In the quiet of our gathering space in Ludwigshafen, the Royal Ottoman Society welcomed a soothing meditation led by Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi together with Ayberk Efendi. The evening unfolded as an invitation to pause, breathe, and turn inward, allowing the timeless Sufi presence to settle within each participant.
Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi opened the session by recalling the Qur’anic call to “remember Allah often” (Dhikr). His measured voice guided us through a series of slow, conscious breaths that echoed the steady rhythm of a heart attuned to divine love. The cadence of his words carried the calm authority of centuries‑old Ottoman spiritual lineage while feeling intimate enough to touch every individual soul present.
Ayberk Efendi complemented this flow with gentle visualisations: he invited us to imagine a luminous light at the centre of the chest, expanding outward until it embraced the entire room. This practice offered a tangible sense of Wahdat – the unity that Sufi teachings celebrate – reminding us that beneath the diversity of the outer world lies one boundless source.
The meditation concluded with a collective recitation of “La ilaha illa Allah” and a moment of silent gratitude. Many participants reported feeling lighter, as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a clearer connection to both the inner self and the divine presence that surrounds us all.
We are grateful for Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi’s and Ayberk Efendi’s guidance, which continues to nurture our spiritual growth while honoring the Ottoman heritage at the heart of the Royal Ottoman Society. To stay connected with future gatherings and share in this living tradition, we invite you to join our community.
