From tariqas-approval Wed Nov 30 13:56:37 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA11237; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 00:00:18 GMT Received: from teer23.acpub.duke.edu by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA11072; Wed, 30 Nov 1994 19:00:05 -0500 Received: (from hthashq1@localhost) by teer23.acpub.duke.edu (8.6.8.1/Duke-2.0) id SAA14680; Wed, 30 Nov 1994 18:56:41 -0500 Date: Wed, 30 Nov 1994 18:56:37 -0500 (EST) From: Hugh Talat Halman Subject: Evo-locutions To: tariqas@world.std.com Cc: "sufi-approval@world.std.com" , "sufi@world.std.com" , "tariqas@world.std.com" , "71764.454@CompuServe.COM" <71764.454@CompuServe.COM>, "72704.574@compuserve.com" <72704.574@CompuServe.COM>, "73444.1307@compuserve.com" <73444.1307@CompuServe.COM>, "74552.716@CompuServe.COM" <74552.716@CompuServe.COM>, "abahnink@ere.umontreal.ca" , "abain@nero.UVic.CA" , "g4ujec@fnma.com" , "godlas@phoenix.cs.uga.edu" , "granger_m@WIZARD.COLORADO.EDU" , "insyed@midway.uchicago.edu" , "kaye@longbow.usace.mil" , "ys590004@longs.lance.colostate.edu" In-Reply-To: Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: A Ya Muhammad 'Azizi, As-Salaam 'Alaikum. Let me share some ayat and other reflections with you which may shed some light on your points. On Sat, 26 Nov 1994, M.G.Dastagir wrote: > > I am in ambivalence. I know that God has created man out of his own > image, and that man is His direct creation, i,e,man is not a result or > consequence of evolution, i.e. from lower stage to higher stage. > But in Sufism, especially, in the message of Hazrat Inayat Khan, it is > stated that man is the result of evolution from rock, plants, insects, > animals. The animals evolve until man is formed. The evolution is such > that the consciousness gradually evolves throyugh rock, tree, animal, to > man. In man it evolves enough to seek its own way back to its eternal > state of being. "...He is the Outer [Zahir] and the Inner [Batin] and He has full knowledge of all things. He it is who created the heavens and the earth in six days, and moreover firmly established on the Throne of authority, He knows what enters within the earth and what comes forth out of it..." Al-Hadid 57.3 I offer this verse as an indication that evolutionary activity does not preclude the ultimate agency of Allah. > > This seems to be contradictory. If evolution is such then > how man can be regarded as the creation of God, and how can they be > spiritually created? Who are Adam and EVe? Who are our ancestors, Adam > and Eve, or Animals/insects? "Man did we create from a quintessence of clay; then We placed him as a drop of sperm in a place of rest, firmly fixed; then We made the sperm into a clot of congealed blood; then of that clot We made a (foetus) lump; then we made out of that lump bones with flesh; then We developed out of it another creature. So blessed be Allah, the Best to Create." Al-Mu'minun 23.12-14 Notice the physicality of this description of that which is Divine action. And even though Saidna 'Isa ibn Maryam (a.s.) is created instantaneously by the Divine Fiat: "Kun fayakun" ("Be! And it is!), Saidana Maryam retired while pregnant "to a remote place," and vowed a fast until his birth, all suggesting that the temporally-framed development of the living entity somehow does not contradict the immediacy of "Kun! Fayakun!" (3.47; 19.22-27) > Could anybody discuss how the theory of evolution is compatible with that > of creation of man by God. Evolution may be a means of Divine Creation. The Qur'an teaches us to observe the signs of nature as evidence of Divine Unity and Divine Mercy. (27.60-64) If one human is developed from clay, by analogy, a parallel advancement by species is also possible. God's Agency is not abrogated by apparently "separate" actions within His creation. As-salaam 'alaikum Talat From tariqas-approval Wed Nov 30 21:09:51 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA19281; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 07:09:59 GMT Received: from mail02.mail.aol.com by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA19260; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 02:09:57 -0500 Received: by mail02.mail.aol.com (1.38.193.5/16.2) id AA05280; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 02:09:51 -0500 Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 02:09:51 -0500 From: Najat@aol.com Message-Id: <941130220653_2593128@aol.com> To: tariqas@world.std.com Subject: Re: Addresses and cc:'s Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: Thank you Habib! I concur with Ramabai's suggestion for limiting carbon copy names and your solution with whole heart. Love to all, Najat From tariqas-approval Wed Nov 30 21:25:30 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA25174; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 07:26:02 GMT Received: from alfred.ccs.carleton.ca by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA25152; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 02:25:59 -0500 Received: from superior (superior.ccs.carleton.ca) by