Rumi: The Voice of Peace and Love
Sheb-i Arus
What does Sheb-i Arus mean? Rumi's Life, Words, Doctrine and Shams
Rumi (Mevlana) thinks that death does not mean the disappearance of an object, but the flight towards Allah. Mevlana (Rumi) has attributed the meaning of "Wedding Night" to Sheb-i Arus. Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi died on December 17, 1273. The word Sheb-i Arus is mentioned in Mevlana's poem himself: Our death is an eternal wedding. Sheb-i Arus word means "Wedding Night". Rumi counted the day of death as "revel to God", that is, "Reunion with the Creator" (Wedding Day-Night). Sheb-i Arus is commemorated on the anniversary of Mevlana's achievement with events organized in many places, especially Konya. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOPcNCMRa_8
What does the word "Mevlana" mean?
Mevlana means "Our Lord". He was called by this name for respect, both in his health and after his death. Mevlana was also known as "Molla Hünkar" "Mevlay-ı Rum" (Lord of Anatolia) and Mevlevi. The reason why he was called Rumi is because of his history in Anatolia, the land of art and thought in those centuries known as Rum, and his eternal life in this country. Born in Balkh city of Khorasan (Turkistan, Afghanistan).
When does Seb-i Arus Start?
Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, one of the greatest mystics of the Turkish and Islamic world, will bring together people from different religions and cultures from Turkey and abroad on the anniversary of the wuslat (the day of meet with Allah after die) in Konya in December. Of course, there will be limited activities due to the pandemic, but I will share images from previous events for you. In Sheb-i Arus, besides Rumi's poems and composed works, Sema shows attract great attention.
What is "Sema"?
Sema is the food of lovers. Because there is a dream of meeting Allah in the sky. It is a journey to beloved. " It is known as the most mystical dance in the world, created and developed under the inspiration of Mevlana (1207-1273). Also taught Shams-i Tabrizi to Rumi. In fact, when looked deeper, it is the dhikr rite of the Mevlevi dervishes. It can be summarized as a ritual they performed by spreading their arms to both sides, turning their right palm to the sky and left palm to the earth, taking from God and distributing them to the people accompanied by instruments such as ney. Here, music is an instrument that helps meditation. There are both visible and invisible aspects of the sky. First, the Mesnevi is recited, then the prayer is performed and the dhikr is made.
I especially wanted to write down all the stages and meanings of Sema. Because Sema, which is perceived as a touristic show from time to time, is actually a ritual that has been living for centuries with very deep meanings. And only those who Sema know it. It is up to us to tell and to be an embassy. I am happy if I can one day make a small contribution to you while watching this special show.
Why not return?
Because the basic condition for existence is to return. It represents a round trip. Electrons orbit the nucleus at speeds varying between 1000 and 100,000 km. Electrons whose masses do not differ from each other have different energy levels and rotate in 7 different orbits. This rapid and endless spin of the electron is the essence of all that exists. Everything in the universe survives with this turn. The stars, the planets, the blood in the body, the life on the earth, everything rotates in harmony.
"Sema", which means to hear, symbolically represents the formation of the universe and the act of man's love for God. As a meaning of the term, it means to echo with musical melodies and turn around in an ecstatic state. In a sense, it can be expressed as standing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7ExT2vW6Gk The place where Sema is done is called Semahane. Circularity of the Semahane: It represents the Universe. Cross-tied stance of arms at the beginning of the sema: It is the supplication stance. They take off the black cardigan and cross their hands and hold their shoulders. This represents the number 1, namely Elif, in the Arabic alphabet. It means that I witness the existence of Alah with all my being. Right side: The visible and known realm of Matter, Left side: It represents the realm of meaning. Çelebi: It is called the head of the sect. He is chosen from Mevlana's grandchildren. Sheikh: The head of the Mevlevi household was called a sheikh. The Sheikh was chosen from among the grandfathers; only Çelebi should have confirmed his sheikhdom. Dede: It is a dervish who completes 1001 days of ordeal. Ney: Ney kamil, which is carved inside and gives only the voice of its owner, is the symbol of human.
Clothes and Their Meanings
The tennure (white dress) symbolizes the purity and the shroud of the soul, the coin, the dervish crown (the long honey-colored felt they wear on their heads) the tombstone and the monotheism of the soul, and the black cardigan symbolizes the soul and the grave. Ears close with coins, symbolizing that this world has not heard but the journey towards God has begun. The red coat is considered the seat of Rumi. It represents Hz. Symbolizes the red mist. (Reunion with God) Just like the sun, it is the color of sunset from the material world and birth into the spiritual world. Those who have just entered the Mevlevi order sit in black mail. Because black contains every color.
