The activities of the “Literary Forum of Sufism” of the Luz sobre Luz A.C. Institute began last night with a moving and original tribute to the Persian poet Yelaluddín Rumi. The evening was rich in artistic expressions. Through music, words and dance, the attendees were taken on a wonderful exploration of the life and legacy of one of the greatest mystics of Sufism, whose work is part of the common heritage of humanity.
His verses were read in soft and intimate tones by Araceli Aguilar and Rodrigo Vera. Eloquence, beauty, inspiration that, even without covering all the senses of the reality that Rumi glimpsed, had the power to pour honey into the heart. In both cases, the reading was accompanied by the musician Marcos Miranda, who sensitively sheltered the word with his music.
Reflection also had its place last night. Sheikha Amina Teslima offered the audience a wonderful portrait of Rumi, revealing the poet's roots in his time, in his family and in significant moments of his experience, which revealed from the earliest childhood something of the brilliance and exceptional greatness of Rumi's soul, something of the wonders of humanity that the poet demonstrated. Then, Duha Margarita Martínez, Tasním Janine Rodiles and Shams Martínez offered their reflections. Duha focused on the particular way in which the Masnavi, Rumi's monumental work, was recorded for the delight of the following generations to whom he continues to offer a reflection on how human knowledge emerges in community. Tasním highlighted the mysterious alchemy through which the heart is transformed in contact with love; disciples and masters of the heart, in whose bond true humanity awakens. And Shams told us about his journey in search of Rumi in Mexico, to discover that he was and is being received, whether he was there or not, in the loving hearts of some poets of these lands, who immediately loved the deep and radical light of love in Yelaluddín Rumi.
Music and dance crowned the night. The dervish Fahri turned, as Yelaluddín Rumi once turned around a column, driven by the most fervent love, by the most poignant longing for the Beloved. The musicians Abdul Hu, Rumi and Muzafereddín accompanied the dance with violin, ney and percussion.
This is how the first event organized by the Literary Forum of Sufism of the Luz sobre Luz A.C. Institute concluded, whose activities will continue in 2013, with an exhibition on the mystical poetry of Islam and more research on Sufi literature.