SEMA
SUFI WHIRLING GATHERINGS IN NJ/NY
UPCOMING EVENTS
What is Sema?
Sema (Arabic: سَمَاع ) means “deep listening” and refers to a ceremony rooted in the Sufi tradition that combines devotional music, poetry, and whirling meditation. It is a powerful, ecstatic practice based on the teachings of Mevlana Rumi, the Mevlevi Sufi orders and the shamanic beyond.
Why we practice Sema?
Sema is an active meditation; a prayer during which a dervish's body can open to channel the Divine Invisible. "Dervish" literally means "doorway" and is thought to be an portal between the material world and the spiritual world, the conscious and unconscious. In order to open this portal, the dervish attempts to be empty of ego or sense of self. Whirling in place with one symbolic palm extended upward to receive and one extended downward to give, the dervish does not attempt to hold onto energy but to be a vessel for it to pass into the hearts of others. Sema is an open secret - the whirling dervish tries to get out of the way to reveal it. But as in any type of meditation, it is a struggle.
How to prepare for our Sema events?
Come with passion, patience, comfortable clothing, good socks and a snack to share. Please eat lightly beforehand.
Entry is by donation.
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Watch our Film about SEMA
In this episode, we dive into the mysticism of the Whirling Dervishes, the symbolism of the Sema ceremony, the life & teachings of Rumi and how this tradition is evolving in today’s world.
This project is produced by the Lila Series and is the second episode of a documentary series that explores sacred music and dance traditions from around the world.