The world of spirituality and art is rich in emblematic figures who have been able to marry wisdom and creativity. Among them, the Persian mystical poet Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, more commonly called Rumi, stands out for his deep and lasting influence. His poetic work and spiritual teachings have inspired not only generations of readers, but also artistic practices such as that of the whirling dervishes. But what is the link between Rumi and these mystical dancers? Let’s dive together into this fascinating encounter between poetry and dance.
Born in 1207 in Balkh, in present-day Afghanistan, Rumi is considered one of the greatest poets and Sufi thinkers in history. After fleeing the Mongol invasions, he settled in Konya, in present-day Turkey, where he met the mystical Shams of Tabriz. This meeting marks a decisive turning point in his life, leading him to deepen his spiritual quest and to express his mystical experiences through poetry of incomparable beauty and depth.
Rumi’s poems, often centered on divine love and the quest for union with the Whole, transcend cultural and religious barriers. They are appreciated worldwide for their ability to touch the soul and inspire deep reflection on the meaning of life.
The whirling dervishes are members of the order Mevlevi, founded by the disciples of Rumi after his death in 1273. This unique spiritual practice combines music, poetry and dance, aiming to achieve a state of meditative trance. Dance, called "sema", is a form of physical expression of spiritual ascension and the search for union with the divine.
The characteristic movement of the whirling dervishes, where the dancers rotate in a circle, symbolizes the emergence of the human spirit towards the divine. Each tower represents a stage of purification and spiritual growth, aligned with Rumi’s teachings on love and mystical ecstasy.
Rumi’s influence on whirling dervishes is deep and indelible. His poems provide the spiritual and philosophical framework for the practice of sema. The music used during ceremonies is often composed of verses from Rumi, thus strengthening the link between poetic speech and body movement.
Rumi himself used poetry as a means of expressing deep spiritual truths. For the whirling dervishes, dance becomes a physical extension of this poetic expression, a way to vivify and materialize the abstract concepts of divine love and spiritual union.
Today, the teachings of Rumi and the practice of whirling dervishes continue to inspire millions around the world. From international festivals to meditation workshops and cultural performances, this fusion between poetry and mystical dance attracts those who seek a deeper connection with themselves and the universe.
Rumi and the whirling dervishes remind us that art and spirituality can meet harmoniously, creating transcendental experiences that uplift the soul and enrich the spirit.
Rumi, through his poetry and wisdom, is a star that still shines in the spiritual sky of humanity. The whirling dervishes, by bringing his teachings to life through their mesmerizing dance, perpetuate this outburst in a whirlwind of love and light.
Through their circular movements, they embody eternity, unity, and the beauty of the present moment. They remind us that life itself is a dance, a poem in motion, where each gesture is an invitation to transcend our limits and touch the infinite.
Whether you are captivated by the poetry or amazed by the dance, let yourself be carried away by this timeless call to explore the depths of your soul and to turn, in turn, into the orbit of universal love.
What is the Dervish Oracle?
It is a silent spiral. Each card is a step in an invisible dance where we join the rhythm of the world. The oracle is not static: it vibrates, it breathes, it allows itself to be tamed by slowness.
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