Dances of Universal Peace
Meditation in Motion
The Dances of Universal Peace (DUP) invite you into a “meditation in motion” where the attunement of the heart meets the rhythm of the feet. Rather than sitting alone in quiet contemplation, you join a circle of others to breathe, move, and chant sacred phrases drawn from the world’s many spiritual traditions. It is a deeply personal practice that integrates your body, breath, and voice into a single, flowing experience of shared presence.
Watch: 240 participants from 30 countries joining in five concentric circles at the 2025 Thailand International Dance Camp—a powerful expression of “meditation in motion” on a global scale.
Founded by Murshid Samuel Lewis in the late 1960s, these dances offer a way to step out of the “chatter” of the analytical mind and drop into a state of vibrant, embodied harmony. While often playfully described as “meditation for people who cannot sit still,” they are more accurately a path to deep awareness through joy rather than effort. In a dance circle, as you synchronise your movement with those around you, ancient mantras stop being abstract concepts and become a living, felt experience of unity.
“Meditation is not going away from life; it is becoming more fully present to it.” Murshid Samuel Lewis
Watch:
Celebrating 50 years of the Dances of Universal Peace in Scotland, 2018.
“I want to spend my heaven doing good works on earth”
— words by St. Thérèse of Lisieux
The Devotional Path to Peace
Effortless Focus: Movement and sacred phrases create a state of “devotional flow”, where the mind remains present through the joy of the music rather than the effort of the will.
Meditation Through Devotion: This practice replaces the mental labour of concentration with the natural flow of melody. It honours Murshid Sam’s belief that for realisation to be real, it must be an Embodied Peace—felt in the body and expressed through the heart.
What to Expect if this is new to you
No Experience Required
You don’t need to be a “dancer” or a “singer.” Each dance is taught from scratch every time. The leader walks through the movements and the sacred phrase (chant) before the music begins. We move together as one; if you lose your way, simply stay in your breath—the circle will carry you.
The Sacred Phrases
We use short, melodic phrases from many traditions—Sufi, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Celtic, and more. These are not performances; they are “vocal meditations.” The repetition allows the mind to quieten and the heart to open, connecting us to the ancient wisdom of humanity.
Connection and Presence
- Holding Hands: Most dances involve holding hands in a circle. If you prefer not to have physical contact for any reason, you are welcome to simply hold your hands near your neighbours’ or keep them at your heart.
- Eyes of the Heart: You may be invited to share brief, soft eye contact. This is an invitation to see through the eyes of your heart and to be seen in your own truth. It is a simple acknowledgement of our shared humanity—a way of feeling deeply seen and included in the “greater whole.
Finding Your Place in the Whole
The beauty of the circle is that it remains complete, no matter where you are within it.
A Special Practice of Inclusion: If you feel the need for stillness, or if you are simply tired and in need of rest, you can choose to sit quietly in the very middle of the circle. Far from stepping away, you are stepping into the heart of the dance. Sitting in the centre allows you to be held by the community, feeling the vibrations of the voices and the energy of the movement very powerfully. It is a way to experience a deep sense of peace while remaining an integral part of the living whole.
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfort is Key: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.
- Footwear: Most people dance in soft indoor shoes, socks, or barefoot.
- Water: It’s always a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated.
Explore Further
This is an invitation to explore the dances with an open heart—may they kindle the light in your soul. The dances are a path of embodiment, turning every movement into a prayer and every breath into a remembrance. Whether you are seeking a deeper meaning for your life, a personal practice, or just enjoying the music, there is a space here for you to:
- More About the Dances — Explore the lineage of this sacred tradition, the spirit of the movement, and the foundations that bring prayers to life.
- Dance Mentoring — Embark on a personal journey of guidance and growth to refine your dancing experience, deepen your connection to the body prayers, and integrate the wisdom of the dances into your daily life.
- Original Dances and Zikrs — Enter a library of sacred movement and sound; find dance descriptions to guide your practice and recordings of Zikrs to support your devotional practice.
- Spiritual Guidance — Beyond the movement lies the inner landscape of the soul. If you are seeking a deeper, personal reflection on your path, I offer one-on-one sessions to support your journey of remembrance and return.
- Regular Classes — Join our ongoing circles for Meditation in Ormskirk, Online Sacred Sound, and in-depth study of The Inner Life. These sessions are designed to support your daily practice and provide a consistent space for remembrance and connection.