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~ SUFI Dhikr, Healing, Meditation & Whirling ~ |
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December 2006 at Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Last night at the Yale University McDougal Center, Sh. Waleed hosted a unique and blessed event, a true “Gathering of Hearts.” People of all walks of life, from diverse international and cultural backgrounds, as well as from different spiritual traditions, gathered to take part in the occasion to honor the mystic saint and poet, known simply as, Rumi. The event began with divine poetry from Rumi’s works, which transformed the atmosphere into a sacred space emanating relaxation, tranquility and solace. From this inspired serenity, everyone in attendance was able to leave their everyday cares behind, enjoying the “Light and Baraka” that was present.
In addition to the poetry readings, the evening included a viewing of performances clips from "Secrets of the Heart," Sufi Dhikr, and live whirling and Sufi Whirling.
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Sh. Waleed welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming, both those who were present as well as those who had intended to come. He opened with a blessing for all, and introduced them to meditation from the Sufi tradition, which led into a traditional “dhikr” session respective of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order. He encouraged all to relax, close their eyes, and meditate along with the dhikr, inviting all to chant and recite the divine remembrances, and/or “whirl” if they felt so inclined.
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During several different portions of the “Sufi
Dhikr,” Sh.
Waleed began to whirl. The 'sufi whirling' was a beautiful
sight to behold, full of peace, harmony, and light.
Through the Baraka and
orders of his Shaykh, Mawlana Shaykh Nazim and Shaykh Hisham
Kabbani, Sh. Waleed was previously able to visit the 'sacred
places' of Rumi and Shams, staying in seclusion at
the dergah, in Konya, Turkey.
At the close
of the dhikr,
Sh. Waleed again
thanked all for coming and blessed the gathering, conveying
greetings and salutations from his own teachers, Mawlana
Shaykh Muhammad Nazim al-Haqqani, and Mawlana Shaykh Muhammad
Hisham Kabbani,
of the Most Distinguished Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order..
He encouraged those present, as well as those absent,
to take time out of the regular day-to-day activities to
give
thanks
and maintain such "associations”, in harmony,
with peace, love and support for one another, in order
to spread
light between all people “heart-to-heart.”
Sh. Waleed expressed to all the importance of such “Associations of Remembrance,” being maintained for everyone, regardless of differences in culture or background, for at our roots we are all connected. Each person’s own experience may provide a beacon of light for another, and Sh. Waleed encouraged everyone to share their own cultures and experiences with one another. He invited all to stay and partake in tea and sweets, and to continue the association.
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People stayed well after midnight, continuing the “Association” with Sh. Waleed, and among themselves. They gave heartfelt and sincere thanks to Sh. Waleed for sharing the blessings, and expressed their intention and desire to continue meeting on a regular basis. They remarked at the relevance of Sh. Waleed’s heartfelt remarks in today’s world. His words had come from the heart, and those present felt that connection and the message resonated within them as well. As the people present came from all different backgrounds, several commented on the similarity in spiritual and meditative traditions, and that the goal is one and the same across all boundaries. Sh. Waleed also shared several stories from his own life and journey along the spiritual path, inward and away from the world. Several others shared from their own particular life experiences how they too have begun to realize the importance of stepping back from the world and seeking to understand yourself and your purpose in this life. At the end of the evening, all left refreshed, with a new perspective on life, and much to continue in the way of quiet contemplation. |
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