What is the purpose of whirling dervish?
The physiological goal of the whirling is for the dervish to “empty” himself of all distractions. Similar techniques are used in some religious rituals in Columbia. Thousands of years of religion have developed a deep knowledge of the human mind and techniques that influence people.
Which way do whirling dervishes spin?
There is nothing hurried or rushed. The Dervishes step forward, arms crossed in front of their chests. Raising their arms, holding their right palm upward toward heaven and their left palm downward toward earth, they gradually start whirling in a counterclockwise direction. Why the whirl?
How do whirling dervishes not get dizzy?
Three semicircular canal, called the organs utrikul and sakkul in the inner ear which sensitive to the movements of the head available. Movements during the “sema”, their wearings, inner peace, their diet prevent the emergence of dizziness, nausea, a imbalance sense in Whirling dervishes (or Semazens).
Why do Sufis whirl?
This is sought through abandoning one’s nafs, ego or personal desires, by listening to the music, focusing on God, and spinning one’s body in repetitive circles, which has been seen as a symbolic imitation of planets in the Solar System orbiting the sun.
How many whirling dervishes are there?
The musicians generally number about forty. All the performers are Mevlevis, members of the Muslim order, or properly, of the Sufi (mystic congregation) founded by Rumi: all whirling dervishes are Mevlevis, but by no means all Mevlevis are ‘turners’, though all may become so – if they wish to and can learn to ‘turn’.
Why do whirling Dervishes tilt their heads?
“By tilting their heads, they don’t get the spin on that particular canal which would give them the sensation that they are still turning once they stop.” To learn the art of spinning, young Sufis stand on a table top balanced on a pole.
How do you whirl?
Close your eyes, and with arms at your side, turn slowly in whichever direction feels more natural. When you feel comfortable, try rotating your head. Do this for a minute or so, then try it in the other direction. Now you’re ready to try whirling.
What religion are whirling dervishes?
Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, emphasizes universal love, peace, acceptance of various spiritual paths and a mystical union with the divine. It is associated with the dancing of whirling dervishes, who originated in the 13th century as followers of the poet and Muslim mystic, Rumi.
Who originated whirling dervish?
Jalaluddin Rumi
Whirling dervish ceremonies were started as a form of meditation by Jalaluddin Rumi, the famous Sufi Muslim mystic and poet, in the 13th century. The Persia-born Rumi — who was living in Konya, then the capital of the Turkish Seljuk Empire — told his followers, “There are many roads which lead to God.
What is a whirling dervish?
Everyone is familiar with the image of the whirling dervish, clad completely in white and spinning expertly as if in a trance. However, the dervish is much more than a visual spectacle, dating back over 700 years as part of Sufism and the Mevlevi Order.
Why does the Dervish hold his arms crosswise?
At the beginning of the ceremony the dervish holds his arms crosswise to represent the number one, testifying God’s unity. While whirling, the dervish’s arms are open with his right hand directed to the sky, representing his readiness to receive God’s beneficence.
Why does the Dervish rotate around his own heart?
It is also believed that while revolving from right to left around his own heart, the dervish embraces all humanity with love, since Sufis believe that the human being was created with love in order to love. A quote by Rumi states that, ‘All loves are a bridge to Divine love.
What is the significance of the Sufi dervish’s left hand?
The dervish’s left hand is turning toward the earth, representing his willingness to convey God’s spiritual gift to those witnessing the Sema. It is also believed that while revolving from right to left around his own heart, the dervish embraces all humanity with love, since Sufis believe that the human being was created with love in order to love.