Haunted spaces, failing myths: Spatial ecology and the collapse of environmental imagination in Indonesian horror cinema

Background: The dystopian narrative that has long been used as a source of fear in Indonesian horror films has not been able to reduce the rate of environmental destruction. This phenomenon shows a gap between imagination and ecological awareness. This study attempts to address the failure of ecological myths through Indonesian horror film narratives in changing people's social behavior. Using Lefebvre's theory of the production of space, this study analyzes how haunted spaces are constructed as ideological arenas that reinforce fear without producing ecological reflection. This study aims to reveal how Indonesian horror cinema produces ecological spaces that are trapped in mysticism, and offers a new reading of the failure of Indonesian visual culture in building a critical ecological subjectivity. Methods: This study employs a qualitative design. Data were drawn from secondary sources in the form of Indonesian horror films released over the past two decades. Analysis involved repeated viewing and systematic note taking, with interpretations cross validated against ancillary sources. Findings: Analysis of three Indonesian ecological horror films, namely Angkerbatu (2007), Eva: Pendakian Terakhir (2025), and Kereta Berdarah (2024) shows that ecological space is represented in symbolic and mystical rather than reflective terms. Environmental issues are reduced to religious morality and local myth, and the relationship between humans and nature remains hierarchical and anthropocentric, reinforcing ritual ecology instead of encouraging a post-fear ecology. Indonesian cinematic space functions less as lived space and more as perceived space governed by the logics of industry, myth, and religion. Conclusion: These findings indicate that the failure to construct an ecological imagination is not merely a cinematic shortcoming but a reflection of social structures that struggle to envision nature beyond sacred or supernatural frames. Novelty/Originality of this article: The article advances a new reading of Indonesian horror cinema by integrating spatial production theory with cultural ecology and by introducing ritual ecology as a form of stagnant ecological consciousness. In doing so, it charts a new direction for ecocriticism and Southeast Asian cinema studies, showing how myth and fear configure an environmental imagination that resists reflection

Revitalizing dharma and prema as the foundation of a Hindu curriculum of love in confronting the finitude of life

Background: Human life is essentially finite, requiring a philosophical and ethical foundation that can guide humans in facing limitations with meaning and balance. Dharma as the principle of universal truth and Prema as transcendent love are the core of Hindu teachings that can be revitalized as the foundation of a love-based curriculum. This study aims to formulate a conceptual model of a Dharma and Prema-based curriculum that is relevant in facing the finite reality of life. Methods: Using a qualitative approach based on critical literature review, this study examines Hindu sacred texts, educational philosophy literature, and contemporary spirituality theories to construct an integrative theoretical framework. Findings: The findings show that Dharma and Prema, when constructed in a love-based curriculum, are capable of fostering ethical awareness, emotional balance, and strengthening individual spirituality in facing suffering, loss, and the transience of life. This model differs from conventional moral curricula because it integrates the transcendental dimensions of Hinduism with modern educational practices, thereby contributing new insights to the development of a love-based spiritual curriculum. Conclusion: In conclusion, the revitalization of Dharma and Prema as a Hindu love curriculum offers an innovative perspective for facing the limitations of life with full awareness, meaning, and inner peace. Novelty/Originality of this article: The originality of this article lies in the development of the concept of a Hindu love curriculum that emphasizes the synthesis between transcendental values and contemporary pedagogical practices, an aspect that has not been widely explored in the literature on spiritual education

Between mokṣa and nirvāṇa: Archaeological traces of Siwa–Buddha harmony in Bali and their eschatological worldview

