Reflexive Perspective: Illuminations - Sufi Rituals

Reflexive Perspective:

Sufi Rituals in Harar

A Film By Vincent Moon

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 SUFISM: What is it?

In the book Sufism: Message of Brotherhood, Harmony, and Hope they describe the following, "A Sufi is one who conceives of life as an experience in eternity-one who holds that the soul, even in life, can unite with the Divine." Thus,the Sufi Rituals in the city of Harar in Ethiopia holds an importance in stabling their community. The message behind these ascetic practices of the Sufi are to find a commune with God as a pure Being, and the with Self as a living being of these spiritual practices.

Furthermore, the word Sufi (or Sufism) has a myriad of definitions, but from the book Islamic Thought, An Introduction, they define Sufi as, "one who embraces those tendencies in Islam, which aim at direct communion between God and Man." Too add, the training of a Sufi is one of a 'traveling path,' while on this path, one is to shed their Self of the former personality or being they once harbored. In doing so, one would gain a betterment of the Self, and this would aid in a betterment of the community one resides, in accord, with their communion with GOD.

The video below will emphasis the point I have conveyed, the experience one must live, and the example of what it takes to find this spiritual communion with GOD and the Self in the practice of Sufism in Harar, Ethiopia.

NOW ETHIOPIA •• ∆ ••• ILLUMINATIONS ••• ∆ •• (((ብርሃን))) from Vincent Moon / Petites Planètes on Vimeo.

I would also like to point out that the Sufi ascetics have extreme ascetic practices and beliefs. Of these five basic beliefs, one them was displayed in this video such as: spending much time in prayer and recitation of the Qur'an as a means of drawing near to God, as well as prayer in the form of remembrance of GOD (dhikr).

These practices are to guide the Sufi in their path to renunciation of the world from it daily pleasures, and desires that would lead a one into total disillusionment. The virtues of patience, poverty, and resignation must guide the Sufi into that closeness of the Self and Allah (GOD).

PROJECTION

I would like to point out how this video pinpoint what I consider "isotoric." As I have defined, the isotoric is 'an equitable quality the Self contains in a moment of immersed euphoria, whether active or inactive, in any present space or time.' The Sufis are sharing a quality of ascetic practices in vocal recitations from the scriptures of the Qur'an (Koran). This same quality is practiced amongst Buddhist monks while they recite mantras from the Buddhist scriptures of China, Japan, Tibet, Nepal, and Thailand, etc. 

This recitation of scripture, use of the drum, and eating the Khat, all share a commonality to what Native Americans practice during vision trances; henceforth, whatever culture around the world me may travel, there is always a gathering of sorts. The emphasis of these gathering is to have a communion with the Self and GOD. This holy-trinity-tribunal-of-sorts, focus on their community, should render certain information and guidance from the spirits (GOD) to bless them where they reside and the environment they inhibit. 

Even in a retrogressive community such as Harar, Ethiopia, there is this understanding that we must focus on the Self, and rid ourselves of the manifestation that keeps us prisoner; yet, this gathering is to teach us that life doesn't stop at just one communion for this must be a habit, a habitual progression of the Self, in order, to better the culture and the environments we all may roam and/or reside.

 MERCI POUR LE VINCENT MOON,

VOYAGE DANS L'INCONNU
JUSQU'À CE QUE LE FILM NEXT, 

AUSSI LONGTEMPS!

REFLEXIVITY TERM

Isotoric: Is an equitable quality the Self contains in a moment of immersed euphoria, whether active or inactive, in any present space or time.

REFERENCES

Nasrollah S., F., Faramarz S., F., & Fariborz S., F. (1976). Sufism: Message of brotherhood, harmony, and hope. (1st ed.). London, UK: A.S. Barnes and Co., Inc.

Saeed, A. (2006). Islamic thought, an introduction. New York: Taylor & Francis.