The psychosocial aspects of the pilgrimage phenomenon

Research article

Abstract

This article from the position of philosophy of religion is devoted to showing the psychological and social significance of the phenomenon of pilgrimage, relevant both at the world level and in Kazakhstan society. In particular, it aims to reveal the nature of pilgrims' prayers and wishes, pilgrimage rituals and the level of religious knowledge. The aim of the article is to analyze empirical data on traditions and practices of pilgrimage to holy places in Kazakhstan to go to the study of mutual influence of pilgrims and holy places from the point of view of psychology and philosophy of religion, determination of feelings, thoughts and expectations of pilgrims. Comparative analysis is conducted and religious, phenomenological, psychosocial research methods are used as methodology. The work is important from a scientific and practical point of view, because the results obtained allow us to determine the philosophy of psychosocial meaning of the tradition of pilgrimage to holy places. As the main result of the research work, it was determined that pilgrimage is carried out based on three principles: performing pilgrimage and paying respect to the spirits of ancestors by consecrating the Qur'an; esoteric pilgrimage based on faith in the mystical power and mystical value of the holy place; sacred pilgrimage for physical and spiritual purification, acceptance of holy places as erophanic space, erotopic place, feeling of the holiness of this place.