Whirling Meditation

From The Sannyas Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Known also as Sufi Whirling

Sufi Whirling instruction

It is recommended that no food or drink be taken for three hours before whirling. It is best to have bare feet and wear loose clothing. The meditation is divided into two stages, whirling and resting.

There is no fixed time for the whirling – it can go on for hours – but it is suggested that you continue for at least an hour to get fully into the feeling of the energy whirlpool. The whirling is done on the spot in an anti-clockwise direction, with the right arm held high, palm upwards; and the left arm low, palm downwards. People who feel discomfort from whirling anti-clockwise can change to clockwise. Let your body be soft and keep your eyes open, but unfocussed so that images become blurred and flowing. Remain silent.

For the first 15 minutes, rotate slowly. Then gradually build up speed over the next 30 minutes until the whirling takes over and you become a whirlpool of energy – the periphery a storm of movement but the witness at the centre silent and still.

When you are whirling so fast that you cannot remain upright, your body will fall by itself. Don’t make the fall a decision on your part nor attempt to arrange the landing in advance; if your body is soft you will land softly and the earth will absorb your energy.

Once you have fallen, the second part of the meditation starts. Roll onto your stomach immediately so that your bare navel is in contact with the earth. If anybody feels strong discomfort lying this way, he should lie on his back. Feel your body blending into the earth, like a small child pressed to the mother’s breasts. Keep your eyes closed and remain passive and silent for at least 15 minutes.

see also
Whirling (music album)