Which sacred dance tradition creates coherence and a sense of Oneness for the dancers?
The Sufi whirling (or Sufi turning) tradition, practiced by the Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi order, is the sacred dance that creates coherence and a sense of oneness for the dancers.
This form of physically active meditation originated among certain Sufi groups and is still practiced today.
Key aspects of Sufi whirling:
- Purpose: Dervishes aim to reach a greater connection with Allah through this practice.
- Method: The practice involves abandoning one’s ego or personal desires, listening to music, focusing on God, and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles.
- Spiritual significance: The whirling is seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the Solar System orbiting the Sun, emphasizing the cosmic nature of the practice.
- Ceremony: The Sama, or worship ceremony, consists of seven sections, with the fifth section being the actual whirling portion.
- Spiritual journey: The whirling portion of the ceremony maps out a complete spiritual path in four parts known as salutes or Salams.
The practice of Sufi whirling is designed to create a profound sense of unity and connection with the divine.
Through this sacred dance, practitioners can experience a deep sense of coherence and oneness, transcending their individual selves and connecting with a higher spiritual reality.
