Hour 74 Meditation – Whirling Meditation – The Sufi Way of Ecstasy
Whirling Meditation – The Sufi Way of Ecstasy
Introduction to Whirling Meditation
Whirling Meditation is a spiritual, active meditation method with its origins in the Sufi tradition, more specifically the Mevlevi Order, the Whirling Dervishes. Osho, being innovative, adapted this practice as a means to personal transformation and spiritual awakening. Spinning or whirling is a way to bring the body, mind, and spirit together in an energizing, ecstatic experience of simply being present.
This type of meditation includes whirling in circles to activate energy circulation, break mental blocks, and bring about a state of transcendental consciousness. As Osho used to describe, the aim of Whirling Meditation is to achieve a state of ecstatic emptiness, in which the ego disappears and the practitioner becomes one with the divine flow of the universe. By movement, one becomes a receptacle for the divine energy, being filled with surrender and devotion.
Historical and Spiritual Relevance of Whirling
Whirling, or “Sufi spinning,” is an age-old meditation that was made well-known by renowned Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi. The Mevlevi Order of Sufis, who have a unique tradition of whirling, consider the practice as worship and spiritual enlightenment.
Sufi View
In the Sufi tradition, whirling is seen as a means of moving toward God through ecstatic surrender. It represents a turning inward and letting go of worldly distractions, as well as an outward expression of divine love.
Whirling embodies the concept of “Tawhid” (oneness), the idea that everything in existence is connected and originates from the same divine source. By spinning, the Sufi practitioner moves in a circle to symbolically unite with the universe, returning to the divine origin.
The Cosmic Dance: The whirling motion also metaphorically represents the dance of cosmic objects. The planets revolving around the sun find an echo in the whirling practice, who duplicates this planetary movement, matching the natural course of life as well as that of the cosmos.
The Cycles of Whirling Meditation by Osho
Osho’s version of Whirling Meditation brings a contemporary twist to this ancient technique. This technique is meant to assist in releasing mental blockages, connecting to deeper emotional and spiritual energies, and feeling ecstasy. There are two phases: the active phase (whirling) and the passive phase (meditation and stillness).
Phase 1: Active Phase – Whirling (20 minutes)
Objective: To create a state of energy release and transcendence by repeated, rhythmic whirling.
Instructions:
Preparation:
Begin standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, feeling strongly connected to the earth.
Close your eyes and focus your attention inward, bringing the breath to center your mind.
Beginning the Whirl:
Begin to whirl slowly in a circular fashion, arms stretched outward. The arms are symbolic of open receptivity to the divine.
Gradually increase the velocity of your whirling. Concentrate on the feeling of movement as your body starts to lose its sense of solid structure, and you blend with the rhythm of the movement.
Let the whirl grow more fluid, more graceful, more spontaneous. Don’t worry about controlling speed or direction—just let the movement carry you along. Trust the spinning to establish a natural, effortless flow.
If you do feel dizzy and/or disoriented, just continue to spin slowly, keeping your balance but letting go of the experience. Resist not, just let the dizziness be included in the flow.
During the stage, pay attention to your breathing. Breathe deeply in and slowly out, coordinating your breath with the cadence of the spinning. This will calm the energy within your body.
Total Surrender
As you spin, you can start to feel a sense of profound letting go—allowing the motion to carry you and melt away your ego. You are no longer directing the whirling in this state, but you are the dance. Release your mind and expectations. The main purpose is to stay aware yet in a state of ecstatic movement with no thought other than the movement itself.
Purpose: This stage is meant to let go of pent-up tension, emotional blockages, and mental chatter. The flowing movement charges the energy centers, producing a feeling of freedom and flow. The spinning helps to release attachment to the limitations of the physical body and expand into higher levels of consciousness.
Phase 2: Passive Phase – Stillness and Observation (10 minutes)
Purpose: To go into a place of deep silence and awareness following the intense physical exercise, so the energy can settle and integrate.
Instructions:
Grounding in Silence:
After about 20 minutes of whirling, bring the whirling to a stop and remain standing or sitting quietly in stillness in a comfortable position.
Close your eyes and draw your awareness inward. Allow the feeling of movement to pass away and attend to the subtle energy that you sense within your body.
If you are in a seated position, sit up straight with your spine straight. If standing, keep feet planted firmly on the ground, and visualize roots growing into the ground.
Observing Energy:
Take note of any sensations or vibrations in the body. You can experience a surge of energy, warmth, or a tingling sensation. Just observe without evaluating, allowing your mind to be still.
As thoughts occur, kindly allow them to pass by without attachment, bringing your attention back to the feelings in your body and the silence surrounding you.
Should you find a profound feeling of peace or ecstasy, receive it in its entirety without attempting to hold onto it or drive it away.
Feeling Oneness:
At this time of quiet, permit the sense of union with the universe to arise. Feel yourself connected to the flow of the cosmos, one with the power of the world surrounding you.
Release the polarity between yourself and the universe. Sense the unity of all, realizing that you are not isolated but part of the entire fabric.
Purpose: The passive stage provides the opportunity for the body and mind to absorb the whirling energy. It provides time for the body to rest, the emotions to calm down, and the mind to go into a state of pure awareness. It is within this stillness that you will be able to feel deep peace and spiritual connection.
The Benefits of Whirling Meditation
Whirling Meditation, as created by Osho, has several advantages on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Some of the main advantages are:
Emotional Release: The spinning action releases the stored emotions and tensions, and practitioners feel a cathartic release of emotions.
Increased Energy Flow: Whirling activates the body’s energy centers, increasing the flow of prana (life force) and producing an energizing effect on the system.
Ego Dissolution: The repeated action of whirling dissolves the ego so that the practitioner feels a sense of unity with the universe.
Spiritual Awakening: Whirling creates a portal of access to higher consciousness by releasing a state of ecstasy and surrender, enabling the practitioner to tap into deeper spiritual wisdom.
Increased Focus and Presence: Mindfulness and concentration are fostered by whirling, deflecting attention from mental distractions and into the present moment.
Physical Health: The whirling physical exercise enhances circulation, equalizes energy, and energizes the body.
Reflective Questions
How did you feel when you started the whirling movement? Could you let go of the rhythm, or did you find some resistance?
What sensations or feelings came up during the stillness phase? Could you witness them without attachment or judgment?
Were you aware of feeling any experiences of ecstasy or profound peace within the practice? What did you observe your experience of self and cosmos change into in the state of meditation?
What effect has combining movement with stillness within the Whirling Meditation had upon how you sense the inner equilibrium and interconnectedness?
Conclusion
Whirling Meditation, as guided by Osho, provides an exceptional opportunity to experience profound inner transformation. Through the active phase of whirling and the passive phase of stillness, practitioners can release emotional blockages, enter into a deeper state of awareness, and connect with the universal energy that flows through all things.
This practice is not merely spinning; it is about letting go into the divine dance of life and feeling the ecstatic oneness that transcends the ego. Through practicing Whirling Meditation, you are on a path of self-realization and spiritual awakening, enabling you to feel the deep interconnectedness of all life.