On a crisp winter evening in Ludwigshafen, the Royal Ottoman Society gathered for a guided meditation led by guest Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi together with Ayberk Efendi. The session opened with a quiet greeting that recalled the Sufi invitation to turn inward: “The heart is the mirror; let it reflect only the Light.” As the lights dimmed, a gentle chant rose, inviting participants to settle their breath and still the chatter of the mind.
Sheikh Bahauddin Efendi guided the group through a series of breathing rhythms that echo the classical nafas techniques found in Ottoman‑era Sufi manuals. Each inhalation was paired with an intention to draw divine light into the heart, while each exhalation released worldly tension. Ayberk Efendi complemented the practice with soft ney melodies, allowing the music itself to become a living dhikr—remembrance of the Divine—that carried the gathering beyond ordinary perception.
The meditation unfolded in three stages. First, an invitation to release concerns and anchor awareness in the present moment. Next, a visualization of nur (light) blossoming from the innermost chamber of the heart, inviting participants to feel its gentle radiance spreading through the body. Finally, a period of silent contemplation offered space for each seeker to rest in the tranquil heart (qalb‑i mutmain) and sense the subtle presence of divine love.
Beyond the individual experience, the gathering highlighted the communal nature of Sufi practice. When a community breathes together under learned guidance, the veil between seeker and Divine thins, allowing grace to flow more freely into daily life.
For those who wish to explore further—whether through additional guided meditations, dhikr sessions, or study of Ottoman‑Sufi heritage—we recommend visiting our online library, where recordings, texts, and reflections are regularly added.
Library: https://royalottomans.com/kutuphane
We also host regular live meetings that continue the path of love and knowledge in a shared setting.
Live meetings: https://royalottomans.com/live-meetings