alfred.ccs.carleton.ca (4.1/SMI-4.0) id AA07770; Thu, 1 Dec 94 02:25:58 EST From: ccscon29@ccs.carleton.ca (Rizwan Mawani) Received: by superior (4.1/Sun-Client) id AA28196; Thu, 1 Dec 94 02:25:30 EST Message-Id: <9412010725.AA28196@superior> Subject: To: tariqas@world.std.com Date: Thu, 1 Dec 94 2:25:30 EST X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11] Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: A help -- ================================================================= Rizwan Mawani email: rmawani@chat.carleton.ca Carleton University ak395@freenet.carleton.ca Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Anthropology/Religion II (613) 736-7521 ================================================================= From tariqas-approval Thu Dec 1 07:55:53 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA01015; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 07:55:53 GMT Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 07:55:53 GMT Message-Id: <199412010755.AA01015@world.std.com> To: tariqas-approval@world.std.com From: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Subject: BOUNCE tariqas@world.std.com: Admin request Status: RO X-Status: >From ccscon29@ccs.carleton.ca Wed Nov 30 21:55:22 1994 Return-Path: Received: from alfred.ccs.carleton.ca by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA01009; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 02:55:51 -0500 Received: from superior (superior.ccs.carleton.ca) by alfred.ccs.carleton.ca (4.1/SMI-4.0) id AA08181; Thu, 1 Dec 94 02:55:50 EST From: ccscon29@ccs.carleton.ca (Rizwan Mawani) Received: by superior (4.1/Sun-Client) id AA29162; Thu, 1 Dec 94 02:55:23 EST Message-Id: <9412010755.AA29162@superior> Subject: Forwarded mail... To: tariqas@world.std.com Date: Thu, 1 Dec 94 2:55:22 EST X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11] subscribe tariqas Rizwan Mawani -- ================================================================= Rizwan Mawani email: rmawani@chat.carleton.ca Carleton University ak395@freenet.carleton.ca Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Anthropology/Religion II (613) 736-7521 ================================================================= From tariqas-approval Thu Dec 1 03:33:48 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA27782; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 15:34:06 GMT Received: from orion.it.luc.edu by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA27760; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 10:34:04 -0500 Received: by orion.it.luc.edu (AIX 3.2/UCB 5.64/4.03) id AA17630; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 09:33:48 -0600 Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 09:33:48 -0600 (CST) From: Sonia Tourk Subject: Membership To: tariqas@world.std.com Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: A Assalamu 'Alaikum wa rahmat Allahe wa barakatahu My name is Sr. Sonia Tourk, and Insha'Allah I would like to join the tariqa net. If you need any more information, please let me know. From SUPERVISOR@cub.uca.edu Mon Dec 1 04:04:21 1994 Received: from nsuca (nsuca.uca.EDU) by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA08388; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 10:52:53 -0500 Received: from cub.uca.EDU by nsuca (5.64/A/UX-3.00) id AA01948; Thu, 1 Dec 94 09:54:19 CST Received: from CUB/CUBQUEUE by cub.uca.edu (Mercury 1.11); Thu, 1 Dec 94 10:04:50 +3600 Received: from CUBQUEUE by CUB (Mercury 1.11); Thu, 1 Dec 94 10:04:28 +3600 To: tariqas-approval@world.std.com From: SUPERVISOR@cub.uca.edu Organization: University of Central Arkansas Date: 1 Dec 94 10:04:21 CST Subject: Priority: normal X-Mailer: Pegasus Mail v2.3 (R5). Message-Id: <21164B45D5B@cub.uca.edu> Status: RO X-Status: Please remove the following users from your lists: BA3166@cub.uca.edu MT5188@cub.uca.edu thanks From tariqas-approval Thu Dec 1 13:34:39 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA09223; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 18:33:40 GMT Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA09205; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 13:33:39 -0500 Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 13:33:39 +0001 (EST) From: Steve H Rose Subject: Expansion of the list and I need help! To: tariqas@world.std.com Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: Assalamu alaikum. Insh'Allah, the tariqas list may start expanding soon. I have sent a letter to Scott Yanoff requesting that we be added to his "Special Internet Connections" (also known as the List of Lists), and Insh'Allah, I will be doing similar types of listings in other places. My intention is to make sure that peopple on the Internet who are interested in the Sufi and other paths we discuss can find the list if they want to. If, Insh'Allah, any members of the list can help me out it would be MOST appreciated. What I need most right now is someone who is at least slightly familiar with majordomo (or listserv), who can monitor the tariqas list and intercept messages sent to