As the dervish learns and travels, the white post is entitled to sit. Wearing a turban is the right of sheikhs and caliphs. Their color varies according to their lineage.
"When you enter the Sema, you go out of both worlds."
Throwing the black cardigan at the beginning of the sky means that the whirling dervishes leave the worldly world there. Dervishes enter the whirling dervish slowly and step by step and line up on one side of the square. Sheikh is the last to occur. There is an imaginary line between the post and the door in the Semahane. This line divides the universe into two. The left side is the realm of meaning. (Batıni) The right side is the realm of visible and known matter. (Poison) Sheikh red mail advances step by step.
The kudum symbolizing the "Kun" (Be) command given by God while creating the universe is hit. Ney is blown as it represents the divine breath. Dervishes hit the ground with their palms at the same time. This stroke symbolizes the doomsday and the bridge of backseat. Dervishes stand up. The universe has been formed. The salute they give to each other is of respect to the spirit in every human being, which is a divine trust. Sheikh and dervishes turn from right to left (from the world to the hereafter) 3 times in a circle. 3 times symbolizes the degrees of worship. The rotating object throws away what is not in itself. It is purified from bad feelings.
Why do not whirling dervishes get dizzy?
Whirling dervishes rotate by tilting their heads 20-25 degrees to the left, just like the 23 degree angle of the world. This slope neutralizes the effects on the inner ear and does not become dizzy. At the same time, they fix their gaze on one point, the thumb of the left hand. They don't care about what's around, they see everywhere foggy. The sema ritual consists of 4 parts. These symbolize the 4 stages that the passenger will go through. Perceiving one's own servanthood Admiration for God's greatness The turning of admiration into love To become a servant to the purpose of creation. (The greatest degree is servitude)
Let's Go Back to Rumi's Life
Mevlana, or Mevlânâ Celâleddîn-i Rûmî, was born on 30 September 1207 and died on December 17, 1273 at the age of 66. Mevlana's poems are among the most important songs from the 13th century until today. The translations of his works, especially Turkey, Azerbaijan, USA and read widely in South Asia. Like all other Sufis, the basic doctrine of Celâleddîn-i Rûmî is organized around the idea of oneness. Celalettin Rumi has come to the forefront with his love for his Allah, considering his connection to his Allah.
Who Are Rumi's Mother and Father?
His father is Bahattin Veled, known as Sultanu'l ulama (the sultan of scholars). His mother is Mümine Hatun. His father was one of the greatest scholars of his age. Her mother, Mümine Hatun, is a princess from the Harzemshah Empire dynasty.
Who Are Mevlana's Spouses and Children?
Mevlana was married to Gevher Hatun, daughter of Hace Şerafettin from Samarkand, in Karaman when she was only 18 years old and she had two sons from this marriage. His first son is Sultan Veled and his second son is Alaeddin. However, Alaeddin passed away in 1262 while Mevlana was still alive. Mevlana married Kerra Hatun in Konya after the death of his first wife. Muzafferüddin Alim Çelebi and Melike Hatun were born from this marriage.
Why did Mevlana's Father Migrate from Khorasan to Anatolia?
Harzemşahs were afraid of Bahattin Veled's spiritual influence. After a while, this was why they broke up. Thereupon, Bahattin Veled had to leave Belh. At that time, Mevlana was a younger child. With his father, he came to Hejaz through Iran, Baghdad. After the pilgrimage, they crossed into Anatolia via Damascus. It was a glorious era of the Seljuk Empire in Anatolia. Bahattin Veled was greeted with great respect in Konya, the center of the Anatolian Seljuk State. Mevlana was about twenty-four years old.
Who Was the Most Important Person in Mevlana's Life?
In 1244, a dervish named Mehmet Şemsettin from Tabriz came to Konya. This mysterious person had very high feelings and views. The arrival of Shams of Tabriz to Konya directed the life of Mevlana in a completely different direction. Mevlana was around 37 years old at that time. Until that day, Mevlana; he was recognized as a serious, solemn great scholar. He was a great idea man. The arrival of Shams of Tabriz turned the emotional world of Mevlana upside down and turned him into a man of love.
From Who Did Mevlana Learn From?
Mevlana received his primary education from his father. His father was one of the greatest scholars of his age. Upon the death of his father on January 12, 1231, he continued his education with Seyyit Burhanettin Tirmizi. Mevlana learned Science and Religion sciences from his father and Sufism from Tirmidhi. Another scholar who had a turning point in his life is Şemsi Tabziri.
