Sufism and Its Discontents

Among aquatic environments, I feel that the ocean humbles humans the most while shaping human agency nevertheless, reminding us/writers of the limitations of interpretations and language. I intend to explore the ocean metaphor (as “primeval, shoreless, eternal and pure” Ocean) in the writings of Rumi and other Sufi poetry. In order to illustrate the importance of the symbolism of the ocean in Islamic spiritual literature. I invite each member of the group to explore ocean-front retreat centers (if they know any) as a safe space where people can open up, read or write poetry that is inspired by their surroundings, appreciating the Creation and its beauties in a group.