Whirling Dervishes Of Rumi
Saturday, September 18, 7:00pm at Buskirk-Chumley Theater

Bloomington Muslim Dialog Group and Lotus Festival are bringing a unique mystic performance to Bloomington: "Whirling Dervishes of Rumi".

Tickets are available at: Bloomingfoods, Buskirk-Chumley Theater, and IMU Activities Desk also by phone: (812)-323-3020,
http://www.lotusfest.org/tickets.html

Whirling Dervishes are performing one of the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality. It's a rare opportunity to experience a mesmerizing seven-century old ritual, incredible performance featuring beautiful costumes, live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage.

The ritual unites the three fundamental components of human nature: the mind (as knowledge and thought), the heart (through the expression of feelings, poetry and music), and the body (by activating life, by turning).

Rumi

The "Whirling Dervishes" performance is also called "the sema ritual". The Sema ritual began with the inspiration of Mawlana Jalaleddin Rumi. Rumi is one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings.

A fluent interpreter of love and zeal for Prophet Muhammad, Rumi was able to use a mysterious language to guide others to a love of God. Rumi's life and works show us that it is not faith, belief and religion which cause hatred, conflict and violence, but the sins of hatred and greed and other symptoms of the unrestrained ego, and he showed us how the true practice of religion, the purification of the heart, is the remedy for these.

The Meaning Of Sema

It is scientifically recognized that the fundamental condition of our existence is to revolve. There is no being or object, which does not revolve, because all beings are comprised of revolving electrons, protons, and neutrons in atoms. All of these revolutions are unconscious.

The human being possesses a mind and an intelligence, which distinguishes him from other beings. Thus the whirling dervish or Semazen, intentionally and consciously participates in the shared revolution of other beings. The Semazen's goal is not to lose consciousness or to fall into a state of ecstasy. By revolving in harmony with all things in nature, the Semazen testifies to the existence and the majesty of the Creator, thinks of Him, gives thanks to Him, and prays to Him. In doing so, the Semazen confirms the words of the Qur'an (64:1): "Whatever is in the skies or on earth invokes God".