the entire list which are actually subscription requests (or unsubscription requests etc.) I will provide the password for the tariqas list and instructions as to how to add such people etc. Insh'Allah, this will free me up to only handle those requests which get bounced to me specifically as list host. I do request, if you take this on as a responsibility, that you treat it as such, and only do so if you will be able to monitor the list regularly (at least 2-3 times a week). I am not expecting someone to commit to monitoring the list for any set length of time, but for the time period you are the monitor, I need to be able to rely on you. Thanks very much for your consideration. yours, habib P.S. If you are willing to help, please send email to me directly at habib@world.std.com rather than to the tariqas list. From tariqas-approval Thu Dec 1 03:29:24 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA17981; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 19:35:02 GMT Received: from netcom.com by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA17949; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 14:34:58 -0500 Received: from netcom5.netcom.com by relay1.UU.NET with SMTP id QQxsla13117; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 14:33:46 -0500 Received: by netcom5.netcom.com (8.6.9/Netcom) id LAA23801; Thu, 1 Dec 1994 11:29:25 -0800 From: deane@netcom.com (Dean Edwards) Message-Id: <199412011929.LAA23801@netcom5.netcom.com> Subject: soc.religion.gnosis update To: tariqas@world.std.com (Tariqas) Date: Thu, 1 Dec 1994 11:29:24 -0800 (PST) Cc: alexandria@world.std.com (Alexandria) X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL23] Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Length: 885 Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: This is a brief note to remind participants in the alexandria and tariqas mailing lists that the subjects of sufism, marifat, gnosis, pythagoreanism, satori, etc. may be discussed in soc.religion.gnosis , a Usenet newsgroup. During December, 1994, there will be some important software and hardware changes at the site which distributes the submissions to the moderators for this newsgroup. This should result in a dramatic increase in efficiency and speed of communications. More details will be provided next month. In the meantime, please feel free to also look into the discussions in sox.religion.gnosis or send in submissions via email. Email submissions may be sent to: srg@aldhfn.org. It is also anticipated that a mailing list will be linked to the newsgroup beginning in January, 1995. Yours in service, Dean Edwards deane@netcom.com a moderator of soc.religion.gnosis From tariqas-approval Fri Dec 2 00:32:22 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA28094; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 01:51:19 GMT Received: from uunet!fifthd by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA28079; Fri, 2 Dec 1994 20:51:18 -0500 Received: from espace.dcl.com by relay2.UU.NET with SMTP id QQxspr03977; Fri, 2 Dec 1994 20:48:17 -0500 Message-Id: Received: from forthd by espace.dcl.com (MX V3.1C) with UUCP; Fri, 02 Dec 1994 17:47:50 PST Received: by forthd.dcl.com (DECUS UUCP /2.0/2.0/2.0/); Fri, 2 Dec 94 17:25:45 PST Received: from fifthd by fifthd.uucp (UUPC/extended 1.12b) with UUCP; Fri, 02 Dec 1994 00:32:29 GMT From: Super User To: tariqas@world.std.com Date: Fri, 2 Dec 1994 00:32:22 GMT+6 Subject: translator? Priority: normal X-Mailer: Pegasus Mail v3.1 (R1a) Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: As-salaam 'aleikum, We are in need of the services of someone who can translate Ottomanli from Roman alphabet transliteration, for a SHORT body of poetry and lyrics. If you know this language, or have a good (if not expert) knowledge of Arabic and Persian and Turkish, 14th century or so usage, please respond! Sincere thanks and our best wishes! (Muzaffer) -- Khadim Chishti khadim@forthd.dcl.com From tariqas-approval Fri Dec 2 00:28:13 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA28066; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 01:51:15 GMT Received: from uunet!fifthd by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA28059; Fri, 2 Dec 1994 20:51:15 -0500 Received: from espace.dcl.com by relay2.UU.NET with SMTP id QQxspr03938; Fri, 2 Dec 1994 20:48:01 -0500 Message-Id: Received: from forthd by espace.dcl.com (MX V3.1C) with UUCP; Fri, 02 Dec 1994 17:47:38 PST Received: by forthd.dcl.com (DECUS UUCP /2.0/2.0/2.0/); Fri, 2 Dec 94 17:25:20 PST Received: from fifthd by fifthd.uucp (UUPC/extended 1.12b) with UUCP; Fri, 02 Dec 1994 00:28:21 GMT From: Super User To: tariqas@world.std.com Date: Fri, 2 Dec 1994 00:28:13 GMT+6 Subject: Mevlevi celebrations Priority: normal X-Mailer: Pegasus Mail v3.1 (R1a) Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi of Balkh 1207 - 1273 Islamic theologian, incomparable poet, and master of mystic love, passed into the arms of his Beloved 721 years ago on December 17th. His circle became known as the Mevleviyya, also called the "Whirling