Sema Ceremony

At the beginning of the Sema Ceremony the Semazens kneel on earth color sheepskins. This symbolizes humility. The red sheepskin represents the rising and setting of the sun; it is the ceremonial sheepskin of the sheik. When the sun gives its light, the ceremonial chamber is illuminated. When it hides itself, everywhere is covered in darkness.
There is also green sheepskin, symbolizing enlightenment. If someone wants to learn something they listen the master and find the answer.
Lastly there is white sheepskin; someone with earthly knowledge sits on it but no one advanced in spiritually.
Before begining the Sema Ceremony, when we enter to our meeting place we bow our heads to the floor; meaning we are giving up our own existence. Whatever exists of us belongs to God. Everything has a meaning. People asked Mevlana; "How can someone attain to the level of God?" He answered; "By leaving their existence"...(to be continued)
Discussions on Rumi...Hasan Dede's Own Words By Ayşe Özalp and Carole J. Douglas