OPSearch: American Journal of Open Research

The Symbolism of Mountains in Hindu Literature: Cosmological Representations and Their Relevance to Contemporary Spirituality

Ida Ayu Komang Arniati — 2026-05-20

Mountains in the Hindu tradition have complex symbolic meanings as a representation of cosmology and spirituality. In classical texts such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Purana, mountains are understood as the center of the cosmos (axis mundi) that connects the human world with the divine world. This study aims to analyze the representation of mountains in Hindu literature and examine their symbolic meaning in Hindu religious practices in Bali, especially on Mount Agung and Mount Batur. The method used is qualitative with a literature study and hermeneutic analysis approach. The results indicate that mountain symbolism not only functions as a cosmological concept but also retains relevance in contemporary spirituality, especially in the context of ecological awareness and the search for life's meaning. In the Mahabharata, mountains serve as spaces for spiritual transformation; in the Ramayana, they represent sources of life and healing power; and in the Purana, they function as cosmogonic elements affirming the structure and stability of the cosmos. In the Balinese context, Mount Agung is positioned as the spiritual center and local representation of Mount Meru, while Mount Batur reflects ecological and spiritual dimensions through its role as a source of water and fertility. The conclusion of this study affirms that mountain symbolism demonstrates a close connection between cosmology, spirituality, and social life, and remains relevant in addressing modern spiritual needs and environmental concerns.

The Phenomenology of The Suryak Ae Tradition in Art Photography: Representations of Spiritual Meaning and Cultural Identity

I Putu Sinar Wijaya — 2026-05-28

This research examines the phenomenology of the Suryak Ae tradition through the perspective of fine art photography. This research aims to explore the spiritual, symbolic, and cultural meanings embedded in ritual practices and to analyze how these meanings are represented visually through artistic photography. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, this study draws on the theories of Edmund Husserl and Maurice Merleau-Ponty to understand life experiences, perceptions, and embodiments in visual representations. Data collection techniques include participant observation, in-depth interviews, visual documentation, and interpretive analysis of photographic artworks. The findings show that the Suryak Ae tradition functions not only as a ritual activity but also as a medium of collective memory, spirituality, and local cultural identity. Fine art photography transforms ritual experiences into contemplative visual narratives through composition, light, symbolism, and atmosphere. The study concludes that photography serves as a cultural preservation and artistic interpretation, allowing local traditions to gain wider visibility in contemporary visual cultural discourse.

The Influence of Internal Communication Performance in Merged Companies between BUMD and The Private Sector on Organizational Performance

Wahyu Surya Daru Saputra — 2026-05-28

Internal communication, stakeholder analysis, and post-acquisition integration are important factors that affect the effectiveness of an organization in a post-acquisition environment. In the context of private acquisition by BUMDs, organizational cultural differences often create barriers to communication and coordination between stakeholders. This research aims to analyze the classification of internal stakeholders and examine the conditions and differences in the effectiveness of internal communication in organizations after the acquisition of private companies by Regionally Owned Enterprises (BUMD). This study used a mixed-method approach with stakeholder analysis based on power–interest matrix and power–legitimacy–urgency (PLU), and is complemented by communication channel analysis. Data was collected through a questionnaire validated by five experts who had first-hand experience in project management. The results of the study show that stakeholders are divided into four main categories, namely key players, keep satisfied, keep informed, and minimal effort, with dominance at the operational level. PLU's analysis shows that stakeholders at the managerial level have the highest level of priority. The communication pattern combines interactive and one-way communication, with interactive communication dominating among key players. However, the keep satisfied category showed the highest communication effectiveness, while key players demonstrated relatively lower effectiveness across several dimensions. Furthermore, new stakeholders (PT E) in strategic positions exhibited suboptimal communication effectiveness compared to old stakeholders (PT W), indicating a communication gap in the organizational integration process.