k - Le soufisme New Age des salles de yoga
Dalia Chams
Journal of Arabic and Islamic Studies March 6, 2018 DOI: 10.5617/jais.6785 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Zen meditation yoga breathing techniques |
| Key points | Argues that a hybrid practice combining traditional Sufi ḏikr with Zen meditation and yoga breathing techniques constitutes a "New Age Sufism" that is more universal and not linked to any particular religion. Contends that participants, largely from higher social ranks, seek serenity, inner peace, and relief from post-revolution stress. |
Abstract
In trendy yoga studios, a new type of Sufism practice is flourishing in Egypt, that we can call New Age Sufism. It’s merging traditional Sufi practices as ḏikr, with Zen meditation and yoga breathing techniques. People who attend this kind of sessions are more or less highly ranked; they are looking for another way to reach serenity and inner peace, to avoid post-revolution stress.This paper aims to analyse this kind of practice by first describing a Sufi meditation session, in order to explain how it creates a new type of Sufism New Age, more universal and not linked to a religion in particular. Then, it sheds light on the target group this neo-Sufism is attracting and the reasons behind these practises. At the end, the paper emphasises other related aspects of this phenomenon in the cultural field.