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Bridging
Religious Differences
In a world that has grown increasingly intolerant of other people’s
spiritual perspectives, there are few avenues for us to express
the unity of love within the diversity of religious practices. Now,
in this moment when peace-making requires the highest priority for
planetary survival and human evolution, the path of Sufism is one
that has been recognized in the world community for repeatedly offering
a tool to help us overcome the distinctions and differences which
divide.
Sufism which was brought to the West by Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1910,
is founded on the principle of spiritual unity, that all creation
is beloved in the sight of God. It is the goal of the Sufi to awaken
the heart which leads to the bestowal of love, kindness, compassion
and mercy on all of creation. It’s popularity soared in the
1970's when “the Dances of Universal Peace, better known as
Sufi Dancing”, was introduced by San Francisco mystic, Samuel
Lewis. Taking sacred phrases from all of the world’s religions
and putting them to music and movement, Sufi dances are considered
body prayers, a way of praying with the whole being. It is also
a subtle, heart centered method for realizing the common characteristics
of the holy texts.
During the past 25 years, the Dances have spread throughout the
world, touching more than a half million people in North and South
America, Europe, the former Soviet Union, Japan, India, Pakistan,
Australia, and New Zealand. There are anywhere from 40 to 60 meetings
weekly or monthly in the United States alone.
The Dances of Universal Peace have evolved and expanded in practical
application to meet the deep felt needs today for rediscovering
reverence, creativity, and a body-based connection to the natural
world. Teachers share the Dances in schools, holistic health centers,
ecumenical worship celebrations, prisons, rehab centers and many
other venues. Sufi dances are easy to learn and no partners are
necessary. They are typically danced in circles to live music and
are a delightful and joyous experience, filled with light, laughter
and love.
by
Rev. Tofah Eileen Yragui
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