Mevlevi

Definition

Mevlevi refers to a Sufi order founded in the 13th century by the followers of the Persian poet and mystic Jalal al-Din Rumi, known for their practice of whirling as a form of meditation and worship. This order emphasizes love, tolerance, and the pursuit of divine knowledge, using poetry and music as key elements in their spiritual practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Mevlevi order, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, originated in Konya, Turkey, where Rumi lived and taught.
2. Mevlevi dervishes wear a distinctive attire consisting of a white skirt representing purity, a black cloak symbolizing the worldly life they leave behind, and a tall hat called a sikke that represents the tombstone of the ego.
3. The practice of whirling is not just a dance; it is a form of physical meditation intended to help the dervish attain a deeper spiritual connection with God.
4. Music plays an essential role in Mevlevi ceremonies, with traditional instruments like the ney (a type of reed flute) accompanying the whirling and recitation of poetry.
5. Mevlevi teachings emphasize the importance of love as a means to connect with the divine and foster compassion toward all beings.

Review Questions

• How does the practice of whirling within the Mevlevi order serve as a form of meditation?
  • Whirling in the Mevlevi order serves as a physical meditation that allows dervishes to transcend their ego and connect with the divine. The act of spinning creates a state of ecstasy where they can experience unity with God. This movement symbolizes the cosmic dance and reflects the Sufi belief in seeking deeper spiritual truths through physical expression.
• Discuss the significance of Rumi's teachings in shaping Mevlevi philosophy and practices.
  • Rumi's teachings are central to Mevlevi philosophy, emphasizing love, tolerance, and unity with the divine. His poetry conveys deep spiritual insights that encourage followers to seek personal experiences of God. The use of music and poetry during Mevlevi rituals draws directly from Rumi's works, creating an immersive environment that fosters spiritual growth and emotional connection among practitioners.
• Evaluate how Mevlevi practices reflect broader themes in Sufi literature regarding the search for divine knowledge and connection.
  • Mevlevi practices embody key themes in Sufi literature that emphasize the quest for divine knowledge through love and self-discipline. The whirling ceremony reflects a journey toward understanding one's place in the universe while surrendering to God's will. This pursuit resonates throughout Sufi writings, where poets like Rumi articulate the necessity of abandoning worldly attachments to achieve spiritual enlightenment. The intertwining of movement, music, and poetry illustrates how Sufism uses artistic expressions as pathways to deeper truths about existence and divinity.

Related terms

Sufism:

A mystical Islamic belief system that seeks direct personal experience of God through rituals, poetry, and spiritual practices.

Semah: The ceremonial dance performed by Mevlevi dervishes during their rituals, which often involves whirling to reach a state of spiritual ecstasy.

Rumi:

Jalal al-Din Rumi was a 13th-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic whose works and teachings form the foundation of Mevlevi spirituality.