Spiritual practices of modern youth: sociological analysis

Spiritual practices are one of the promising and underdeveloped areas of sociological analysis, which at the current stage of development of Russian society is becoming especially relevant as a topic of public discussions and scientific research. The article presents the results of the initiative survey conducted among young people living in Moscow. The main categories of spiritual practices are identified: those implying direct and timely impact on the human body, practices of spiritual development and self-education, practices of social interaction. Their demand among young people was determined. To improve their spiritual world, young people most often use the following methods: hobbies, contemplation of the beauty of the world, introspection and broadening of their horizons. The overwhelming majority of respondents connect spiritual development directly with doing something they love. It is noteworthy that for half of the respondents the most frequently used form of spiritual practice is helping people around them. Body-related practices are inferior to other spiritual activities. The results of federal surveys and the experience of theoretical and methodological research of these categories are presented.