Interrogating the Experience of Quaker Scholars in Hindu and Sikh Studies: Spiritual Journeying and Academic Engagement

Abstract

This article reports a recent investigation of the relationship between the spiritual and academic journeys of seven scholars whose fields involve the study of aspects of Sikh and/or Hindu faith. Several frameworks for the study are suggested, including Quaker encounter with Indie religions; the changing nature of social diversity; and the insider/outsider discussion in religious studies. Discussion of their experience highlights the participants' faith background and promptings to attend a Quaker Meeting for Worship as well as the initial impetus to their academic specialism, their guiding values and their self-identification. Multiple connections between the two 'journeys' emerge-not least the convergence between participants' values and the Quaker testimonies-and this 'career coherence' illustrates an emergent emphasis in literature on the role of spirituality in career development. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]