Background: This article examines the eschatological worldview underlying the archaeological heritage of Siwa–Buddha traditions in Bali, focusing on how concepts of life, death, and post-mortem liberation were articulated through religious material culture. Drawing on archaeological evidence such as temple layouts, ritual iconography, and mortuary-related symbols, the study argues that Balinese Siwa–Buddha syncretism represents not merely a historical coexistence of religious traditions, but a coherent theological negotiation between two soteriological paradigms: mokṣa and nirvāṇa. Methods: This study employs a qualitative interpretative approach with an archaeological-critical and historiographical framework to examine Shiva–Buddha relations in Bali as a process of religious-cultural transformation shaping eschatological understandings of life, death, and liberation. Data were collected through archaeological observation, textual and inscriptional analysis, and theoretical literature review, and analyzed using thematic, semiotic, and historiographical deconstruction to interpret artifacts, sacred spaces, and rituals as material expressions of eschatological meaning. Findings: The findings suggest that Siwa–Buddha harmony in Bali produced an eschatological framework in which life and death were understood as a continuous process of spiritual refinement rather than as oppositional states. Architectural orientations, ritual spaces, and symbolic representations indicate a shared concern with purification, release from cyclical existence, and ultimate union with a transcendent reality. Conclusion: This synthesis challenges rigid sectarian classifications and reveals a localized eschatology that accommodated multiple paths to liberation within a single religious landscape. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study demonstrates that Southeast Asian religious heritage, particularly in Bali, offers an important case for understanding how plural religious traditions can converge in shaping shared conceptions of death, afterlife, and ultimate salvation

Re-reading the myth of medusa in ecological crisis

Background: This paper reinterprets the myth of Medusa in the context of ecological crisis. By exploring the relationship between myth, the unconscious, the oppression of women, and nature, this paper attempts to reveal how hierarchical structures of domination shape the human perspective in understanding nature as an object. Methods: This study adopts a qualitative interpretative approach using symbolic hermeneutics grounded in Carl Jung’s concept of the collective unconscious and Hélène Cixous’ feminist deconstruction. Jung’s framework is used to read Medusa as an archetypal symbol of repressed fear and human–nature relations, while Cixous’ perspective critically reinterprets the myth to expose patriarchal narratives and reconstruct Medusa as a metaphor for liberation and ecological consciousness. Findings: This paper asserts that the root of the oppression and exploitation of nature lies in the binary logic that separates humans and nature. The human narrative of nature is also a narrative of domination, in which the distance between humans and nature is constantly maintained. Humans construct the "shortest distance" through an awareness of duality, distinguishing themselves from nature while remaining connected and dependent, and the "longest distance" through an awareness of an entity that places itself outside and above nature. As a result, humans become alienated from nature and lose the ability to listen to its voice. Conclusion: This paper concludes that restoring the position of nature and humans requires reclaiming the language of nature, which has been usurped by technology and the scientific revolution. A new ecological consciousness must arise from the recognition that humans are not the only subjects in power, but rather part of an interconnected web of life. Novelty/Originality of this article: Medusa's petrifying gaze and the nature gaze that awakens consciousness become reflective metaphors, suggesting that it is not only humans who are capable of conquering; nature can also "gaze back" through disasters, famine, drought, and death

India in Hindu eschatology: A survey on kerala bhakti literature

Background: This Research article analyzes the eschatological aspects of Kerala’s Bhakti literature to elucidate how devotional texts reflect India’s spiritual and political self-perception. This study is situated within the expansive domain of Hindu historical eschatology, examining the ways in which Bhakti poets like Ezhuthachan, Poonthanam Namboodiri, and Melpathur Bhattathiri reinterpreted scriptural concepts of Kaliyuga, moral decline, and salvation into vernacular forms that promote cultural renewal. Methods: The research utilizes a qualitative, interpretive methodology rooted in Gadamerian hermeneutic textual analysis. The study employs three analytical stages—textual exegesis, contextual interpretation, and conceptual synthesis—to identify key eschatological motifs, compare their manifestations across selected texts, and position them within Hindu philosophical cosmology and contemporary Indian political discourse. Findings: Comparative insights are also drawn between Hindu and Abrahamic ideas of apocalypse to elucidate the unique cyclical temporality and moral focus of Hindu eschatology. The findings indicate that Kerala’s Bhakti corpus reconceptualizes Kaliyuga not only as a mythical era of deterioration but also as a moral state wherein devotion emerges as the most straightforward and attainable route to redemption. Conclusion: These works further sanctify Bharath (India) as a redemptive geography—an eschatological realm where divine grace and moral regeneration converge. Bhakti literature serves as theology, moral philosophy, and proto-political discourse by connecting spiritual rebirth to India's historical resilience. The study's methodological constraint is its dependence on a restricted textual corpus, primarily Malayalam Bhakti works; yet, it lays the groundwork for further comparative research among different regional traditions. Novelty/Originality of this article: The article's originality is in the development of a conceptual model of Hindu historical eschatology, connecting devotional literature with political imagination, and illustrating how spiritual writings persist in influencing India's ethical and cultural modernity

