Spiritual tourism. Where and how to discover oneself?

Interesting and unique types of tourism are developing in our time. Travelers are increasingly attracted to unusual routes related to exoticism, adventures, active leisure, creativity, the world of cinema, charity, and esotericism. One of these interesting types of tourism is spiritual tourism and self-discovery, which we will discuss today.

The goal of spiritual tourism

Spiritual tourism involves not just a temporary change in the usual way of life, but a review of global values and life concept, a change in the inner state, achieving harmony, peace, tranquility, and meaning of life.

Types of spiritual tourism

Pilgrimage

This includes architecture, iconography, and features of worship practices in various monasteries. It also includes pious customs and traditions, the lives of saints, and more broadly, the history of our Church.

The main focus of religious tourism is to discover the history of holy places, the lives of saints, architecture, and church art. This type of tourism is part of the cult of pilgrimage, where the main focus is on prayer, worship, and religious devotion to holy sites.

The desire to go on pilgrimages is an outward manifestation of the search for God. Monasteries and temples are places of special Divine presence. Another important spiritual aspect is that during pilgrimage trips, believers come into contact with the relics of saints.

Orthodox people in Russia with a special reverence visit the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra, the city of Kirillov, the village of Diveevo, the Solovetsky Archipelago, the Holy Entrance Optina Pustyn, the island of Valaam, the island of Patmos, and many other Christian shrines. There are a huge number of places for pilgrimage all over the world.

In Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, there are pilgrims who annually travel to holy places, temples, and monasteries from different parts of the world. The most important places include such famous sites as the Shwedagon Pagoda in Myanmar, the Silver Pagoda in Cambodia, sacred pagodas in Thailand, as well as the pilgrimage to Mount Athos in Greece and the Holy Land of Israel. The main holy site in Jerusalem is the Western Wall (Waiting Wall), while for Muslims worldwide, Mecca is the main city of Islam in Saudi Arabia.

Esoteric tourism

Esoteric tourism is suitable for people interested in esotericism and spiritual practices.

Esoteric travelers are most drawn to India and Thailand. Self-discovery is the goal of esoteric tourism, aimed at understanding oneself, changing life concepts, and seeking spiritual balance.

With the help of sacred knowledge and spiritual practices, which are an integral part of such tours, seekers get a unique opportunity to discover their inner world, find meaning in life, and see reality through different eyes.

Places for esoteric tourism are considered to be areas where energy is concentrated and has a beneficial effect on a person's energetic, spiritual, and physical health, at least according to esoteric beliefs. Visiting such places can also fill a person with spiritual strength and open access to secret ancient knowledge.

In such tours, meditation, chanting of mantras, practicing yoga and qigong are common. Seekers also turn to techniques such as channeling, astral projection, stopping inner dialogue, contemplation, and many other methods of self-discovery. Meetings with magicians, healers, spiritual teachers and mentors, prophets, shamans, and other practitioners of esoteric cults are also common.

Where to find Power Places

As the Earth has a rich history dating back millions of years, it holds the remnants of knowledge from the oldest civilizations scattered throughout the world. The most popular and powerful places for esoteric tourism are:

What is the Camino de Santiago?

The Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James, is one of the most popular routes for religious pilgrimage in Europe. According to legend, the remains of Saint James are located in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. The most important section of the route starts in the south of France, crosses the Pyrenees, and goes through the passes of Roncesvalles or Somport. The main road in Spain, from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela, is called the 'French Way of the Kings.'

The average time to complete the route is 35 days, during which one will have to cover 900 kilometers.

This path teaches self-reliance and responsibility, understanding of true values. During the long walks, a reboot or even a rebirth takes place. Moreover, it is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the views and nature, as well as to communicate with people and learn about different cultures.

Spiritual tourism is chosen by people who not only want to visit religious monuments and amazing places of our planet but also absorb a particle of the energy of the Earth and the Universe, touch ancient knowledge, gain awareness and harmony in life.