Feet in Hell, Spirit in Heaven: Spiritual Transformation of Chinese Travelers on the Camino de Santiago

Abstract

The study aims to understand the precursors, catalysts and dimensions of the spiritual transformation of Chinese travelers on the Camino de Santiago. Guided by the theoretical frameworks that conceptualize spiritual transformation and quantum change, data about the transformative experience from eighty-two blogs written by Chinese Camino travelers has been collected and analyzed. The results of the study show that Chinese travelers underwent spiritually transformative experiences which can be observed in the changes in their relationship to themselves, others, nature and the transcendent. These four elements are interconnected and their relational dynamics are experienced as something integrated with Chinese spiritual traditions. The study also proposes and explores the universality of spiritual experience regardless of the denominational features of the religious space, as well as the important role of embodied experience and the critical factors of liminality in the process of spiritual transformation on the Camino de Santiago. Implications for personal growth, mental health, the development of pilgrimage or tourist trails, and coping with challenges in a post-pandemic world are also discussed.