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The Story of Noah’s Pudding
According to one version of the anecdotal story, when Noah’s ark landed on a mountain, there was great joy. To celebrate the end of the flood and offer thanks to God, those on the Ark prepared a delicacy with what food was left on the Ark. Today we call the meal they prepared “Noah’s Pudding” or “Ashure” in Turkish.
A Day of Sharing an Reflection
This day is a symbol of sharing joy – the joy of the landing of the Noah’s Ark, and God’s bestowments to many other Messengers.
This unique desert, which contains contrasting flavours, is not only delicious but also a perfect symbol of a harmonious society. The heterogeneous nature of Noah’s pudding also resonates the cultural diversity of Finland.
Noah’s Pudding is a reminder that our guide is the belief in God and living together in harmony and peace. Our flood and disasters are many: Global terror, clash of civilisations, wars, oppressions, high crime rates, famine, epidemics, poverty, ecological dangers, etc. The ark to overcome these problems is to gather around the common values in search for solutions and consensus.
The Philosophy of Whirling
For Sufis, the philosophy of whirling is based on the thesis that the fundamental essence of existence is the act of “turning.” Just as electrons, protons, the blood in our veins, the Earth, stars, and other planets are in constant rotation, so too does the human being represent being “enraptured” with love. It symbolizes a kind of simulation of the truth that humans come from the earth and will return to it. It represents a person’s turning towards the truth, abandoning the ego with love, and attaining maturity on the path of God to become a servant once again.
Whirling (also known as “sema”) is an essential part of the Sufi tradition and corresponds to the concept described in the paragraph as “the philosophy of whirling.” Sema is a mystical dance performed by Sufi dervishes as a form of worship and meditation. It is associated with the Mevlevi Order, founded by the famous Sufi poet and philosopher Rumi.
During the Sema ceremony, the dervishes spin in a graceful and circular motion, symbolizing the idea of “dönmek” or “turning” mentioned in the paragraph. The spinning motion represents a spiritual journey and a symbolic connection with the divine. As the dervishes whirl, they seek to lose themselves in the divine presence and attain a state of higher consciousness.
The concept of whirling in Sufi philosophy represents the idea of detachment from the material world and the ego, seeking unity with God, and returning to one’s true essence. It is believed to be a transformative experience that leads to spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the universe’s harmony and interconnectedness.
