Recently I researched The Whirling Dervishes, which is the dance of the Sufis. This entry is about my experience and why I am so inspired!Sufism developed in early Islam using the rituals of the Quran and teaching of Prophet Mohammad. However the connection of its teachings to ancient philosophies on the basis of level of knowledge explains why the Sufis had followers from all religions.
Mughal Prince Dara Shikoh, identified Sufi teachings in Hindu Vedas. (Shah, Way of the Sufi, 1968)
Just so that everyone who is reading this is on the same plane as me, an annoying bollywood reference may help. In Jodha Akbar, Akbar consults his Sufi mentors in matters of his heart, when hes trying to win Jodha over. Aaah! ;P
For me, the essence of Sufism is spirituality, i.e. the relationship of the human being with god, knowledge and love, which in Sufism is spread through mankind in the form of music and dance. Even though from the surface the dance of the dervishes may look like men dressed in white skirts and revolving, the deapth of its movement is astonishing.
The word Dervish comes from the persian word
‘Darwish’ which literally means the sill of the door and is used to describe the Sufi who is at the door to enlightenment. The metaphor is just so beautiful it makes you want to be there!
Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, the master behind the whirling dervishes, first whirled in memory of his friend Shams, who died quite mysteriously. As he whirled, he felt connection with Shams who he missed dearly and was now united with God. Whirling or revolving is such a basic feature. Everything revolves, our planets, the moon, earth other heavenly bodies. In atoms, electrons protons and nuetrons revolve. The circulation of blood in the body, the orbit of life. Its all so natural and so integral to human life.
When i tried the whirling act, the revolving took me to a different world. However Friedlander writes in her book, The Whirling Dervishes, that the whirling doesnt lead to ecstacy but becomes ecstacy. For me it felt so meditative. I didnt want to stop. Its like you lose track of where your limbs are, where you are and who you are? It really reminded me that this world is just a particle in the universe. it is so minute compared to the cosmic energy that builds the universe. When you finish (or rather wish to stop) it leaves some serious questions in your head. Mine were, what am i here for? what am i suppose to fulfill? it leaves an impression and i thought about it for days. I felt happy, relaxed and calm. Its something so emotional perhaps that its hard not to have an urge to know more about it..
Rumi was a great inspirational poet. some of my favourite quotes of his teachings are:
"A lifetime without Love is of no account Love is the Water of Life Drink it down with heart and soul!"(Written in Divan-e-Shams)
"The human being resembles a tree; its root is like a covenant with God:
that root must be cherished with all one's might.
A weak covenant is a rotten root, without grace or fruit.
Though the boughs and leaves of the date palm are green,
greenness brings no benefit if the root is corrupt.
If a branch is without green leaves, yet has a good root,
a hundred leaves will put forth their hands in the end. "
(Jewels of Rememberance, Trans. Camille and Kabir Helminski)
(Friedlander, 1975)
"In movement shall be found
The key to every blessing."
"Come come whoever you are
Wonderer, worshipper, lover of leaving.
It doesn't matter.
Ours is not a caravan of despair.
Come, even if you have broken your vow a thousand times
Come, yet again, come, come."
The above quote is probably his most famous quote ever, and it really is a quote which is for everyone, any religion, any age maybe even an atheist; love and knowledge is for everyone.. and there is room for mistakes, no one is perfect, doesnt matter, start now, start loving..
