COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
THE SPIRITUAL SELF
A. Identify various religions and practices.
.
B. Understand self in relation with religious beliefs.
.
C. Explain ways of finding the meaning of life.
.
Guide Questions:
1. How do you personally define the “spiritual self”?
2. What similarities and differences do you see
between religion and spirituality?
INTRODUCTION
Before we begin, let me ask you
something: What do you believe in?
It doesn’t have to be religious—it could
be something spiritual, philosophical, or
simply a personal guiding principle.
Every person carries beliefs that shape
how they see the world. These beliefs
influence how we treat others, how we
make decisions, and how we rise above
challenges. Sometimes our values
match our actions… and sometimes they
don’t. And that’s okay—this gap is part of
the human journey. Vargas, A. (2025, July 22). The 7 Stages of Spiritual Evolution - which one are you in?
Spiritual Insights. [Link]
In this module, we’ll explore this deeper dimension of who we are—the spiritual self. We’ll look at
how different traditions understand the soul, how spirituality differs from organized religion, and how
our search for meaning connects to Viktor Frankl’s ideas on logotherapy.
Take your time with this lesson. You might discover that understanding the spiritual self helps you
understand your own life story on a deeper level
Module originally designed by:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
The Concept of Spirit and Soul
What Do We Mean by “Soul”?
Across cultures and across time, humans have always asked:
What makes us truly alive? What is the “me” inside my body?
For the ancient Greeks, the word psyche—meaning “to breathe”—captured this essence of life.
Today, we often use the word soul to describe that inner part of ourselves that holds:
our thoughts
our feelings
our character
our memories
our sense of right and wrong
our consciousness
Many traditions believe that the soul is immortal by grace, meaning it
Guide Question:
continues living even after the physical body has finished its journey.
1. Why do you think
people turn to spiritual
The Self as a Spiritual Being beliefs during difficult
times?
You know, sometimes we get
so caught up in our daily routines—school, work, social
media, chores—that we forget we’re more than just our
bodies. Our spiritual self is the part of us that goes
beyond what you can see or touch. It’s the part that asks,
“Who am I really?” and “What’s my purpose?”
Think of it like this:
Spirit is your core essence—the real “you” that exists even
beyond your physical body. Imagine it like the heart of a
story that continues even after the book is closed.
Higher Self is the wisest, most compassionate version of
you. It’s like having a guide inside your head whispering,
“Be patient, make kind choices, follow what truly matters.”
Image AI-generated.
Soul is that inner force you tap into when life gets confusing or tough. It’s the part that gives you
clarity, comfort, or courage when you don’t know what to do next.
Module originally designed by:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Real-life example:
Imagine you just failed an important exam. Your spirit reminds you that this moment doesn’t define
you—you are more than a grade. Your higher self-nudges you to learn from the mistake instead of
beating yourself up. And your soul gives you that inner strength to reflect, plan, and keep going.
Together, these aspects form your spiritual self, guiding you through life’s ups and downs.
Religion vs. Spirituality
A lot of people use these words interchangeably, but they’re slightly different.
Religion is like a map everyone in a community follows together. It’s structured, with rituals, sacred
traditions, and shared beliefs. Think Sunday services, prayer rituals, or celebrating holy days with
family. Religion gives people a sense of belonging and guidance through a shared framework.
Spirituality is more like your own personal compass. It’s your individual journey of discovering
meaning, connection, and purpose. You don’t have to follow any rules or join a community to be
spiritual. It’s about your personal relationship with life, the universe, or something greater than
yourself.
Real-life example:
Juan goes to church every Sunday with his family and follows the teachings of his religion—that’s
his religion in action. Meanwhile, Maria meditates every morning, reflects on her actions, and feels
connected to the world and herself, even though she doesn’t follow a particular religion—that’s her
spirituality. Both are meaningful ways of exploring life’s deeper questions, just in different ways.
In short, being a spiritual being is about recognizing there’s more to you than your body or your
daily routine. It’s about connecting with your inner wisdom, your soul’s guidance, and your purpose
in life—whether through religion, personal practices, or both.
A helpful comparison:
“Religion is a rectangle; spirituality is a square. All squares are rectangles, but not all
rectangles are squares.”
Meaning: spirituality is part of religion, but it can also exist on its own.
