Announcements

DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE GATHERING IN SPAIN 

4-7 January 2024

with Jilani Cordelia Prescott & Gulzar Christina Lausevic

“You have no idea how hard I’ve looked for a gift to bring You. Nothing seemed right.

What’s the point of bringing gold to the gold mine, or water to the ocean.

Everything I came up with was like taking spices to the Orient.
It’s no good giving my heart and my soul because you already have these.

So I’ve brought you a mirror. Look at yourself and remember me.” (Rumi)

Dances of Universal Peace ✽ Word Circles ✽ Meditative Walks ✽ Chanting ✽ Breathing Mysticism ✽ Meditation ✽ Zikr ✽ Guiding opportunities or DUP Labs ✽ Training for Magnetism and Presence

The DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE (DUP) are meditative circle dances that are currently danced all over the world, were inspired and given as a practice for inner peace and as a contribution to peace on Earth. They are an active form of meditation and facilitate the opening of the heart, reminding us and making manifest the Oneness, of which we are all a part, beyond our differences.

Chanting mantras and sacred phrases from different wisdom traditions and through simple and universal movements, we remember and vibrate values and qualities that return us to the harmony, peace and unity that, beyond the restlessness of the mind, are found naturally in the deepest part of us.

No previous dance or music experience is required, everyone is welcome!

This hostel is a historic building and recently renovated. Accommodation in rooms with 2, 4, 5 or 7 beds, with bathroom inside the room. For more information about the place: https://reaj.com/albergues/juvenil-argentina/

All prices include lodging, food and gathering expenses.

170€: Normal price
140€: Discounted price for vulnerable economies (if you need more discount ask us) 200€: Price with extra donation to financially support the organization and teachers. 

85€: Children price
Limited places. Registration deadline: 17th December 2023

1) Fill the registration form: https://forms.gle/mwZETwLYaS9LF7qx9

2) Write to Adriana Fatima to let her know you have filled the form.

– by phone/WhatsApp/Telegram al +34 663 10 12 72
– or by email a adrianachi522@gmail.com.

3) Adriana Fatima will write to you to confirm your place.

“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful”

(Hazrat Inayat Khan)

29 December 2023 – 1 January 2024

Jilani Cordelia is delighted to be back in France, in the Alps, to welcome the New Year with Dances of Universal Peace, Meditations, Celebrations, Live Music and Games.

The Dances of Universal Peace are sacred, healing dances. They draw inspiration from spiritual traditions from around the world. Through song and dance, they open us to inner peace, unity, joy. (No prior experience required, open to all.)

Through dances and various practices, Jilani Cordelia will invite us to look back at the past year with gratitude and forgiveness, and to look forward at the year to come with confidence and trust.

Info & reservation: +33 658 25 14 17

odiledouressamy@gmail.com

Participation: €80 before December 1st, €120 after.

Accommodation and meals extra.

Registration form on request

Accommodation: It is extra. Prices are set by Dhyan who runs “Home Shanti Home”: 20€ in your truck, 30€ for a room for 3/4 persons, 35€ for a room for 2 persons (25€ per person for a couple), 40€ in caravan or chalet for 2 persons, 50€ for a single room. These prices are per person and per night. Everyone brings sheets, pillowcases and towels.

Accommodation is limited. The first to register will be the first to be served, otherwise you will always have the option of staying outside and then joining our group.

Meals: Meals will be prepared by a cook and a cook’s assistant. Each meal will be 12€,except the festive New Year’s meal being 15€, this will make 75€ in total. Breakfasts remain your responsibility.

Registration: complete the Registration Form & make a money transfer of 30% of the total amount (participation & accommodation) to Association “Joie de l’Etre”, organizer of the event. On site, upon arrival, you will be asked for the balance in cash. If you cancel your deposit will be kept as compensation.

A Journey of Breath and Blessing with Shamsia Sandra Sunfire and Jilani Cordelia Prescott.

A residential retreat, including all meals, at Wistaston Hall Oblate Retreat Centre, Crewe.

