On this page you will find the first four elementary rhythms used in Gnostic Meditation. These rhythms occur naturally in nature but thousands of years ago Gnostics became aware of the rhythms’ power to create a state of inner emptiness and thus began to use them in their meditation.

Each person’s sensitivity to the rhythms vary. So it’s advised that one tries the four elementary rhythms and then uses only the one that has the greatest effect in creating inner emptiness. During the journey of spiritual evolution, as one progresses, more complex rhythms will be taught to aid the person to reach his or her essence.

These rhythms can be played on any percussion instrument; but their effect is the greatest when played on a Persian Daf or hand drum (see image above) because the seeker holds the Daf over their heart as they are playing the instrument. One should play or listen to the rhythm until the point when one can feel the rhythm’s effect within the body, even after one has stopped. Then at this point one puts away the instrument and focuses on their heartbeat as instructed in the book.

“Put your thoughts to sleep, do not let them cast a shadow

over the moon of your heart. Let go of thinking.”

RUMI

“Don’t put blankets over the drum! Open completely.

Let your spirit ear listen to the green dome’s passionate murmur.”

RUMI