Pacifica Institute
25351 Commercentre Dr #100 Lake Forest, CA 92630
Event Summary
An Evening of Sufi Spirituality: Rumi and Divine Presence
11.5.24
Time: 6:00 PM – 8PM
The event began with a warm reception at 6:00 PM, setting the tone for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and soulful music. Attendees gathered to experience the profound teachings of Islamic spirituality through the lens of Rumi’s legacy and the transcendental power of music and whirling dervishes.
Welcoming and Keynote Address
At 6:30 PM, the program officially commenced with welcoming remarks, followed by an insightful keynote speech by Kabir Helminski Dede, a distinguished Shaikh in the lineage of Jalaluddin Rumi. Kabir Helminski delved into the concept of divine presence in one’s life, drawing on Rumi’s timeless teachings. He emphasized how Rumi’s philosophy fosters a deeper connection with the Divine through love, compassion, and spiritual awareness. Highlighting Rumi’s call to transcend ego and embrace the sacred unity of all existence, Kabir captivated the audience with his profound insights and his ability to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges.
Musical Performances and Whirling Dervishes
The keynote was followed by an exquisite musical performance at 6:55 PM, featuring traditional compositions in the Segah maqam, a melodic mode deeply rooted in Ottoman Sufi tradition. The performances were divided into three parts, blending instrumental solos, hymns, and mystical poetry with the meditative movements of the whirling dervishes.
Part 1:
•Call to Prayer (Segah)
•Quran Recitation (Segah)
•Segah Ney Solo
•Segah Tekbir and Salati Ummiye
•Whirling dervish performance accompanied by Segah Pesrev
Part 2:
•Violin Solo (Segah)
•Gazel of Nightingale (Segah)
•Two Segah hymns
Part 3:
•Ud Solo
•A captivating blend of Baglama solos and hymns
Each segment of the musical program was carefully curated to evoke a sense of divine presence and spiritual harmony, creating a seamless fusion of sound, movement, and sacred reflection.
Closing
The evening concluded at 8:15 PM, leaving attendees deeply moved and inspired by the teachings of Kabir Helminski and the mesmerizing performances. It was a profound journey into the heart of Sufi spirituality, celebrating the universal message of Rumi: the power of love and the unifying presence of the Divine in all aspects of life.
This event not only honored the legacy of Rumi but also served as a reminder of the transformative power of art and spirituality to bridge divides and foster understanding.
Many thanks to the performers
Fatih Yılmaz with ney reed flute
Elijah Badao with bowed tanbur
Murat Bahar with guitar
George Kara with drum
James Waterman with drum
Hitoshi Suzuki with chello
Bilal Sarimeseli with call to prayer and vocals
Melik Sayin with saz- Turkish musical instrument
Hamza Bilgic with recitation of Quran and ud
Murat Kalyoncu with vocals
and the Whirling Dervish Taha Dikici
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Please rsvp here
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sufi-nights-tickets-1050187969487?aff=oddtdtcreator
Reception: 6pm
Welcoming:6:30pm
Keynote*: 6:35pm
Musical performance and the whirling dervish: 6:55pm
Part1
1-Call to Prayer (Segah)
2-Quran Recitation (Segah)
3-Segah Ney Solo
4-Segah Tekbir and Salati Ummiye
5-Whirling Dervish with Segah Pesrev
Part2
1-Viloin Solo (Segah)
2-Gazel of Nightingale (Segah)
3-Hymn (Segah)
4-Hymn (Segah)
Part3
1- Ud Solo
2- Hymn
3- Baglama Solo
4-Hymn
5-Hymn
End: 8pm
* Keynote by Kabir Helminski:
Kabir Helminski is a Shaikh in the lineage of Jalaluddin Rumi. He has explored the sacred traditions of the world seeking to understand what they can teach us about consciousness and the human heart. The focus of his work is contributing to a new language of spirituality to meet the unprecedented challenges of our times. His most recent book is The Mysterion, Rumi and the Secret of Becoming Fully Human(Shambhala Publications, 2023).
His books on spirituality, Living Presence and The Knowing Heart, have been published in at least nine languages. He is a respected translator of the works of Rumi and others, and co-director of The Threshold Society (Sufism.org). In 2009 and subsequent years, Kabir was named as one of the “500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.” He has toured North America as Shaikh with the Whirling Dervishes of Turkey bringing Sufi culture to more than 100,000 people.
He teaches internationally, often at inter-spiritual events. His journalistic writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, Tikkun, Patheos, and The Times of India, among others.