Daf

The daf, the instrument of every sufistudent.
The Daf is the most essential 'tool' in the life of the Sufi student. The playing of mystic rhythms on the Daf is a discipline to be exercised daily, just like meditation.
Everyone can learn to play the Daf - the basic technique is very simple.

What is a daf?
The Daf is a Persian frame drum, with a diameter of about 50 cm. A series of rings is suspended from hooks on the inner side of the wooden frame. These rings sometimes jingle when the Daf is played, depending on the position in which the instrument is held. The Daf is used to provide accompaniment to traditional Persian music. On the path of substantial evolution - another name for the Sufi path - the playing of mystic rhythms on the Daf is a means of further developing that tiny seed in our heart we refer to as our substance.

How does the daf work?
The vibrations made by the Daf are very strong, thanks to the large surface area of the drum skin. As we know, 80% of the human body is made up of water. One of the qualities of water is that it absorbs and reflects vibrations. The vibrations of the Daf are absorbed into our entire body, but in Sufism our focus is purely on those vibrations absorbed into our heart. The electrons in the molecules of our heart are polarised and aligned in one direction, bringing about a sense of peace and harmony. It is as if a certain environment is being created in our heart, in which the 'seed' that is our soul can develop. There are different rhythms for each stage in the development process. We are talking here about a tried and trusted method that dates back centuries, but that has been revived in recent times through the teachings of Dr. Azmayesh.

Which rhythms are played on the daf?
As we have already mentioned, the Daf is used to play mystic rhythms. What distinguishes mystic rhythms from all other rhythms is that they are composed in such a way that they penetrate directly into the substance buried in the heart. They 'nourish' our substance. Think of an embryo developing inside a bird's egg: the warmth emanating either from the mother bird or from the incubator enables that embryo to develop into a chick, hatch out of the egg and grow into adulthood. This relationship between warmth and growth illustrates the relationship between mystic rhythms and substance. It is a development process that knows no limits, and can take us as far as our own capacity allows us to go. 

What is the purpose of this path?
The purpose of the Sufi path is to discover our true self, to bring to the surface the capacities that lie hidden inside us and to develop them. It opens the door to new spiritual dimensions, allowing us to experience true freedom in this life. It enables us to tap into a source of boundless creativity. Released from gravity's hold, we can learn to fly like birds to other realms.
The purpose is to achieve unity  - within ourselves and with the rest of creation; to experience true freedom and boundless love in this life.  

                                                 Unity is what I sing

                                                 Unity is what I speak

                                                 Unity is what I know

                                                 Unity is what I seek....  

Interview with Anne-Marie van Bercken on the Dutch radio NMO 12-7-2005 (translation)