The Poem “Don’t Do” From Rumi to Şems
You can read the lyrics and also watch the video clip with amazing “ney” sound. The talented famous actor Yılmaz Erdoğan give a voice to that amazing poem in this clip. First the lyrics for you… “I heard that you intend to leave 'us', don't do! You're tending to another beloved one, another friend; don't do! Oh my moon! the universe has become a debris, a ruin because of your love You're making 'us' a debris, such ruin.. don't do! Oh you! who has a thron beyond existence and absence.. You are leaving the ground of existence, don't do! If you forsake, the moon turns into dark in sorrows You intend also to ruin the moons world, don't do! It doesn't harm 'us' even if you put poison in candy bowl You turn poison into candy; and candy into poison.. don't do! My eyes which contaminated to sins, is thief of your beauty Oh you! the one who worths even to steal for, you are stealing.. don't do! If you don't have strenght to handle beloved ones.. .so why are you astonished for love? Don't do! Uprise my dear! time for empty words has been passed So why are you passing out with drunkness of love? Don't do!” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dRRMYCk5kM
Why Did Şems-i Tebrizi Leave Konya?
Shams-i Tebrizi upset Rumi's emotional world and made him a man of love. Shams completely ignited the fire of genius in Mevlana. Mevlana had begun to neglect everybody except Shems. This situation made both his loved ones and his students extremely upset. they even threatened Shams with death. Bored with this situation, Shams secretly went to Damascus from Konya in 1246.
Did Şems-i Tebrizi Return to Konya?
Mevlana could not stand Shams' 15-month conversation. He was devastated by his departure. His students, who did not expect this result, regretted what they did. They knew that Shams was in Damascus. Mevlana wrote many letters to him to return. Then he sent his son Sultan Velet to Damascus with a group of 20 people. With the letters of Mevlana, Shams softened and agreed to return to Konya in 1246, 9 months after his departure.
Where Did Shams Go Later?
Mevlana started to continue the assembly of Shams with the highest and most enlightened layer of Konya. Mevlana was no longer lecturing nor preaching. He was immersed in his inner world. His students and the public were not happy with this situation either. In the face of this strong discontent, Shams suddenly disappeared in 1247. This mysterious departure has never been enlightened.
Where and when did Mevlana passed away?
Hz. Mevlana attained his right in Konya on December 17, 1273 when he was 66 years old. At his funeral, there were Christians and Jews along with all the people of Konya. Seljuk vizier Alemettin Kaysar built his tomb. The moment of Mevlana's vuslat is called Seb-i arus (Wedding night). This night is the night when the lover meets the mash (Allah).
Why did Mevlana write his poems in Persian?
The love of Turkishness is very strong in Mevlana. In that century, Turkish had not developed as an advanced poetry language in Anatolia. That is why Mevlana was writing his poems in Persian. In fact, the following line, which he sadly said, is very famous: "Aslem Türk-est egerci hinduguyem" (Although I say it in Persian, my origin is Turkish.)
What Are the Works of Mevlana?
Mesnevi It is 6 volumes, 25618 couplets. It was written with the pattern of fâ'ilâtün fâ'ilâtün fâ'il in the style of Mesnevi. It tells the understanding of unity in existence with imaginary and real stories. Its language is mostly Persian. Divan-ı Kebir Written in Persian, it consists of 40380 couplets. Although the work is written in Persian, Turkish, Arabic and even Greek parts are included in it. Fihi Mafih The work written in Persian prose means "it is inside, it is in it". It is the version of the conversations made by Mevlânâ compiled by his relatives - probably Sultan Veled. Mektubat It is a work composed of a collection of letters written by Mawlana to his relatives, friends, some scholars, especially to the elders of the state and important persons. Mecalis-i Seb'a It is a prose work in Persian that includes the seven sermons of Mawlana. These sermons were probably noted by Sultan Veled or Çelebi Hüsameddin, but were not left as they were, revised and some additions were made to them on the condition that they do not touch the essence.
Let’s Have a Look Some of His Words
I definately advise that listen the sound of “Ney” and read these sentences. Becaue of that reason put some clips…Hope you will enjoy… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJDDDSX8MJs “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I'll meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about.” “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” “Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.” “What you seek is seeking you.” “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” “The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0vpdhY2z88&t=12s “Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form.” “Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.” “If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?” “Don't be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” “You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” “Forget safety. Live where you fear to live. Destroy your reputation. Be notorious.” “When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” “Knock, And He'll open the door Vanish, And He'll make you shine like the sun Fall, And He'll raise you to the heavens Become nothing, And He'll turn you into everything.” Read the full article