Sociological Views of Religion
• Giddens (2006): Religion is a cultural system that helps us interpret the world.
• Durkheim (1912): Religion is a community built around what is considered sacred.
Module originally designed by:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Major World Religions (approx.)
8% 0%
19% Christianity
45%
Islam
Hinduism
28% Buddhism
Judaism
White, M. G., MA. (2021). 5 Main world religions and their basic beliefs. In YourDictionary. [Link]
Religion in the Philippines
The Philippines is largely Christian, and faith is woven into
Filipino culture through:
Baptism
Church fiestas
“Senakulo” or passion plays
Prayer meetings
Communion and worship services
Image AI-generated.
Sociologylearners. (2025, August 21). Sociology of Religion | Max Weber [Video]. YouTube. [Link]
Religions Around the World. (2025, September 23). “The Rise of the World’s 5 Major Religions 🌍 | Animated Map of Faiths Through
History” [Video]. YouTube. [Link]
Module originally designed by:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Before colonization, Filipinos practiced animism, believing that spirits
inhabited nature and that unseen forces influenced daily life.
Common Religious Practices
Across cultures, religious expression often includes:
Prayer and meditation
Rituals and ceremonies
Festivals and dances
Marriage rites
Worship and offerings
Community gatherings
No matter how different these practices look, they share the same
purpose: to connect human life with the sacred.
Image AI-generated.
The Concept of “Dungan” – Spirit and Soul
Belief in the soul is one of humanity’s oldest
ideas. Prehistoric cultures created burial objects,
tools, and symbols that suggest early ideas about
the afterlife.
Greek thinkers like Socrates and Plato believed
that when we strip away all physical things, what
remains—the truest part of us—is the soul.
This is similar to the Filipino concept of dungan,
meaning a person’s inner life-force or spirit. Your
dungan is the strength inside you that drives your
will, emotions, and moral choices.
Filat, V. (2017, May 27). Soul and spirit - what is the difference between them? Moldova
Creștină. [Link]
Viktor Frankl and the Search for Meaning
Let’s now look at someone whose life story brings this topic to Guide Question:
light. 1. Which Franklian idea about
meaning resonates most with you,
Viktor E. Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, and why?
endured the unimaginable in Nazi concentration camps during 2. How do religious or spiritual
practices influence the way people
World War II. Instead of losing hope, he observed something behave?
powerful:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Even in extreme suffering, people still searched for meaning.
This taught him that humans are driven not just by pleasure or power, but by a will to meaning—a
deep desire to understand our purpose.
Logotherapy – Finding Meaning in Life
Imagine walking through life and realizing that no matter what happens—joy, loss, or suffering—
there’s a deeper purpose behind it all. This was the heart of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy. Frankl
believed that we aren’t just our bodies or minds; we are body, mind, and spirit. Even in the most
challenging circumstances, life still holds meaning. What’s more, he emphasized that humans have
an innate drive to seek this meaning, and while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can
choose our attitude toward it. Every moment, life challenges us, asks something of us, and presents
an opportunity to respond. And here’s a powerful reminder: each of us is unique, and our
experiences—and how we find meaning in them—are uniquely ours.
To help people discover this sense of purpose, logotherapy uses a few clever techniques:
Dereflection – Instead of obsessing over our fears or anxieties, we turn our attention outward,
focusing on others or on a meaningful task.
Paradoxical Intention – Sometimes the best way to overcome fear is to confront it directly—
even to “wish” for the thing we fear—and in doing so, we often see that it loses its power.
Socratic Dialogue – Through thoughtful questioning, we can help individuals hear the wisdom
that’s already inside them, gently guiding them to their own answers.
At the core of Franklian psychology are a few key beliefs:
1. Every person has a healthy core; we all have strengths waiting to be discovered.
2. Therapy isn’t about giving happiness; it’s about helping you uncover your inner resources.
As Frankl said, “Life does not owe you happiness; it offers you meaning.”
3. Life always has meaning, and our primary motivation is to find it.
4. No matter what happens, we are always free to choose how we respond.
The aim of Frankl’s psychotherapy is clear: to help individuals tap into their spiritual resources, build
awareness of their inner strengths, and activate what he called the “defiant power of the human
spirit”—that incredible ability to remain strong and purposeful even when life is hard.
