letter from the editor

Spring 1998

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

Dear Friends,

Alhamdulillah. The fall and winter were rich with blessings of SEMA in Konya,Istanbul, Seattle, Portland, and Oakland. We were honored to have Dr. AliKianfar of the International Association of Sufism as our keynote speakerDecember 17 at the Scottish Rite Center.

Many seeds are growing. Pir Mevlana and Sheikh Jelaluddin guide and inspireus in this growth as friends on the path of the Friend. As our communityand work evolve, the Mevlevi Zikr evolves under the guidance and devotionof Sheikh Jelaluddin Loras. This year we focus on Gateway to Essence, andthe renewal of life. Within the reality of our busy lives, we are asked tostrengthen our participation in zikr, both physically and spiritually, withthe intent of leading each of us, as the zakir, to HAY, the divine Life withinthe Heart. There is a rigorous demand in this zikr. We are being called asthe precious of God, to allow the divine Life to flower in our bodies andhearts, in our dreams and daily life. Inshallah, we dedicate ourselves tothis rigor through spiritual surrender and the balance of physical exerciseand relaxation.

This beautiful spring begins the third year for our journal. We are honoredto welcome Hilal Sala to our staff. Heartfelt thanks to all who have contributedto the ongoing evolution of this journal. The seeds of our Mevlevi work aregrowing with the nourishment of all our love and support.

In thankfulness,

Mariam Baker

design & production: Hilal Sala

graphic specialist: Hafizullah Chisti

assistant editors: Paula Stout, Zahira Rabinowitz

editorial consultants: Jelaluddin Loras, Nur Jehan Howson

photographers: Bill Kalinowski, Susan St. Thomas,
Kaumari Zaggliani and Anna Paine

Lovers of Mevlana

a quarterly publication

We welcome help, comments and expertise from all, particularly those experiencedin distribution, promotion, production, and soliciting articles and art.The journal is produced entirely by volunteers working together in love,friendship, and remembrance. Since we use electronic media, it is possibleto participate in producing the journal from anywhere in the world. We striveto serve the Sufi community in expressing the heritage of Mevlana JelaluddinRumi with love and integrity.

For writer and artist guidelines, submissions, subscriptions or furtherinformation contact us at:

LOVERS OF MEVLANA, M.O.A.,
P. O. BOX 486, Fairfax, CA 94930
or E-mail:mariam@well.com.

Mevlevi Order of America

The Mevlevi Order Of America continues the authentic Sufi tradition of thewhirling dance as prayer founded by the mystic poet, Jelaluddin Rumi,seven centuries ago.

This dervish practice is an expression of joy from the heart, a path of mysticallove and union. Combining music, poetry, prayers and songs in Arabic, Persian,Turkish and English, the spiritual practices of the Mevlevi are a form ofDivine Remembrance.

The Mevlevi way was brought to the West in the 1970s. Murshid SuleymanHayati Dede, then Sheikh of the Mevlevi Order of Konya, Turkey, establishedthe order in America in 1975. His son, Jelaluddin Loras, began teachingin the Bay Area in 1980. Now there are centers throughout the United States,Canada and in Konya, Turkey. The Mevlevi Order of America is a tax-exempt,nonprofit religious organization.