Welcome to this exploration of the divine world of Sufi Whirling, a mystical dance of devotion emerging from Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam. This ancient practice has captivated the world for centuries, leaving observers bewildered and enchanted by its intensity, and mystique.

Sufism emerged in the 8th century and is often associated with poetry, music, and performance rituals, one of which is the Sufi Whirling. Also known as the whirling dervishes, Sufi Whirling is a form of physically active meditation. The term dervish refers to an initiate of the Sufi path and the term ‘whirling’ describes their movement - a ritualistic dance that awakens their divine love and wisdom.

So, why do they whirl? The Whirling Dervishes whirl to remember God, moving in harmonious rhythm to connect with the divine. The dance is a metaphysical state in which the dancer seeks to abandon their ego through loss of bodily consciousness, seeking only to connect with their inner self and, ultimately, with God.

The ritual begins with the dervishes dressed in white robes and tall, brown, conical felt hats. They start their performance by greeting each other and the audience. Following this solemn exchange, the ethereal music of the mystical Persian Ney flute fills the room, symbolizing the divine breath of life and inviting the dervishes into their dance of devotion.

As the tempo progresses, the dervishes shed their dark overcoats and reveal the stark white robes underneath, symbolizing their spiritual rebirth into truth. Then, they begin spinning in repetitive circles. The spinning motion is thought to mimic the planets in the Solar System orbiting the sun. Through this act of spinning, the dervishes aim to be one with the universe, in harmony with all things created by God.

Their right arm is directed to the sky, drawing inspiration and wisdom from the universe, while the left arm is pointed towards the earth, allowing them to transmit this divine energy downwards. This process is repeated over and over again, guided by the rhythm of the universe.

As the dervishes whirl, they recite the name of God in their heart — in harmony with the steady rhythm of their breath and the beating of their heart. This brings them closer to experiencing the mystical concept known as Fana, meaning annihilation of the ego, wherein the Dervishes aspire to lose themselves, dissolving into the divine love of God. Through this ritual, they transcend the earthly perception of reality, reaching a state of deep spiritual ecstasy.

Do the dervishes feel dizzy? The rhythmic twirling with one foot anchored to the ground facilitates balance in the midst of continual motion. This practice, paradoxically, provides stability, demonstrating the balance inherent in all aspects of nature. It is the profound meditation and the intense focus that enables a dervish to whirl for an extended period without feeling dizzy or disoriented.

As the music quiets down, the whirling gradually subsides until each dervish retires to a place of rest, signifying their return from the spiritual journey and bringing their spiritual ecstasy back down to Earth. Every part of this ritual is filled with symbolism, and whilst it remains fundamentally a deep, personal religious performance, it is also shared as a beautiful spectacle to witness.

Sufi Whirling is more than just a performance. It's a dance between humanity and divinity, a mesmerizing spectacle of faith and devotion. This mystical practice talks to us about balance, transformation, and connection with one's inner self and the wider universe. Although the Whirling Dervishes may seem to be dancing here on Earth, their spirits are dancing with the divine cosmos.

Coming from humble origins in the Middle East, Sufi Whirling speaks to the universal language of love and devotion that transcends cultures and continents, touching hearts worldwide. Today, it stands as a mesmerizing reminder of our own capacity for devotion, transformation, and spiritual enlightenment.

In every whirl, in every selfless surrender to the dance, the Whirling Dervishes teach us that it is not only possible but beautiful to lose oneself in order to find connection — with oneself, with others, and with the divine. They whirl not to escape reality, but to plunge deeper into it, to interrogate it, to understand it, but above all, to celebrate it.

Thank you for joining us on this mystical journey. We hope it has given you a deeper understanding of this sacred dance and aroused in you an appreciation for its spiritual significance.

свернуть