Mar 26, 2025 4 min read Meditation insights

20. Sufism: The Path of Surrender to the Divine

Surrender is a crucial stage in your meditation journey. It is a moment when you must humble yourself, allowing the ego to dissolve and creating space for spiritual awakening.

Photo by Ferdy Aprilyandi / Unsplash

"Try something different. Surrender." - Rumi

To surrender in the context of Truth-seeking Meditation means to stop resisting the truth that resides within you. It is an act of acceptance – embracing your truth in all its ever-evolving forms. Meditation has long been a tool for accessing and surrendering to the divine. For centuries, spiritual seekers have turned to this practice to connect with a higher power. Even Siddhartha, the Buddha, demonstrated surrender when he sat beneath the Bodhi tree, broken and impoverished, offering his very life in his quest for enlightenment.

Surrender is a crucial stage in your meditation journey. It is a moment when you must humble yourself, allowing the ego to dissolve and creating space for spiritual awakening. Without this step, the path to enlightenment remains blocked. There is perhaps no better tradition that embodies the practice of surrender than Sufism.

Sufism: The Path of Surrender to the Divine

Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, focuses on the individual's journey of surrender to God or the Divine. It teaches that through complete submission and devotion, one can experience direct communion with the Divine Presence. Sufis believe that surrender is not about passive submission, but an active and conscious yielding to God's will. It is a path that involves deep introspection, love, and an inner transformation that leads to spiritual enlightenment.

At the heart of Sufism is the practice of dhikr – the remembrance of God, which helps quiet the mind and open the heart. Through this, the individual moves closer to the divine, gradually shedding layers of the self until nothing remains but pure, unadulterated surrender.

The Whirling Meditation: A Dynamic Practice of Surrender

One of the most iconic practices of Sufism is the Whirling Meditation performed by the Mevlevi dervishes. This ancient form of meditation involves spinning in a circular motion, allowing the body to become a vessel of divine energy. The dervishes whirl in a state of deep concentration, with their arms extended outward, symbolising their surrender to the divine and the universe. This movement, often referred to as the Sema, is a physical manifestation of the dervishes' devotion, symbolising the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.

The practice begins with a prayer and the recitation of dhikr, followed by the whirling itself. As the dervishes spin, they focus on surrendering their egos, letting go of any attachment to the material world. With each turn, they enter a deeper state of consciousness, becoming more attuned to the divine presence.

How to Practice Whirling Meditation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prepare the Space: Find a quiet, open space where you can move freely. It’s important to feel comfortable and safe in your environment.
Ground Yourself: Stand tall, feet flat on the ground, and take a few moments to centre yourself with deep breathing. Focus on your breath, inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling slowly through the mouth.
Set Your Intention: Reflect on the intention for your practice. What are you seeking to surrender? It could be an attachment, a fear, or simply the desire to be in harmony with the divine.
Begin Whirling: Gently start turning in a clockwise direction. Start slowly, allowing your body to find its rhythm. With each turn, feel your body becoming lighter, your thoughts quietening, and your mind surrendering to the present moment.
Focus on Your Breath: As you whirl, keep your breath steady and rhythmic. Breathe in deeply as you spin, and breathe out slowly with each revolution. Focus solely on your breath, allowing it to guide you through the meditation.
Continue Whirling: Gradually increase the speed of your spinning if you feel comfortable, but always listen to your body. Let go of any tension or resistance, allowing the movement to carry you into a meditative state of surrender.
Finish with Stillness: When you feel ready, gently slow down your spinning and come to a complete stop. Close your eyes and sit quietly for a few moments, feeling the energy and stillness you have cultivated.

Whirling Meditation: A Practice for All Ages and Minds

Whirling meditation can be a particularly engaging and beneficial practice for children, especially those with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD or Autism. The dynamic, physical nature of the practice helps release excess energy, while the repetitive motion can be calming and grounding. This makes it an excellent way to help children focus, regulate their emotions, and cultivate mindfulness.

For individuals with ADHD, the rhythmic spinning may provide a focus that channels their energy in a structured way, offering an opportunity for calm and reflection. For children on the autism spectrum, the whirling movement provides sensory stimulation that can promote relaxation and improve body awareness.

By encouraging children to participate in whirling meditation, you can introduce them to a powerful form of self-regulation that fosters emotional balance and mindfulness. The act of surrendering to the movement can also teach them about letting go of control and embracing the flow of life in a healthy, positive way.

In conclusion, surrender, as taught through practices like Sufism and whirling meditation, is not about giving up but about letting go of the ego and opening oneself to divine guidance. It is through this surrender that we can truly experience inner peace, spiritual growth, and enlightenment. Whether you are new to meditation or seeking a more dynamic practice, whirling meditation offers a profound way to connect with yourself and the universe, making it accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.

Next Week: 10 Alternative Ways to Practice Meditation (Part 1)

In my next post, I will share ten alternative ways to practice meditation. These methods will offer new and exciting ways to deepen your practice and connect with yourself, whether you're looking for something calming, dynamic, or even something playful. Stay tuned for creative approaches to meditation that can suit all kinds of preferences and needs.

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Please note: Esoteric concepts are not meant to be taken literally or as absolute truths. However, they can provide valuable perspectives and context, helping our limited human minds grasp complex ideas.