Dances of Universal Peace 
The Dances of Universal Peace were first offered by Samuel L. Lewis in the 1960's. Murshid Sam, as he is often called, was deeply influenced by Hazrat Inayat Khan, the Sufi teacher who brought Universal Sufism to the West in 1910, and by Ruth St. Denis, a pioneer of modern dance.
Murshid Sam studied deeply in the traditions of Sufism, Zen Buddhism, esoteric Christianity and Judaism, as well as the wisdom traditions of India. He was recognized as a Murshid, master, Roshi or teacher in many lineages.
More important than any formal recognition, however, was his ability to convey a living experience of the Spiritual Presence through the practices and dances he taught. By incorporating spiritual teachings of breath, walk, energy and sacred sound into these simple dances, he created a form of joyous and transformative spiritual practice available to all.
Since their humble beginnings in a garage with a few students, the dances have now spread around the world. Currently, there are over 500 Dances of Universal Peace, and there are dance circles meeting regularly all over the globe.
Our dance circle in San Diego is part of this world-wide network of dance meetings.
If you would like to find a Dances of Universal Peace meeting in another area:
1. Go to http://www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org
2. Select “Find a Dance”.
3. Chose the area of the world that interests you.
For more about Dances of Universal Peace, visit:
http://dancesofuniversalpeace.org
Many Dances of Universal Peace can be found on YouTube. Here are a few examples:
My House Shall Be A House Of Prayer For All People
One sun sufi circle
Once a month One Sun San Diego Sufi Circle meets to explore the teachings of Universal Sufism as taught by Hazrat Inayat Khan and Murshid Samuel Lewis. This circle is is led by Louise Jacobus, and is associated with Sufi Ruhaniat International.
Practices include zikr, Dances of Universal Peace, song, poetry, breath and sound practices, teachings from the mystics and the religions of the world, as well as the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and Murshid Samuel Lewis.
For more information, call Louise 619-415-3568.