Mevlevism, a mystical path that emerged in the 13th century through the teachings of Jalal al-Din Rumi, has grown into a global spiritual movement. The foundation of Mevlevism is the inner journey of the individual and their deep love for God. Sufi teachings emphasize the unity of the universe, the realization of God’s presence in the heart, and the transcendence of worldly desires. In Mevlevism, it is taught that a person must purify their heart and struggle against their ego to draw closer to God.
One of the most well-known practices of Mevlevism is “sema,” the ritual of spinning. This practice symbolizes the individual’s ascent from the material world to a higher spiritual state. While it is a physical movement, it also represents an inner transformation of the individual. The circular movement in the sema reflects the order of the universe and God’s omnipresent power. It serves as a symbol for the soul’s journey toward union with God.
Vahdâtiyya Sufi Path: The Essence of Unity and Deep Meaning in Mysticism
Vahdâtiyya, as mentioned earlier, is another important school of Sufism. Like Mevlevism, the Vahdâtiyya path also focuses on the individual’s quest to approach God through inner purification. However, Vahdâtiyya specifically emphasizes the concept of “wahdat al-wujud” (unity of existence), which posits that everything in the universe is a reflection of God, and the goal is for the individual to achieve union with this divine presence. The teachings encourage one to perceive God in everything and to recognize the divine essence within all of creation.
Much like in Mevlevism, Vahdâtiyya also guides individuals to transcend worldly desires and embark on a spiritual journey. Both paths require the discipline of self-purification, where the soul seeks to grow closer to God through devotion and mindfulness. In addition, both traditions emphasize virtues such as love, tolerance, patience, and sacrifice as essential qualities for spiritual progress.
Similarities and Common Ground
- Wahdat al-Wujud and the Awareness of Unity: Both Mevlevism and Vahdâtiyya are grounded in the understanding of wahdat al-wujud (unity of existence). In both paths, everything in the universe is seen as a manifestation of God, and the individual is encouraged to achieve union with the divine by recognizing this unity. The Mevlevi teaching of “seeing God in everything” aligns with Vahdâtiyya’s notion of perceiving the divine essence in all things.
- Inner Journey and Spiritual Discipline: In Mevlevism, sema is a ritual through which the individual embarks on an inner journey toward divine union. Similarly, Vahdâtiyya emphasizes the purification of the soul and the discipline required to reach spiritual maturity. Both paths focus on the importance of self-purification and spiritual growth to connect with God.
- Love and Compassion: Both Mevlevism and Vahdâtiyya emphasize love as a central component of the spiritual journey. Rumi’s famous words, “Love is the beginning of everything,” echo in both traditions. Both teachings encourage individuals to cultivate love, compassion, and tolerance, as they are seen as essential virtues for spiritual enlightenment.
- Transcendence of Worldly Desires: Both paths teach the necessity of transcending worldly desires and material attachments. The true happiness, according to Mevlevism and Vahdâtiyya, is not found in external possessions but in inner peace and connection with the divine. This idea forms the foundation of both teachings, guiding individuals to focus on their spiritual growth rather than material wealth.
In Conclusion, Mevlevism and Vahdâtiyya, though originating from different traditions, share many common themes. Both paths emphasize the individual’s spiritual journey towards union with God, the purification of the self, and the cultivation of virtues such as love and compassion. While they may express these teachings through different rituals and symbols, the essence of their wisdom remains deeply intertwined. Both invite seekers to embark on an inner transformation and to experience a profound connection with God through their hearts.
