Needed--More Mystics?

One of the more unique things we had the opportunity to do in our exposure to Turkish culture was to attend a presentation by a group of "Whirling Dervishes".

Our guide, Salih, explained the origin and philosophy of the whirling dervish movement. Originating in the vision of the great 13th century Muslim poet and mystic, Rumi, the "whirling dervishes" were originally a monastic movement within Islam, espeically promiment in Turkey and Persia.

Why are they called "whirling dervishes"? It's because of the slow, graceful dance they carry out for meditative purposes. The word "dervish" is roughly equivalent to the English word"monk". Although there are no longer monastic communities of dervishes, there are still adherents to the dervish practice and philosophy who carry out their secular occupations by day and practice meditative dance evenings and weekends. Whirling slowly, eyes closed, heads often tilted, the dervishes enter a trance-like state in which they seek to achieve union with God and perceive themselves to be at harmony with all people and creation. Their dance is highly symbolic: shedding their black cloaks as they enter into meditative dance, they dress in white robes and tall, wool hats. The hats represent tombstones, and the white robe the garment, in Muslim tradition, that will shroud them in death. It's as if they're dying to self and becoming someone new in union with God in their meditation. (Reminds me of Paul's comment in Romans 6 on baptism as a death of the old self and birth of the new.) In addition to the dervishes' dress, their posture is also symbolic: the right hand is raised and extended upward and outward, in anticipation of receiving whatever God has to offer in the meditaiton; the left hand is extended downward and outward, expressing the conviction that one's union with God is expressed in acts of love and service to others.

And that gives a clue to the dervish philosophy. At the center are denial of self, union with God, and compassion toward others. In addition, the dervishes have always welcomed women among their numbers. And they have taught and striven to practice tolerance for those who are different.

Doesn't it seem like the world could use a little more of that philosophy these days?

As I listened to our guide describe the mystic vision of the dervishes, it struck me that this vision is not unique to Islam. Through the centuries, Christian mystics have also preached union with God and love and tolerance for others. Many Christian mystics--like St. Francis, Hildegard of Bingen, and Meister Eckhart--have advocated and practiced gender equality. As I pondered this further, the question haunted me: "Does the world need more mystics? Does the world need more people devoted to union with God, and love, tolerance, and equality among humans? Does the world need to be reminded that, at the center of the universe is a power, a loving power (God) who is passionate about unity, harmony, justice, and peace?"

I think so!

But I also know that mystics are, often, not well received. They're often considered odd, weird, and so heavenly-minded as to be no earthly good. Mystics have usually been belittled and riduculed. It's not an easy calling, to be a mystic! Perhaps that's one reason there are so few of them!

But perhaps we are being called to pay closer attention to the voice of the mystics among us. Who are those who dare to be "different" out of their passion for union with God? Who are those who are calling on us to see the God-intended harmony and shalom of the universe, and to act as if that is more real than all the hatred and fears that divide us? Who are those whose passion for union with God and harmony in all creation compels others to label them odd and unrealistic?

They just may be the mystics among us. They just may be speaking a word from God. And, in these troubled times, they just may be needed more than politicians, armies, and economic gurus.

The mystics--they just may be the ones who can show the way to the mending of a broken world.

Are we listening?