Dervishes" because of their characteristic moving-meditation practice. There are a few Mevlevi circles active in America today. One of them is the Mevlevi Order of America, guided by Postneshin Sh Jelaleddin Loras of Konya Turkey, son of the late al-Hajj Sh Suleyman Hayati Dede d1985, in the direct silsila of Mevlana Rumi. In December, there will be several celebrations in honor of Rumi conducted by this group, including the following: - Sama' of Time and Hearing Saturday 12/10 in Fairfax, Marin Co. near San Francisco. For information 707-878-2726. - A sikke ceremony (presentation of the tall dervish hat to new students) with dhikr, music, etc. in Eugene Oregon Tuesday 12/13. For information 503-689-2325. - A sikke ceremony, Mathnawi sung in original Persian, dhikr, Turning, music, etc. in Portland Oregon Thursday 12/15. For information 503-253-9874,503-254-5061,503-234-2229. - A sama' muqabele of grand proportions in Seattle Washington Saturday 12/17. For information 206-528-0682, 206-523-9424. Perhaps we'll see you! As-salaam 'aleikum (Muzaffer) -- Khadim Chishti khadim@forthd.dcl.com From tariqas-approval Sat Dec 3 02:55:26 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA27916; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 18:55:35 GMT Received: from longbow.usace.mil by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA27908; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 13:55:34 -0500 Received: by longbow.usace.mil (4.0/SMI-4.0(USACE 4.0)) id AA11724; Sat, 3 Dec 94 10:55:26 PST Date: Sat, 3 Dec 94 10:55:26 PST From: kaye@usace.mil (Kaye McGee) Message-Id: <9412031855.AA11724@longbow.usace.mil> To: tariqas@world.std.com Subject: International Association of Sufism Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: A as-salaam alaykum, Greetings to all subscribers, In response to an earlier posting requesting information about journals and organizations devoted to Sufism, I am happy to inform you of the existence of the International Association of Sufism, a non-profit organization which was established in 1983 in the United States, through the efforts and participation of many Sufi orders, scholars and those interested in the discipline of Sufism. The goals of the IAS include the introduction of Sufism to the people in all its varied forms; the preservation and advancement of the study and goals of Sufism; and opening and maintaining the lines of communication and expression among the different schools of Sufism. The Association publishes a quarterly journal (which is distributed internationally), as well as several books presenting Sufi poetry, words of wisdom and teachings. In March of 1994, the IAS sponsored the first-ever Sufism Symposium with the participation of many Sufi groups and orders from around the world - it was a magnificent event! The second Symposium will be held April 1-2, 1995, in San Francisco. If you would like to contact the IAS for more information: International Association of Sufism 25 Mitchell Blvd., Suite 2 San Rafael, California 94903 USA tele: (415)472-6959 fax: (415)472-6221 From tariqas-approval Sat Dec 3 21:45:35 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA10893; Sun, 4 Dec 1994 02:44:36 GMT Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA10886; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 21:44:35 -0500 Date: Sat, 3 Dec 1994 21:44:35 +0001 (EST) From: Steve H Rose Subject: Mevlevi Celebrations in Seattle To: tariqas@world.std.com Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: Assalamu alaikum. If, Insh'Allah, any members of the tariqas list will be in Seattle for the upcoming Mevlevi Celebrations (on December 17), and you have a chance to get in contact with me, I would love to hear from you (I am happy to call Seattle my home). yours, habib rose 206-725-7074 From tariqas-approval Sat Dec 3 21:51:41 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA12411; Sun, 4 Dec 1994 02:50:42 GMT Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA12402; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 21:50:41 -0500 Date: Sat, 3 Dec 1994 21:50:41 +0001 (EST) From: Steve H Rose Subject: Re: International Association of Sufism To: tariqas@world.std.com In-Reply-To: <9412031855.AA11724@longbow.usace.mil> Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: Assalamu alaikum. I am extremely happy to see a notice about the International Association of Sufism in the tariqas list. I was able to attend the IAS symposium early this year, and it was WONDERFUL! If there are any ways that we can explore to work together between IAS and tariqas, I would be very interested. I believe that there is a lot of synergy possible. At a minimum, I would welcome any further announcements about IAS events and projects. Insh'Allah, we may discover other ways of working together over time. yours, habib From tariqas-approval Sat Dec 3 17:38:44 1994 Received: by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA29917; Sun, 4 Dec 1994 03:43:39 GMT Received: from UTCVM.UTC.EDU by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0) id