with others, and learn to give and receive help (Bulut, 2021). To test scales in different socio-demographics, especially if tested in Indonesia, it takes a process of language adaptation from scale transcendence at work.…”