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IDSA INTERFAITH DIALOGUE STUDENT ASSOCIATION,April 25,2007,COLLEGE STATION,TEXAS. |
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The Order of the Whirling Dervishes was founded in the
13th century in what is modern-day Turkey by the world-renowned
Islamic scholar, philosopher and sufi poet Mevlana Jalal-al-Din
Rumi, popularly known as "Rumi." The popular
appeal of Rumi and his poetry expressing his philosophy
of love of all creation, tolerance, and peace through
love and worship of God has not diminished over the
centuries. This is best evidenced by the fact that Rumi
has been the number-one selling poet in the United States
for the last 13 years.
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The Order of the Whirling Dervishes is one branch of the vast
Sufi tradition of Islam. Sufism espouses a moderate interpretation
of Islam, which focuses on love, tolerance, worship of God,
community development, and personal development through self-discipline
and responsibility. These universal themes are very much relevant
to the social and political realities of today, and the sema
performed by the Order of the Whirling Dervishes has come
to symbolize these values in the hearts and minds of millions
throughout the world.The sema features the revolving dance
of the dervishes cloaked in long white robes accompanied by
spiritual Sufi music performed live on traditional instruments
dating back to the time of Rumi. The dervishes are coming
to Houston from Rumi's hometown - Konya, Turkey. The Whirling
Dervishes have performed previously in Europe and the Far
East. Attendees of the performance in Houston will have the
unique opportunity to witness this intensely spiritual and
inspirational performance of the Whirling Dervishes without
having to travel to Turkey. But one lucky attendee will win
a complementary trip for two to Konya, Turkey, where they
will receive a private tour of Rumi's city!
The Order of the Whirling Dervishes was founded in the
13th century in what is modern-day Turkey by the world-renowned
Islamic scholar, philosopher and sufi poet Mevlana Jalal-al-Din
Rumi, popularly known as "Rumi." The popular
appeal of Rumi and his poetry expressing his philosophy
of love of all creation, tolerance, and peace through
love and worship of God has not diminished over the
centuries. This is best evidenced by the fact that Rumi
has been the number-one selling poet in the United States
for the last 13 years. |
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