The Heart’s Turn
SUMMER SERIES
with Cem Baba & friends
We are honoured to welcome back Cem Baba & a group of dervishes from Turkey & California this month.
Cem Baba has spent the last 3+ months in Samandag, a region in Turkey that has been devastated by the recent earthquake. He and his community have been fully engaged in Earthquake relief efforts. He comes with many stories and lessons to share. Join us in welcoming him and recieve these important transmissions.
All of these events are in support of fundraising efforts for earthquake relief, and glimpse into what we will be exploring during our “The Heart’s Turn” tour & retreat to Turkey this fall.
6/14: Teachings & Storytelling with Cem Baba in BK
6/17: Foundations of Sufi Whirling - Daylong Workshop in BK
6/17: Sema Devotional Gathering in BK
What is Sufism? Who are the Sufis?
Sufism is the poetry, music and mysticism of Islam. It’s vision revolves around realizing the current of love that runs through human life and the unity behind all forms. It’s method is the development of presence and love to awaken from our enslavement to the world and our own psychological processes, and into Unity with the Source of all.
The Sufis are those who love and are purified by love, free of themselves and their own qualities, and fully attentive to the Beloved.
Adapted from Kabir Helminski, Living Presence.
What is Sema?
Sema is a devotional space that includes live music and whirling movement meditation. Inspired by the Sufi ceremony performed as part of the meditation and prayer practice dhikr.
About Cem Baba
Born in Istanbul, Cem (Jem) Aydogdu shares his teachings which are based on both traditional and modern universal Sufi wisdom.
He received his ijazet (Master initiation) from Sherif Baba who comes from the lineage of Pir Ahmed Er Rifai (11th century) and became a Sufi Master himself.
He has an international community, a big part of which is based in Fethiye, Turkey. He currently resides in Samandag, where he and his community are engaged in earthquake relief service.