The eschatological traces in the cult of maharsi markandeya an interpretation of samādhi at Pura Pucak Payogan, Bali

Background: This study explores the eschatological dimensions embedded in the veneration of Maharsi Markandeya at Pura Pucak Payogan Bali, particularly through the interpretation of his samādhi (spiritual absorption) as a culmination of sacred life and transcendence. The aim is to analyze how the notion of moksha (liberation) is ritualized, spatialized, and narrated through cultic practices and collective memory within Balinese Hindu communities. Previous studies on Balinese religiosity have primarily focused on ritual systems, ancestral worship, and temple networks, but little attention has been paid to eschatological interpretations of samādhi shrines as sites of spiritual transcendence. Methods: This article adopts a qualitative approach using ethnographic fieldwork, textual interpretation of Hindu philosophical sources (particularly Vedānta and Yoga Sūtra), and spatial-symbolic analysis of the temple architecture and rituals associated with Pura Pucak Payogan. Findings: The findings reveal that Maharsi Markandeya’s samādhi is perceived not merely as a memorial site but as an eschatological axis where the duality between life and death dissolves. This perception is enacted through pilgrimage practices, offerings, and narratives that position the site as a symbolic gateway to liberation. The integration of eschatological doctrine into living religious practices reflects a dynamic fusion of textual philosophy and local ontology. Conclusion: The study concludes that Pura Pucak Payogan functions as a liminal sacred space encoding the ideal of divine union, and that the cult of Maharsi Markandeya offers a living model of eschatological embodiment in the Hindu-Balinese tradition. Novelty/Originality of this article: The novelty of this study lies in its interdisciplinary interpretation of samādhi as an eschatological site and in highlighting the fusion of theological vision with ritual practice in contemporary Balinese spirituality

The importance of the teachings of the bhagavad-gita in hindu society in Bali

Background: The Bhagavad Gita is one part of the Vedas, and it is also referred to as the fifth Veda or Pancama Veda. The history of the growth of the Vedas is fundamentally known as the Veda Trayi, which consists of the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda. The Atharva Veda contains various magical mantras. Structurally, the Bhagavad Gita is more directed and serves as a compilation of the previous Vedas. This represents a step in the historical development of Hindu thought.In-depth and extensive research has proven that, as mentioned in the Puranas, the codification of the Four Vedas is the greatest achievement of Bhagawan Abiasa (Vyasa). Methods: This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach using interviews and questionnaires to explore how the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are understood and practiced among Hindu students and communities in Bali. The data were collected from student responses and analyzed thematically. Findings: The majority of respondents acknowledge the Bhagavad Gita as a sacred scripture that plays an essential role in shaping values such as dharma (duty), karma yoga (selfless action), devotion, self-control, and emotional resilience. Respondents emphasized its relevance in daily life, particularly in building character, facing modern challenges, and fostering communal harmony. A bar chart analysis revealed that 28 out of 30 respondents stated that the Bhagavad Gita “strongly influences” their daily lives. Conclusion: The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are not only regarded as religious doctrine but also as a comprehensive guide for ethical behavior and emotional well-being in both personal and social contexts. Its philosophical messages remain highly relevant and are deeply internalized by the Hindu community in Bali, especially among students who use its values to navigate contemporary challenges. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study highlights the lived experience of Balinese Hindu students with the Bhagavad Gita, showing how an ancient spiritual text continues to inform practical moral choices in modern society

Swami vivekananda’s perspective on radicalism and extremism: Tolerance, pluralism, and education as strategic solutions

Background: Radicalism and extremism have become phenomena that threaten social peace and political stability across various regions of the world. The teachings of Swami Vivekananda—a prominent Indian spiritual leader and philosopher—offer an alternative perspective for addressing these issues. In an increasingly polarized global context, Vivekananda’s thoughts on religious tolerance, pluralism, and the transformative power of education present a meaningful framework for confronting the roots of radicalization and violence. This study aims to explore Vivekananda’s views on radicalization by emphasizing the principle of ahimsa (nonviolence), appreciation of religious diversity, and education as a preventive tool against extremism.  Methods: Employing a qualitative approach, this research conducts a textual analysis of Vivekananda’s works, especially his renowned speeches, to identify core principles relevant to the problem of radicalization.  Findings: The findings reveal that Vivekananda strongly opposed all forms of radicalism and extremism, advocating instead for a deep respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence, and holistic education as a means of cultivating moral character. Conclusion: In conclusion, Vivekananda’s teachings have significant implications for both religious theory and social practice, offering a compassionate, interfaith-based approach to reducing the risk of radicalization in modern society. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study uniquely highlights Swami Vivekananda’s teachings as a humanistic and interfaith-based philosophical framework to counter radicalization through nonviolence, pluralism, and transformative education