Module originally designed by:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Summary
Our spiritual self is the part of us that goes beyond our body and daily routines, guiding us to
ask, “Who am I?” and “What is my purpose?” Across cultures and time, humans have explored
this through concepts like the soul, spirit, or the Filipino dungan, recognizing an inner life-force
that shapes our thoughts, feelings, and moral choices. While religion provides a shared
framework of rituals and beliefs, spirituality is a personal journey of meaning, connection, and
self-discovery. Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy highlights this quest, showing that even in the face of
suffering, humans are driven to find purpose, and we always have the freedom to choose our
response. Together, understanding our spiritual self, reflecting on beliefs, and seeking meaning
help us tap into inner strength, resilience, and the “defiant power of the human spirit” that carries
us through life’s challenges.
REFLECT
Think of a moment in your life when you searched for meaning—maybe during a struggle,
a loss, or a big change. How did your beliefs (spiritual, religious, or personal) shape how
you understood that moment?
Write 5–7 sentences about how spirituality or meaning-making guides your understanding
of life.
REAL-LIFE SCENARIO
Carlos is going through a difficult time. He feels lost and unsure of what direction to take next. A
friend recommends Viktor Frankl’s ideas about finding meaning, while another suggests
reconnecting with spiritual practices. Carlos wonders whether meaning can exist even in pain.
If you were Carlos, how would you begin your search for meaning?
Write 5–10 sentences explaining what steps you would take and what beliefs or practices might
guide you along the way.
WRAP-UP QUESTIONS
1. What makes the soul or spirit an essential aspect of the self?
2. How do communities’ express religion through shared practices and rituals?
3. In what ways does logotherapy explain the human search for meaning?
4. How does Frankl’s experience demonstrate the “defiant power of the human spirit”?
5. How can understanding your spiritual self-guide your personal growth?
Module originally designed by:
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COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Activity: Exploring Your Spiritual Self and the Search for Meaning
Objective: Students will reflect on their beliefs, values, and life experiences to understand their
spiritual self and the human search for meaning.
Instructions:
1. Think about a moment in your life when you faced a challenge, loss, or big change.
2. Write a short reflection (5–7 sentences) answering:
o How did your beliefs (spiritual, religious, or personal) shape your understanding of
that moment?
o How did you find meaning or purpose in the situation?
3. Choose one technique from logotherapy (dereflection, paradoxical intention, or Socratic
dialogue) and explain how you could apply it to a current challenge in your life.
4. Optional: Include a drawing, symbol, or visual representation of your spiritual self or inner
guidance.
Submission: Hand in a one-page written reflection with optional illustration.
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Satisfactory Needs Points
(2) Improvement
(1)
Reflection on Thoughtful, Reflection is Reflection is Reflection is /4
Personal detailed reflection clear and basic, with unclear,
Experience showing deep shows limited superficial, or
insight and understanding, insight into missing
understanding of but depth is beliefs or
personal beliefs moderate meaning
and meaning
Application of Clearly identifies a Identifies a Mentions a Technique not /4
Logotherapy technique and technique and technique identified or
Technique thoughtfully explains but explanation
explains how to application explanation missing
apply it moderately is unclear or
well incomplete
Connection to Strongly Demonstrates Limited No /4
Spiritual Self demonstrates understanding connection connection to
understanding of with some to spiritual spiritual self
spirit, soul, or connection to self
higher self in spiritual self
reflection
Organization & Well-structured, Organized, Some Disorganized, /4
Clarity easy to read, no mostly clear, organization difficult to
grammatical errors minor errors issues, read, many
readability errors
affected
Creativity / Optional Illustration Illustration No illustration /4
Visual illustration included and included but included
Representation enhances somewhat weakly
understanding and connects to connected
shows creativity reflection
Module originally designed by:
Ms. Angelica Ordanza - College of Arts and Sciences Page 8 of 9
COURSE: VAL01– UNDERSTANDING THE SELF
Eliade, M. (1987). The sacred and the profane: The nature of religion. Harcourt Brace.
[Link]
Durkheim, É. (1912). The elementary forms of the religious life.
[Link]
Demetrio, F. (1991). The soul book. GCF Books.
[Link]
Module originally designed by:
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