Here is a Sufi practice involving the sacred movement of dance and song, known as the Dances of Universal Peace. This tradition was created by Samuel Lewis, a Sufi teacher and Zen master, in the late 1960s. The dances are a dynamic method to promote peace and bring people together in communion and celebration. Over the years, the tradition has grown and spread throughout the world, with over 500 dances now celebrating spiritual traditions from around the globe.
The Dances of Universal Peace are heart-centered spiritual practices that engage every part of the individual - mind, body, and emotions. Participants describe the experience as a feeling of community, love, beauty, and oneness. The dances involve singing, movement, chanting, and prayer, creating an embodied form of meditation and connection with the divine. It is a way to connect with others on a deeper level and experience a strong and meaningful connection that goes beyond everyday interactions.
One of the unique aspects of the Dances of Universal Peace is that they bring together people from different religions and spiritual backgrounds. The dances include songs and movements from various traditions, promoting acceptance and unity. It is a universal practice that emphasizes the belief in one God, regardless of what name or tradition one follows. The dances are simple and accessible to people of all ages, including children.
The ultimate goal of the Dances of Universal Peace is to promote world peace by lowering the veils between different religions and fostering understanding, compassion, and tolerance. Through these dances, participants cultivate peace within themselves and develop an awareness of other people's ways of being. The dances serve as a path towards peace by connecting individuals to their divine selves and accessing divine energy in a group setting.
Overall, the Dances of Universal Peace are a powerful practice that brings people together in celebration, prayer, and unity. It is a transformative experience that promotes peace on an individual and global level.
Good for the soul. I have links with sufis from many years ago (1980s) when I helped make a documatary in Egypt about the Mullids . Here is my substack latest article. lhttps://open.substack.com/pub/callystarforth/p/the-message-of-bohemian-rhapsody?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=1eq51l