Yazar: hakan (page 2 of 2)

Şubat 1, 2024

The Journey of Love in Sufism: A Deep Dive into the Heart

The Journey of Love in Sufism: A Deep Dive into the Heart

For centuries, Sufism has served as a mystical path guiding people in purifying their souls and achieving inner peace. At the heart of this mystical journey lies ‘love’. In Sufi tradition, love is much more than just an emotion or a bond between people; it is the essence of existence and the foundation of the human connection with the divine. In this article, we will explore the understanding of love in Sufism and how this mystical path reaches the depths of the heart.

1. The Definition of Love in Sufism:
In Sufism, love signifies a universal consciousness and spiritual awakening. For instance, the Sufi thinker Ibn Arabi describes love as “the heart of existence.” According to him, love is a cosmic energy that resides at the core of everything and connects all creation. In Ibn Arabi’s philosophy, relinquishing one’s ego and surrendering to this universal love is the key to true knowledge and peace.

2. Love in Sufi Poetry:
Jalaluddin Rumi’s poem “The Dance of Love” perfectly reflects the power of love in the Sufi understanding. Rumi portrays love as a force that liberates the human soul from its limitations and invites it to dance in a sea of divine love. The poem emphasizes the importance of transcending individual love to attain an awareness of universal and divine love.

3. Love and Union with the Divine:
For those following the Sufi path, love is central to the union with the divine. This concept is embodied in Mansur Al-Hallaj’s statement, “I am the Truth.” This means that Mansur saw himself as a complete part of the divine existence, transcending the limits of his individual self. For Hallaj, love meant transcending one’s ego boundaries to achieve complete union with the divine.

In Sufism, love is not just an emotion but also a journey. This journey takes us from our inner world to a deeper understanding of universal consciousness and existence. The concept of love in the Sufi tradition carries an inspiring message not only for Sufi thinkers and poets but for all humanity: Love is the key not only to our connections with each other but also to our bond with the entire universe.

Ocak 1, 2024

New Year, A New Page, New Resolutions, and Sufism

New Year, A New Page, New Resolutions, and Sufism

The new year is often seen as a time of new beginnings and opportunities for renewal for many people. This period is commonly considered a time to set personal goals and make changes in our lives. Sufism offers a unique perspective on this process of renewal. The teachings of this mystical tradition can add a meaningful dimension to our new year’s resolutions, focusing on inner transformation and mindful living.

1. Self-Discovery:
Sufism places the journey of personal discovery at its core. The new year is a perfect time to embark on or continue this journey. Sufi teachings guide us towards our inner world, helping us to discover our true selves. Self-awareness can make our new year’s resolutions more conscious and purpose-driven.

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing
and rightdoing there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.

When the soul lies down in that grass
the world is too full to talk about.”
RUMİ

2. Ego and Forgiveness:
In Sufism, the ego is seen as a barrier to our true self. The new year is an opportunity to recognize and free ourselves from our ego. It’s also a time to forgive and let go of our past mistakes and grievances. This is a fundamental step for both personal growth and making a healthier start in our relationships.

“Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion.”
RUMI

3. Love and Connectedness:
Sufism places great emphasis on the concepts of universal love and connectedness. In our new year’s resolutions, we can adopt a more loving, understanding, and connected approach towards others and the world. This can enhance our personal peace and contribute to positive changes in our community.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.”
RUMI

The new year offers more than just setting external goals; it is also an opportunity for inner transformation and renewal. The teachings of Sufism can guide this process of renewal and help us find deeper meaning and purpose in all areas of our lives. As we step into the early days of this new year, let’s fill our hearts and minds with the wisdom that Sufism offers and take steps towards discovering our true potential.

Mayıs 16, 2023

How to Learn to Play the Ney

How to Learn to Play the Ney

The ney is a traditional sufi flute that has been used in the Middle East (mostly in Turkey) for centuries. It is often associated with Sufi music, and is said to have a calming and meditative effect. If you are interested in learning how to play the ney, here are a few tips:

1. Get a good ney.

There are many different types of neys available, so it is important to choose one that is well-made and sounds good to you. You can find neys online or at some music stores.

If you start with a bad ney, your motivation may decrease and your learning process may be negatively affected.

2. Find a good teacher.

Learning to play the ney can be challenging, so it is helpful to have a teacher who can guide you and help you develop good technique. There are many ney teachers available online and in some music stores. When choosing a ney teacher, consider the following factors:

Experience: Make sure that your teacher has experience teaching the ney.
Style: Choose a teacher who teaches in a style that you enjoy.
Availability: Make sure that your teacher is available to meet with you regularly.

