Page 40 - Perceptions papers
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levels. The discipline is an ongoing teaching for those who participate. It is intended to reveal the
link between participants and the infinite. And, to transmit a blessing into the world. Zikr Zikr is
Remembrance through repeating sacred words. Its aim is to realize the presence of God. It is
done individually and communally. A zikr can be a beautiful ceremony with music and
movement, or an invisible prayer of the heart. Sohbet Sohbet is spiritual discourse. In it we open
our hearts to each other in discussion and deep listening. It is the context for the transmission of
the oral tradition. Stories are told, experiences are shared, questions are asked, teachings given.
Understanding is shared. It is a full feast for the heart and mind.
Service Everything we do aims toward service. Through it we attain meaning. We can
practice service on any scale and in every context – from making the smallest gesture of
consideration to anyone you come upon - to traveling across the world to set up cottage
industries for people in need. In every moment, the commitment to serve teaches us freedom
through humility and honors our essential connection to each other; the whole of creation; and
every person. Founder of Our Order - Suleyman Hayati Dede Was appointed Sheikh of Konya
by Celaleddin Bakir Celebi, head of the Order and the 21st lineal descendant of Rumi. He visited
Europe and America many times, planting the seed of Mevlana in western hearts. He brought
inspiration, compassion, and love to those who met him. In 1978 he sent his son, Jelaleddin
Loras, to America to continue the Mevlevi Tradition in the West. Spiritual Leader - Jelaleddin
Loras Macampostneshen Jelaleddin Loras was raised and trained in the Mevlevi community of
Konya. Under his father’s instruction he came to America with the tasks of creating centers and
training Western students. He has spent more than thirty years in this service, exploring and
refining how to present the Mevlevi path to the Western Heart. Today there are MOA centers
across the United States and in Europe. For more information visit – www.hayatidede.org.
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