An exploration of ancient yoga in Bali: An effort to make Bali a world centre for spiritual tourism

Background: Background: Religion is often considered as a cause of environmental problems. In response to this pessimism, Buddhism through the philosophy of Dharma comes up as revolutionary perspective in shaping contemporary environmental development paradigm, a counter for modern Cartesian-Newtonian paradigm. This philosophy is embodied in the concept of paṭiccasamuppāda applied as “scalpel” on existing environmental problems. Methods: This research uses a qualitative case study to explore the revival of Ancient Balinese Yoga as a spiritual tourism destination. Data were collected through interviews, observations, document analysis, and FGDs. Data analysis included transcription, coding, thematic analysis, and contextual interpretation, with triangulation to validate findings. Findings:  Currently, there are significant efforts to revive Ancient Balinese Yoga as a spiritual tourism destination in Bali. Especially with the increasing of global interest in wellness and spirituality, Bali has great potential to attract tourists seeking authentic spiritual experiences. This involves the restoration and revitalization of traditional practices, including the hosting of yoga retreats, spiritual training, and festivals featuring ancient aspects of Balinese yoga and meditation. The development of spiritual tourism based on Ancient Balinese Yoga focuses on maintaining the authenticity of the practice while adapting to the needs and expectations of modern tourists. Conclusion: By combining yoga training with cultural tours, spiritual seminars, and meditation programs, Bali can position itself as a major hub for global spiritual tourism. Reviving Ancient Balinese Yoga as a spiritual tourism destination also supports the preservation of Bali's cultural and spiritual heritage, provides economic benefits to local communities, and enriches the traveler’s experience with authentic spiritual depth. Novelty/Originality of this article: By bridging Buddhist philosophy with the revival of Ancient Balinese Yoga, this research offers a novel perspective on addressing contemporary ecological challenges, highlighting the interconnectedness of all life and proposing spiritual practices as essential components of sustainable development

The Buddha’s Paṭiccasamuppāda: Addressing contemporary environmental development challenges through eschatological perspectives

Background: Religion is often considered as a cause of environmental problems. In response to this pessimism, Buddhism through the philosophy of Dharma comes up as revolutionary perspective in shaping contemporary environmental development paradigm, a counter for modern Cartesian-Newtonian paradigm. This philosophy is embodied in the concept of paṭiccasamuppāda applied as “scalpel” on existing environmental problems. Mehods: This study employs a qualitative approach using library research, analyzing philosophical, religious, and environmental texts. Through content analysis of Buddhist teachings, particularly paṭiccasamuppāda, the study explores its role as an alternative paradigm for addressing environmental challenges. Findings: The findings reveal that paṭiccasamuppāda, or the law of dependent origination, provides a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between humans and nature. Unlike the Cartesian-Newtonian paradigm, which separates the observer from the observed, paṭiccasamuppāda emphasizes relational existence and balance, fostering ecological ethics based on interdependence. This perspective reduces environmental exploitation and encourages sustainable practices. Conclusion: The study concludes that paṭiccasamuppāda serves as a transformative framework for addressing contemporary environmental issues. By shifting from a dualistic worldview to an interconnected one, it promotes a sustainable development model. Integrating Buddhist ecological ethics into environmental policies and education can contribute to a more sustainable future. Novelty/Originality of this article: This study presents paṭiccasamuppāda as a fundamental principle for reinterpreting environmental sustainability. Unlike previous research that broadly discusses Buddhist ethics, this study specifically highlights paṭiccasamuppāda as a precise analytical tool for addressing environmental issues. By bridging Buddhist philosophy and contemporary ecological challenges, this study offers a novel perspective on sustainability rooted in spiritual wisdom