Creating Peace ... Within and Without

A video invitation to the Dances of Universal Peace

This site promotes Dances of Universal Peace activities in the Southern States area which includes Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Southern Virginia. Dances of Universal Peace are a means to revivify our love and joy, and integrate ourselves with the power of Peace through the practice of meditative circle dances and walks, with singing and chanting of Divine Names and sacred phrases from many spiritual traditions.

We cultivate compassion within and without.....
      Finding our home in the breath.....
             Practicing simple presence and body awareness.....
                   Re-membering our Divine Source......
                            Resonating with sound and loving intention......
                                   For the benefit of all beings.

The Dances were created by Samuel Lewis, a Sufi Murshid (teacher) who was also a Rinzai Zen Master. His religious quest also drew strongly on the mystical traditions of Hinduism, Judaism and Christianity. Low quality video clip of Murshid Sam Lewis leading dance.

”Now, with all the fun we’re having, I’m trying to teach spirituality. I can forgive you if you don’t agree with me on anything, but if when we do the dancing you don’t take it as spiritual, the whole thing falls down. We’re making no attempt to make dancers out of you, but as you elevate in your own personality you begin to find it’s easier for you to dance and to do things you couldn’t do before – even when you tried. Something happens inside the person.”

Hazrat Inayat Khan

Samuel Lewis' teacher was Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan. Hazrat Inayat Khan was an accomplished Indian musician. He dedicated his early life to the mastery of the subtle intricacies of classical Indian music under the tutelege of his grandfather Moula Baksh, a musical giant who had integrated the Hindustani and Karnatic musical traditions of Northern and Southern India. A sample of his music

Hazrat Inayat Khan came to the West at the urging of his Sufi teacher, Sayyed Muhammad Abu Hashim Madani. Madani specifically instructed him to harmonize East and West with the music of his soul.

”Where does music come from? Where does the dance come from? It all comes from that natural and spiritual life that is within ...... music touches our innermost being and in that way produces new life, a life that gives exaltation to the whole being, raising it to that perfection in which lies the fulfillment of human life.“

In creating the Dances of Universal Peace, Samuel Lewis was inspired by Ruth St. Denis. Ruth was an innovative modern dancer who incorporated dance movements from a variety of traditions in her performances. Video about Ruth St Dennis

"The dance of the future will no longer be concerned with meaningless dexterities of the body…Remembering that [we are] indeed the microcosm, the universe in miniature, the Divine Dance of the future should be able to convey with its slightest gestures some significance of the universe…As we rise higher in the understanding of ourselves, the national and racial dissonances will be forgotten in the universal rhythms of Truth and Love. We shall sense our unity with all peoples who are moving to that exalted rhythm."

For information on regular dance circle meetings, select a state:

Looking for a dance circle in another state: PeaceWorks Site

For information on one time events in the Southern States-visit our Special Events Page

"Eat, dance, and pray together!"

Dances of Universal Peace

Southern States

For specific questions-Contact Amina Linda McMakin (864) 947-7028

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