Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

DANCE, DANCING

A symbol of mental and buddhic activities exercised harmoniously and in accordance with a governing principle.

"Make the dispelling of worldly love thy true and perfect tune, and set thy heart a-dancing to the Word" (Hymn of Guru Amar Das). - MACAULIFFE, Sikh Religion, Vol. II. p. 175.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.' - P8. xxx, 11.

Through suffering the soul is disciplined, and conflict is changed to harmony when the higher activities are brought into play.

"The conception of a sudden presence of God goes back, among the Neo-Platonists, to Plato and the Greek Mysteries, in which the God was held suddenly to arrive and to take part in the sacred dance. Such rings of sacred dancers, choirs,' are still characteristic of Dionysius, e.g. Heavenly Hierarchy, vii. 4." - F. VON HUGEL, Mystical Element, Vol. II. p. 97.

See Also

HARMONY
MUSIC AND DANCING
SACKCLOTH
SATYRS