The Form Of The Sema

The spiritual converse between master and disciple and the Sema are the highest forms of worship for Mevlevis. In Mevlana's epoque, there were no rules about the Sema. When a Semazen (whirling dervish) was overcome by the ecstasy of love he could turn as long as he wanted. The form of the
Sema was introduced by Mevlana's son Sultan Veled and his close companions.
Before turning in the Sema, Semazens, wearing their sikkes and black cloaks, circle the chamber three times in the cycle of Veled.
The meaning of the first cycle is; The Almighty God first created the world of non living things such as the sun, the moon or stars. He did not get response from them...
The second cycle means; He then created mountains, oceans and vegetation. Again, no response...
The third cycle means; God then created the world of animals; from minnow to whale, sparrow to vulture, ant to elephant. From these, He did not get response as well.
After the animals, God created Man. He surveyed all creations through the eyes of Man; He even received His name from Man...(to be continued)
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