From self-awareness to divine connection: Relational and culturally grounded transpersonal development in islamic boarding school
Arina Mufrihah, Arini Elya Nura Hanun
Academic Journal of Psychology and Counseling April 8, 2026 DOI: 10.22515/ajpc.v7i2.12968 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Focused ethnography Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 15 |
| Population | Kiai, Nyai, alumni, and students in pesantren |
| Key findings | Barakah manifests as Transcendental Actualization, operating through a relational psycho-spiritual anchor (sanad) and teacher-student inner resonance, functioning as a corrective force that fosters inner watchfulness (muraqabah) and a surplus of meaning (ziyadatul khair), ultimately catalyzing a transition toward theocentric agency. |
Abstract
The epistemological gap between indigenous spiritual guidance and transpersonal counseling leaves the construct of barakah uncharted in pesantren pedagogy. This creates a twofold conceptual-empirical gap that isolates local practices from global discourse, necessitating a theoretical bridge to frame barakah as a legitimate orientation for psycho-spiritual growth. This study explores barakah as the ultimate aim of transpersonal maturation in pesantren. Utilizing focused ethnography with 15 participants (Kiai, Nyai, alumni, and students), the study finds that barakah manifests as Transcendental Actualization. This process operates through a relational psycho-spiritual anchor (sanad) and teacher-student inner resonance that regulates internal energy. Barakah functions as a corrective force fostering inner watchfulness (muraqabah) and a surplus of meaning (ziyadatul khair) within a communal ecology of mercy. It catalyzes a transition toward theocentric agency through trust (tawakkul) and integrated patience-gratitude. This research contributes an indigenous Islamic transpersonal counseling framework, emphasizing the counselor's role as Murabbi for holistic well-being.