AA29906; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 22:43:37 -0500 Message-Id: <199412040343.AA29906@world.std.com> Received: from UTCVM.UTC.EDU by UTCVM.UTC.EDU (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with BSMTP id 4704; Sat, 03 Dec 94 22:43:30 EST Received: from UTCVM.UTC.EDU (NJE origin JHENRY@UTCVM) by UTCVM.UTC.EDU (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 6087; Sat, 3 Dec 1994 22:43:30 -0500 Date: Sat, 03 Dec 94 22:38:44 EST From: Jim Henry in Chattanooga 615-755-4398 Subject: Re: Mevlevi celebrations To: tariqas@world.std.com In-Reply-To: Message of Fri, 2 Dec 1994 00:28:13 GMT+6 from Sender: tariqas-approval@world.std.com Precedence: bulk Reply-To: tariqas@world.std.com Status: RO X-Status: On Fri, 2 Dec 1994 00:28:13 GMT+6 Super User said: [snip] >Perhaps we'll see you! As-salaam 'aleikum (Muzaffer) >-- >Khadim Chishti khadim@forthd.dcl.com > Here's something I wrote a couple of weeks ago after seeing the Mevlevi If you get the chance, go be with them. You will be glad you did. A God Thing -- November 1994 - Jim Henry A week ago last Wednesday evening the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order from Konya, Turkey were in Atlanta. They were going to dance their Sema for the public. The Mevlevi Order is an order of Sufis that was founded by Mevlana Jellaladin Rumi, a 13th century mystic and poet who lived in Konya, in what is now central Turkey. For almost 10 years I have been an on-again, off-again student of and been interested in Sufism, so I was interested in seeing them in Atlanta. I had seen this dance before, in Istanbul, along with Moggie, a little over 6 years ago. We had also visited in Konya and met a few Sufis and had been to the mosque and tomb of Jellaladin Rumi. All of these experience had impressed me with the deeply spiritual and loving nature of these people. The dance, called a Sema, is an occasion in which the dancing participants achieve a trance-like meditational state. They do this as a worship and connection to God. This trance state is achieved with music and movement. The music is performed by several musicians, using drums, flutes (called "neys"), mandolins and violins and by singing and chanting. The dancers perform the simple motion of turning. This is the origin of the "whirling" in their name. "Dervish" is an ancient word that means poor man or beggar. So, anyway, that Wednesday I was too tired to go to see them in Atlanta. I was a bit disappointed, but was involved in a lot at home and at work and was preparing to be gone on a week's trip to San Francisco. This Wednesday, after breakfast, I was reading the San Francisco Chronicle, and this jumped out at me from about half-way down in the "Today" column on page D-2: DANCE The Whirling Dervishes perform the Sema, an ancient spiritual dance ceremony. 8 pm. Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley. (510) 642-0212. Well, I didn't have any plans for the evening, but I wasn't sure how to get to UC Berkeley or where Zellerbach Hall was. Nor did I know anything about tickets. But, I thought I'd go and see what turned out. Later in the day, I asked a friend and his wife if they wanted to join me and learned that the BART trains from San Francisco to Berkeley had been shut down for a few hours that day, but they were now running again. So, I went. First time in a BART station. First time to buy a BART ticket. First time on a BART train. First time to find UC Berkeley and first time to find Zellerbach Hall. The BART map did make most all of this painless and I found myself walking past the stadium on UC's campus and got pointed to how to get to Zellerbach Hall by a man who I asked. As I go close to the Hall, a man approached me and asked if I was going to see the Whirling Dervishes. I said yes and he asked me if I needed a ticket. I said yes and he said he had an extra he'd sell me. I asked how much and he said $20 and showed me the ticket. (I verified that it had a $20 price on it.) I bought it. I went in, found my seat and sat down. My seat was on the Orchestra level on the aisle towards the rear. The woman in the next seat asked me if I bought my ticket from a man outside. I said yes. She asked me how much I paid for it. I told her and she said she had sold it to a man on the sidewalk for $10. She was coming with a friend and her friend couldn't come so she had the extra ticket. The man had approached her asking if she had any extra to sell and she did so she did. She said she was from Santa Cruz. This was her first time to attend anything at UC Berkeley but she was here because she had been practicing spinning to improve her balance and had gotten (she knows not why) a flyer in the mail announcing this event. As it turned out, the Hall was sold out. If I hadn't gotten that ticket, I wouldn't have gotten in or would have gotten a much less convenient seat. There's more to tell, about the evening: the trip home on BART and the friendly conservation among the passengers, and more. Another time, inshallah. Jim Henry U of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615-755-4398