Dervish Retreat Center

Events

Exploring the Placeless Abode
May 27 - June 4, 2023

Led by Esin Chelebi Bayru
& Khadija Radin

Esin Celebi Bayru is Vice President of the International Mevlana Foundation. Esin is also Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi’s granddaughter from the 22nd generation, a descendent of Sultan Veled.

Khadija Radin has been teaching the Mevlevi Turn and tradition for over forty years.

The Retreat will include a daily schedule of Yoga, Cognitive Kinesiology, two turn classes, sauna with the invigorating cold plunge in our crystal clear pond, morning meditation and a talk and evening sobet (spiritual dialogue) with Esin Chelebi.



Schedule

Saturday, May 27
  • 2:00 to 5:00pm Arrival (Sauna will be available 2:30 - 5:00)
  • 5:30 Dinner, followed by a talk

    Sunday through Saturday
  • 7:00 Morning tea, meditation & a talk
  • 8:15 Breakfast
  • 9:30 Yoga
  • 10:45 Cognitive Kinesiology
  • 11:15 Turn Class
  • 12:30 Lunch
  • 1:30 Chores
  • 2:15 Sauna
  • 4:00 Free Turn Class and Sema (aini jem) class
  • 5:30 Dinner
  • 6:45-8:00 Sobhet (Spiritual talk with Esin Chelebi)

    Sunday
  • 7:00 Tea, Meditation & a talk
  • 8:15 Breakfast
  • 9:00 Packing & Room Cleaning
  • 10:15 Aini Jem preparation
  • 10:45 Aini Jem & Closing ceremony
  • 12:30 Lunch


    This is an opportunity to study with one of the finest teachers of the Mevlevi tradition in the world and avail yourself of contemplating and practicing subtleties of the Sufi tradition.

    This is a silent retreat. All classes are optional. You can make this your own hermit retreat in any way you wish as long as it does not disturb others and does not exceed sauna times.

    Vegetarian meals will be deliciously prepared.

    Daily saunas with a dip in spring fed ponds, and walks on the exquisite grounds, will round off the retreat experience

    This program is open to all persons over fifteen years of age and those of all levels of experience (or new) in these teachings are welcome.

    Spaces in the retreat are very limited so please register early (details below).


    Tuition & Accommodations

    Accommodations are comfortable with private bathrooms and no more than two people per room.

    With the Covid - 19 situation, guests who wish to share an accommodation must make that arrangement on their own. We will not put roommates together.

    Please Note: Fees for the retreat will increase $100 for each person after May 20, with postmarks no later than May 18.

    Tuition is as follows:
  • $1365 for a private room
  • $1025 each for a shared room
  • $775 for people just attending the retreat without a room

    People traveling by plane who cannot arrive 5pm may arrive after 7pm the night by before for an additional $99.

    Pickups will be made at the Ithaca (ITH) airport and Ithaca bus stop.

    Registration must be accompanied by a 50% deposit which is refundable until May 20 less a $99 fee.

    Please make checks payable to Dervish Center or you may send tuition via PayPal (khadija@whirling-dervish.org) with a 3% processing fee

    Once registered you will receive an email with details of the daily schedule and things to bring.

    For questions please email khadija@whirling-dervish.org

    Dervish Center
    56 Lieb Road
    Spencer, NY 14883


    Exuberant is existence, time a husk.
    When the moment cracks open, ecstasy leaps out and devours space;
    love goes mad with the blessings, like my words give.

    Why lay yourself on the torturer's rack of the past and future?
    The mind that tries to shape tomorrow beyond its capacities
    will find no rest.

    Be kind to yourself, dear--to our innocent follies.
    Forget any sounds or touch you knew that did not help you dance.
    You will come to see that all evolves us.
    ~ Rumi





    • There is a way between voice and presence
    where information flows.
    In disciplined silence it opens.
    With wandering talk it closes
    -- Rumi


    A little while alone in your room will prove more valuable than anything else that could ever be given you.
    -- Mevlana Rumi


    Wisdom is attained in solitude.
    -- Hazrat Inayat Khan


    This aloneness is worth more than a thousand lives.
    This freedom is worth more than all the lands on earth.
    To be one with the truth for just a moment,
    Is worth more than the world and life itself. 
    -- Rumi

    'The Hermit' tarot card