Assignment 16: Participation Discussion: The Experience of Sema (W7)

Given all that you know about the Mevlevi Sufi Sema (whirling ritual), how do you think this particular ritual, performed in this particular way, helps the semazen to become closer to God? Include in your answer, what ideas are the semazen embodying as they participate?  What are they embodying and experiencing? 

Hint:  I want you to think about the movements, and structure of the dance and all the symbolism with it.  How do you think this particular ritual, performed in this particular way, helps the semazen to become closer to God?

There may be many answers to this. There is not one correct answer. Please use your creativity and critical thinking skills to suggest at least one possible way this ritual has its effect on the Semazen.  As always, back up your theory with concrete information about the dance and its context.

Assignment 16: Participation Discussion: The Experience of Sema (W7) Answer 

Sufi whirling or the whirling movements (the semazen) performed during sema is a way to reach the source towards perfection or karma. The movements, wherein the performer moves to the left with one hand placed higher than the other, acts as a means to abandon the ego, and to focus on God. Such action of whirling and spinning in repetition embodies the ritual of sema and what makes the performer be closer to God is the act of concentration in itself to reaching out perfection