The Mevlevi, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, are part of the mystical Sufi tradition of Islam. According to the textbook, there are several different sub-orders of Sufism but they all share a common belief in a universal God in which they can experience a spiritual union. Music and dance is an important aspect of the Mevlevi Sufi Order. The textbook states, “The Mevlevi place a strong emphasis on music, which sends the practitioner’s physical body into a slow dance of graceful and ecstatic turning” (pg 315). A way in which the Mevlevi can experience a spiritual connection with God is through meditation and contemplation, in the Sema ceremony the music and dance allows them to achieve the spiritual union. In the video, the dance shows a sense of grace and peacefulness.
Buddhist chants have similar purposes as the music of the Mevlevi. According to the slides, one purpose of Buddhist chants is to quiet and center the mind, the music allows people to meditate. According to the textbook, “Buddhist musical practice has generally remained simple. The focus is on scriptural meaning rather than sonic beauty” (pg 280). Buddhist chants play an important role in Buddhist ceremonies because they help to memorize verses and meditate upon teachings.
Cornelius Steven, and Mary Natvig. Music: A Social Experience. Routledge, 2019
I also wrote about the similarities between Buddhist chants and the Mevlevi Sema ceremony. I agree that in both music serves to induce states of meditation. A difference that can be seen is that Buddhist religious ceremonies rely mostly on chanting and the meanings behind those chants while the Sema ceremony places emphasis on the music and the dancing movements that accompany it.