In the world of Rumi, the great Persian poet and mystic, the Master’s thesis “Rumi Online” unveils a captivating study. The author, once a participant in a retreat organized by Kabir and Camille Helminski, explores three websites with different cultural backgrounds to unravel the nuances in presenting Rumi. These websites, Mevlana.net (Turkey), Threshold Society (USA), and Roemi Vandaag (Netherlands), collectively form the ‘Rumi Triangle.’
The Rumi Triangle: An Introduction to the Study The journey begins with an intriguing thesis highlighting the three corners of the Rumi Triangle. The author, inspired by personal experiences with the Mevlevi Sufi tradition, examines how Rumi is presented on various websites. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity and complexity of Rumi’s legacy.
Mevlana.net: Preserving Tradition The first stop on our exploration is Mevlana.net, managed by ‘the family of Rumi’ itself. Here, we find a conscious choice to preserve the traditional and Islamic image of Rumi. The mausoleum and famous sayings constitute the beating heart of the site, seemingly aiming to preserve Rumi’s (family) status and attract visitors. A tangible legacy in digital form.
Threshold Society (Sufism.org): Balancing Commerce and Spirituality The next stage takes us to the Threshold Society, founded by Kabir Edmund and Camille Helminski. Here, commerce and spirituality meet at an interesting intersection. Commercial elements, such as CDs and course materials, seamlessly integrate with free content, creating a dynamic tension. This website breaks with traditional structures and seeks to make Rumi’s universal message of love and timeless spirituality accessible in the modern world.
Rumi Today (Roemivandaag.nl): A Universal Mystic in a Contemporary Veil Our final destination, Rumi Today, built by Sipko A. den Boer, offers a fresh perspective on Rumi. Here, traditional Sufi terms are avoided, and the modern design contrasts with videos displaying traditional features. However, noteworthy is the potential absence of aspects of Rumi’s practical spirituality, such as rituals and fasting.
Conclusion: The Versatile Shades of Rumi’s Heritage In this comparative analysis of the Rumi Triangle, we discover that Rumi’s legacy is illuminated in various ways. Mevlana.net preserves tradition, Threshold Society balances between commerce and spirituality, and Rumi Today embraces a contemporary perspective. Amidst these nuances, Rumi’s message of love and spirituality continues to resonate, and the Rumi Triangle provides a rich palette of insights into this spiritual heritage. This digital exploration of selected websites opens doors to understanding and appreciating the versatility of Rumi’s legacy in the modern world.