The Khankah of the Heart is a vision of a Sufi community, a Khankah, based not in a building of bricks and mortar, but in the relationships between the deep and loving hearts of its members. All fervent seekers are welcome to join, whether new to this or having been walking the path for many years.  The core of this community will be the practices and teachings of Murshid Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti (Samuel Lewis) and the Sufi and Dance lineages that he birthed.  Dances of Universal Peace will be central to our group practice.  In our experience and understanding, the Dances of Universal Peace are rooted in the whole of S.A.M.’s teachings and practices including the Walks and that they will flourish more fully, firmly attached to their roots from which they can not be separated. 

This is a new venture initiated by Jilani Cordelia Prescott & Shamsia Sandra Sunfire. The Khankah of the Heart is envisioned to meet in different places at different times with different people guiding us through retreats.  We are living in the UK but retreats here will welcome those from other countries and future retreats could also be held in other countries.  This initial retreat will be 11th-14th January 2024, from supper on Thursday to after lunch on Sunday, at the Oblate Retreat Centre, Crewe, UK. Further details are on the attached flyer.  There is a hope to expand this to a week long annual retreat, with other online and in person gatherings keeping us in touch in between.  The retreats are envisioned to serve and nourish the Sufi community and friends, wherever we may call home, returning to our home in the heart, our Khankah of the Heart, where we can gather to “eat, dance and pray” together.  

We are guided by our teachers.

“One who has learned friendship has learned religion; the one who has learned friendship has attained spiritual knowledge. The one who has learned friendship need learn very little else; morals in Persian is friendship” (Hazrat Inayat Khan)

“…real meetings are mergings; they change the parties involved leaving them more fully themselves.” (Murshid SAM)

We follow in their footsteps, walking with them. 

As Mentors and Dance Leaders we strongly feel that in order for the  transmission of the Dances of Universal Peace to be healthy and complete, we need to provide opportunities for Dance Leaders and potential Dance Leaders, to deeply experience SAM’s Dances & Walks, teachings and practices. This can provide strong roots for DUP to grow and bloom anew, setting new seeds for future growth in our young people.

We are applying for grants to start an ongoing bursary fund to enable us to support those encountering financial difficulties to be able to join us.  This will be available to all including those who will in future serve and support our communities, the young people.  We recognise that these are challenging times and that financial challenges are becoming more widespread and that a bursary fund will help our community to be more supportive and inclusive. If you are experiencing abundance and feel inspired to support our bursary fund, please contact us.

We are committed to exploring sustainable ways to continue to gather as a Sufi Community, financially and based on caring for the Earth’s limited resources.  Although this venture has no history, no herstory, no theirstory, we nurture and pray for its future. 

Dances of Universal Peace at Om Yoga Works, Leeds, 

Saturday 11th November 2023 3-5 pm

Dance the Prayers of your Body, Heart and Soul!

These dances could be called body prayers: simple, gentle yet powerful movements with chants drawn from many world traditions, all celebrating Unity. Moving, chanting and breathing in rhythm together we begin to harmonise ourselves as individuals and as a group. Our bodies and hearts can realign with the rhythm of our souls. The results can be wonderful: we may experience sensations of peace and joy, heart-opening connections with others and a sense of oneness with all-that-is.

Everything is taught as we go along, so anyone can join.

Jilani is delighted to return to Om Yoga Works, which is a beautiful, nurturing space to dance in.

Saturday 11th November Time: 3.00pm – 5.00pm

If you’d like to join us for a shared meal afterwards, please bring a contribution of something delicious to share.

Om Yoga Works Studio,

Springfield Commercial Centre, Unit 15D (1st Floor), Bagley Lane, Farsley, Leeds. LS28 5LY

Investment: £15.00

Contact: Please contact Jilani for further information and to book:

Email: jilanicordelia@gmail.com Tel: 07966 451534

Walking the Path of Blessing and Ripeness…Healing through the Spiral Journey of the Breath.

France, 13-15 October 2023 – in French and English

Come and immerse yourself in the beautiful Welsh countryside and ‘the Sacred Manuscript of Nature, the only book which can enlighten the reader’ (in the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan, the Sufi mystic). Over five days we will live together close to the land and deepen our connection to Mother Earth through many different practices, culminating in a beautiful co-created ceremony to honour and bless the Earth.

In the afternoons there will be training sessions for dance leaders – circles where new or more experienced dancers, dance leaders and musicians can explore the dance leading journey, with guidance and supporting practices held by Jilani, who is a very experienced mentor and trainer of dance leaders.