(I will be posting ney lessons on YouTube soon. Stay tuned. YouTube Neyzen Hakan Mengüç )

3. Practice regularly.

The more you practice, the better you will become at playing the ney. Try to set aside some time each day to practice, even if it is just for a few minutes. When you practice, focus on the following:

Breathing: Practice blowing into the ney gently. You should not blow too hard, or you will produce a harsh sound.
Intonation: Practice playing different notes in tune.
Timing: Practice playing different rhythms.
Technique: Experiment with different techniques to produce different sounds.

4. Be patient.

It takes time and practice to learn how to play the ney well. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t sound great right away. Just keep practicing and you will eventually see improvement.

5. Enjoy the journey!

Learning to play the ney is a rewarding experience. The more you practice, the better you will become, and the more enjoyment you will get from playing. So relax, have fun, and enjoy the journey!

DOES HAKAN MENGUC GIVE ONE-ON-ONE NEY LESSONS?

This is a question we are frequently asked. Under normal circumstances, I do not give ney lessons due to my busy schedule and priorities. However, I give one-on-one ney lessons to those who support the Youth Project or make a certain amount of book donations for village schools to contribute to these projects. For those who cannot afford it, I am planning to publish free ney lessons on YouTube soon.

Nisan 11, 2023

The Ney: A Symbol of Spiritual Connection in Sufi Music and Philosophy

The ney is a traditional Turkish flute that holds a significant place in both Sufi music and Sufi philosophy. Typically made from reed, the ney is a long and curved instrument. Closely associated with Sufism, the ney has a melancholic and meditative sound quality that reflects the mystical and spiritual atmosphere.

The ney is frequently used in Sufi music rituals and Sufi meditations. At the same time, the ney is considered an instrument symbolizing the inner journey of a person and their connection with God in Sufism.

The 13th-century Sufi poet and scholar, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, often utilized the ney in his works. Rumi’s famous work, “Masnavi,” begins with a reference to the symbolic importance of the ney: “Listen! How the ney complains, how it tells of separations.” These lines are believed to indicate the yearning for divine love and unity, which is thought to have been severed from the essence of humans.

Hakan Menguc: The Renowned Ney Virtuoso and Sufi Philosopher

Hakan Menguc is a well-known ney virtuoso and author of 8 books on Sufi philosophy. His books are widely read in 25 countries.

Menguc has been playing the ney since his childhood and has given numerous ney concerts around the world. He is also a highly listened-to ney artist on platforms such as Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Menguc’s music reflects not only his unique ney playing technique but also Sufi philosophy and culture. His deeply meaningful and emotionally charged performances leave listeners in awe.

As a writer, Menguc inspires readers with his books on Sufi philosophy and the meaning of life. His inspirational messages encourage people to discover themselves, find meaning in life, and create a more loving world.

Hakan Menguc is a globally respected artist whose music and works touch the lives of many.

Mart 29, 2023

Sufism: The Path of Inner Quest

Origin and history of Sufism

Sufism began with a woman named Rabia and spread throughout the Muslim world. It drew inspiration from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the sayings and practices of the early Islamic mystics. Over time, Sufism developed its own unique practices, beliefs, and rituals, which vary from region to region.

The essence of Sufism

At the heart of Sufism is the concept of tawhid, which means the oneness of God. Sufis believe that God is present in all things and that by turning inward, they can connect with the divine presence within themselves. They seek to attain a state of spiritual purity, known as fana, in which the ego is dissolved, and the individual becomes one with God.

Practices and beliefs of Sufism

Sufism is characterized by a variety of practices, including the recitation of poetry, music, and dance, which are used as tools for meditation and contemplation. Sufis also engage in a variety of devotional practices, such as fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. Sufis believe in the importance of spiritual guidance from a master or teacher, known as a sheikh or murshid.

Conclusion

In a world full of materialism and superficiality, Sufism provides a path towards inner peace and spiritual enlightenment. Its emphasis on the inward search for God and the dissolution of the ego is a powerful antidote to the stresses and pressures of modern life. By following the teachings and practices of the Sufi masters, individuals can connect with the divine presence within themselves and experience the joy and beauty of a life lived in harmony with the divine.

Mart 2, 2023

Hush My Heart

Hush my heart!

Hush for a moment…

Spring is coming soon just hold on my heart

I know your heart, like the invisible waves in the sea.

I wouldn’t stop you if there was another way than waiting. Believe me!

But no, there is no other way.

Don’t forget that even a medicine needs time to work.

Even a flower needs time to open.

Hush my heart!

Until spring comes after winter, morning comes after night,

long distances gets shorter,

a relief comes after tough times and hush until you have tears of happiness in your eyes.

Hush my heart!

After all these silence hush and have faith that everything will work out for the best.