Sufism is the mystical branch of Islam. It has its roots in the Qu’ran and the Islamic tradition, but at the same time encompasses the universal mysticism that is seen in other spiritual traditions. The essence of Sufism is the simple path of loving God. The Sufi Masters sing of the all pervading love which inundates their being when they become one with their ‘beloved’.

Often the great Sufi poets (Attar, Sanai, Rumi, Saadi, Hafiz, Magribi, Rabi'a, Lalla,..) lived during times of religious fundamentalism. The authorities censored them, because they openly taught that man could have a direct contact with God. I started my journey into the mystic world of Sufi poetry through the works of Coleman Barks.

Rumi believed passionately in the use of music, poetry, and dance as a path for reaching God. He encouraged samāʿ, listening to music and turning or doing the sacred dance.  It was from these ideas that the practice of “whirling” dervishes developed into a ritual form.

It has been quite a few years now that I have yearned to witness the spellbinding mystical dance of the Whirling Dervishes. So when i saw that "Stans Music Days" included "Nourredine Khourchid & the Whirling Dervishes of Damascus" i jumped out of myself and started waiting rather impatiently for April 7th.

It was an interesting gathering of the "Green and alternative folks" @ Kollegium St. Fidelis, where the show was being staged.

The show began with the melodious sound of Saz, shortly joined by the rhythm of daf, and then the deep, celestial voice of Noureddine floated across the hall... 

After a few minutes of chanting, the whirlers, (also called semazens), started the slow turning dance. The outstretched arms, the palm of the right hand towards the sky in order to receive the grace of God, that of the left facing the earth to spread it, the dervishes turn into a trance. 

Yes Music does possesses powers associated with meditation, ecstasy and a state of grace..

The only thing i missed was an introduction: it would have been blissful to know the essence of each song, but perhaps the essence was to ignore the words and dive into the Heart guided by the music.. like Lukas was able to do.. effortlessly!

Someday, I'm in no hurry..