Rissa and Sky of Yew Tree Camps have this to say about the site:

‘Meadow Ground overlooks the gorgeous Welsh Valleys and enjoys dramatic views and spectacular skies from its position on the hillside. The Stone Circle is a formation of English and Welsh stones, which came together serendipitously to create a deep and mystical place for the dances. We are immersed in nature amongst the hedgehogs, owls, buzzards, bluebells, orchids and new and old trees.

The land has been lovingly tended to and developed to create the beautiful and magical setting for these camps. We are blessed by the full range of weather that Wales provides; beautiful sunny days, misty rainy days and everything in between – it is therefore good to pack for all seasons!

We have various sheltered spaces for workshops, lovely compost loos (including a new accessible compost toilet) and a mains water supply for drinking, hand washing, cooking, and basic off-grid showering and bathing. We will maintain an open fire which marks the centre of our camping circle. 

Please ask us about alternative accommodation and any other access needs you may require. Our field may not be suitable for everyone as the ground is uneven in places, but we would love to accommodate you as much as we can. We have options available to help you attend more comfortably if you aren’t able to camp or don’t wish to. If you need to travel light, we can help with some basic supplies like tents or bedding, however these are limited. 

We have three cats who love the freedom of the field. Therefore we are not able to accommodate other peoples pets on the field. We also have an older cat and a small dog who live down at the house.’

This exciting new event is designed to be affordable, and please do enquire if you need further help to be able to attend. Conversely, if you find the price is reasonable or cheap for the value which is being offered, please consider offering a donation to subsidise those who are less well off.

Bring your own plate/bowl/mug and cutlery, plus everything you need for a vegetarian breakfast. You might also like to bring teas/coffees and delicious snacks to share. Our main meals will be suitable for vegetarians with vegan and gluten free options, and are included in the price you pay. They will be prepared by the lovely Rhian, and we will all offer our karma yoga services in turn to chop wood and vegetables, wash up and clear away.

Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment! Contact Jilani with any questions prior to booking.

Click here for booking form

Turkey, 11-23 September 2023

The Art of lıfe EL ARTE DE LA VIDA
L’ART DE VIVRE Yaşam Sanatı

In your light, I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems.

You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you,
But sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.
Mevlana Rumi

GENERAL INFORMATION
As the path unfolds, we invite you to join us in a mystical journey. The caravan is a service project of the Beyond Initiative whose purpose is to support the emerging circles of Dances of Universal Peace in the Middle East. We try to create the best experience for all of us but also we would like to inform you that this is a friendly invitation to support this process and is not intended as a professional package of a tourist agency. Your participation makes it possible to give grants and assistance to the DUP leaders in training from the region.
The caravan and camp schedule is:
September 11-12: Istanbul (Sacred and historic sites) September 13-17: Yalova (Middle East Training Camp) September 18-20: Cappadocia Region (Nature and Magic) September 20-23: Konya (Local Sufis, Rumi)

We strongly recommend arriving at least 2 or 3 days earlier (on the 8th or 9th) because Istanbul is such a magical city with so many places and adventures available. In the Caravan we will take you to special visits, but a few days of tourism are recommended. We will provide later on, a list of things you can do and the name of our group accommodation (in case you want to stay there when you arrive).

PROGRAM

September 11-12 Istanbul:

Visiting sacred shrines, mosques and churches. Experiencing the amazing historical sites and enchanted bazaars. Boat ride on the Bosphorus. Enjoy delicious Turkish food and sweets. Dance circles.

September 13-17 Yalova:
Boat ride from Istanbul to Yalova. Training Camp begins on the 13th afternoon and finishes at noon of the 17th, leaving a free afternoon to rest and/or to enjoy at the natural hot springs of Yalova. In addition to the DUP training for emergent leaders of Middle Eastern countries, we will have different workshops including Whirling, Anatolian Dances, Middle Eastern Music performances, “Sufi Poetry” and Meshk with local teachers and facilitators. Everyone is welcome to participate in the Camp, regardless of your experience or no experience with Dances of Universal Peace.

September 18-20 Cappadocia:
Leaving Yalova to begin our journey by bus to visit the Dargah of Sultan Haçi Bektash Veli, who is considered by the local mystics to be the doorway into the mysteries and wisdom of Rumi.

