Mysticism

Sufism

• Islamic mysticism
• Not a sect of Islam, a dimension of Islam
• There are Sunni and Shi'a Sufis.

Whirling Dervishes

• Meditation through movement
• Known as "Sema"/"Semanzen" 
• Revolution is the nature of all things
• The earth, the moon, electrons, protons, neutrons

whirling dervishes

• The object is not to lose consciousness or go into a trance.
• The object is to revolve with the nature process of revolutions in nature. 
• The object is to revolve with the nature process of revolutions in nature. 
• Consciously participates in this revolution.
• Founded by the disciples of a man named Rumi.
• the whirling dervish or semazen, intentionally and consciously participates

Rumi

Rumi

• Sufi Poet and philosopher
• Lived in Persia (Iran) in the 13th Century (born in 1207 AD)
• Nobleman, mystic, and scholar
• Underlying principle of his teaching: 
• Reunfication with his "beloved", which means God or the primordial root 

Rumi's Poetry

• http://bit.ly/1bRLtyu
• http://bit.ly/1f1LIVU

Christian Mysticism

Early years

• Desert "mothers and fathers"
• Around 3rd Century AD
• Left Greco-Roman world to live in Egyptian Desert
• Lived ascetic lives

Desert Fathers and Mothers

• Lived in silence in a dark cell
• Meditation
• Desert monastic communities

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the Middle Ages

• Many monastic mystics
• Many monastic mystics
• Monks and nuns having spiritual experiences
• Monks and nuns having spiritual experiences
• Includes visions and hearing the voice of God
• Includes 

Julian of Norwich

• Anchoress in Norwich England
• 1342 AD - 1416 AD
• Recorded her visions of God
• Revelations of Divine Love

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKvciMGsBQ0 

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Hildegard Von Bingen

• German Nun
• known for her visions of God and her music
• Also known for "breaking the rules" quite often.

hildegard Von Bingen

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI1QrZINeg
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEI1QrZINeg
• Hildegard's music
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UflHEjPmhNQ

Mechthild of Magdeburg

• Also lived in the 1200s
• Aroused so much oppo
• Aroused so much opposition that the church wanted her writings burned.
• Joined the Beguine order
• Not much is known about her life.

St. Francis of Assisi

Modern 

modern Mysticism

• Many Christians still engage in mystical practices
• Contemplative prayer and Lectio Divina
• The Jesus Prayer
• Celtic Christianity
• Meditation

Women Mystics

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBTo44aLnQ

Modern Mystics

Modern Mystics

Discussion