Seeking to transcend the individual identity and merge with the Divine
Sufi whirling or ‘Sama’ is a form of physical meditation, one that aims to induce a state of ‘Ecstatic Trance’, ultimately leading to profound connections with the Divine.
Originating from the teachings of the 13th Century Persian poet and mystic, Rumi; Sufi whirling is a practice with Transformative Power.
…as the music intensifies, so does the speed, spinning faster and faster until entering a trance-like state . . .
In this dynamic, ecstatic practice, the speed of the movement (causing kinaesthetic disorientation) focuses the mind into an altered state of consciousness…
The key driver of the altered state here is the speed (circumambulating is a much, much slower version).
As we all know, movement like this psychically effects us and it focuses the mind very well.
The dancers wearing long, flowing white robes symbolizing spiritual purity as well as death to the ego… along with a tall hat known as a ‘Sikke’, representing the tombstone of the ego.
At the core of Sufi whirling is the concept of ‘Fana’, the annihilation of the self. Eyes half-closed, hearts open, lost in the whirling motion… surrendering to the rhythm of the Universe
Sufi Whirling & Spiritual Development
Sufi Whirling emphasizes spiritual development and the direct experience of God, this philosophy focuses on two key concepts: Dhikr and Sama.
Dhikr: Involves repeating God’s name or divine attributes in a rhythmic and repetitive manner… cultivating a state of consciousness that is attuned to the divine. (like Mantra)
Sama: “ecstasy” the ultimate goal of Sufi Whirling… a state of spiritual union. Through rhythmic whirling, the Sufi transcends the physical world and enters a realm of divine consciousness.
Ego dissolves… becoming united with the divine essence.
Sufis wear long flowing clothes that resemble the petals of a rose… as they whirl, these skirts expand and contract (creating a truly mesmerizing visual effect). And powerful effect of the Sufi…
The Sufi Whirling . . .
Symbolizing the Cosmic Dance of Creation, whirling is performed in a counterclockwise direction…
The Sufi’s right hand points upward (connection to God), while their left hand points downwards (connection to the earth), their gaze directed upwards (symbolizing connection to the divine).
The whirling is accompanied by traditional Sufi music, creating a rhythmic and hypnotic atmosphere… enhancing the spiritual experience of the whirling.
Chants and prayers are often recited during the whirling… deepening the connection to the divine.
Sufis often practice deep breathing techniques to calm the mind and increase energy levels… synchronizing their breathing with their movements, promoting a state of flow.
What Happens . . .
Vestibular System Overloading: the continuous spinning overwhelms the vestibular system (the inner ear’s balance organ)… this sensory overload leads to a trance-like state.
Whirling also increases dopamine levels in the brain… a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward and a sense of euphoria.
Brain studies show Sufi whirling increases Theta brainwave activity. Theta waves are the meditation states, increased focus and access to your deeper mind or subconscious.
Euphoria and Bliss… A sense of joy, peace and spiritual ecstasy.
Time Distortion… A feeling of time passing differently or slowing down.
Unity with the Divine… A sense of connection with a higher power or universal consciousness.
Increased Creativity… A heightened sense of imagination and inspiration.
“The ultimate aim of Sufis is to seek the pleasure of God by endeavoring to return to their original state of purity and natural disposition, known as fitra” wikipedia