Later on the 18th we will arrive in Cappadocia to explore and witness the surreal landscapes of sculpted rocks and old sacred churches built into the geological formations enjoying walks and magical scenery. We will have the chance to watch amazing sunrises with hot air balloons. If you wish to experience a balloon ride, you can book it with the hotel but it is not included in the caravan activity.

September 20-23 Konya:
On the 20th we reach our final destination: Konya. Among so many things to experience in Konya, we will be visiting the Dargah of Shams Tabriz, following the tradition of getting permission from Shams when entering Konya.

We will connect with Rumi while visiting his Tomb and Sanctuary, Sohbet(open conversation) with his successors, visit the local Sufi Lodges and also enjoy the “Mystic Music Festival” which commemorates the life of Djelaluddin Rumi (dates are not announced yet). We will also attend Sema ceremonies and experience traditional Sufi Cuisine. On September 23rd the Caravan officially ends. For those who want to stay in Konya to spend more time and visit other places of interest, there will be information provided.

BOOKING INFORMATION
General Price of Caravan 2023: 900 EUR

What is included:
● All accommodations and most of the meals.
● Transportation to all of the organized activities, sites and transfers.

● Entrance tickets to places and guidance. One ticket to the Mystic Music Festival. (In case the dates coincide with our visit to Konya)
● Teachings, workshops, visits to local teachers, etc.

What is not included:
●Two lunches during the 2 free times at midday (one in Istanbul, one in Konya) and snacks for boat and bus ride.
●Plane tickets to arrive in Istanbul or transport after Konya.

●Any type of insurance.

●Honoraries of any of the DUP teachers. Donations will be welcome.
● Private rooms in Hotels. (Generally our rooms are for 4 people occupancy.)

● Hot Air Balloon Ride or extra activities in Cappadocia.


The $900 EUR price is intended to make this caravan accessible to younger generations of dancers and leaders, as well as participants from countries with less robust economies. There is a possibility of joining and paying an extra registration fee to have more comfort and privacy in accommodation. Private rooms for couples will be an extra $200 EUR per person and individual bedrooms will be an extra $400 EUR.
The private rooms will only be provided based on availability.

To reserve your space on the DUP Turkey Caravan 2023 please write to:
dupmiddleeast@gmail.com. Places are limited. The deadline for applying is July 31st, nevertheless, registration will close when the maximum number of participants is reached.

What to bring?
September is late summer in Turkiye, so the advice is to bring summer clothes (comfortable shoes/sandals, shorts, hat, swimwear and light clothes), but also a jacket and warmer clothes for cold nights. A scarf to enter mosques is necessary.
It can be helpful to bring socks for whirling, a small blanket or sleeping bag.

We recommend before booking your flights to Türkiye to double check with us about your place on the Caravan and all the possible extra activities you can do in the country.
For those who wish to participate in the Conference of Birds gathering, a retreat festival created in order to acknowledge and share the Sufi knowledge, healing music and spiritual practices; the dates are 4-10th of September 2023 in Fethiye. In that case please consider the arrangement to arrive in Istanbul by 11th of September for the start of our Caravan. Please access detailed information at www.conferenceofbirds.family
We hope to dance together with you soon in the Land of Sufis. 2023 Camp & Caravan Team
Lakshmi (Coordinating Mentor)
Sinan, Sheri & Ari (Local Hosts)

 

Dance the Prayers of your Body, Heart and Soul!

These dances could be called body prayers: simple, gentle yet powerful movements with chants drawn from many world traditions, all celebrating Unity. Moving, chanting and breathing in rhythm together we begin to harmonise ourselves as individuals and as a group. Our bodies and hearts can realign with the rhythm of our souls. The results can be wonderful: we may experience sensations of peace and joy, heart-opening connections with others and a sense of oneness with all-that-is.

Everything is taught as we go along, so anyone can join.

Saturday 17th June

Time: 4.00pm – 6.00pm

Om Yoga Works Studio

Springfield Commercial Centre
Unit 15D (1st Floor)
Bagley Lane
Farsley, Leeds.
LS28 5LY

Investment:

£15.00 of which 50% goes to Om’s foundation

Contact:

Please contact Angela for further information and to book:

Email: anji@omyogaworks.co.uk
Tel: 07786 255211 FULL TIMETABLE