Universal Sufism
Encyclopedia
Universal Sufism is a universalist spiritual
movement founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan while traveling throughout the West between 1910 and 1926, based on unity
of all people and religion
s and the presence of spiritual guidance in all people, places and things. It is to some extent influenced by the Chishti order of Sufism
.
; in 1956 to his youngest brother, Pir-o-Murshid Musharaff Khan; and in 1968 to his grandson, Pir-o-Murshid Fazal Inayat-Khan
. In the 1980s Murshid Fazal proposed a bifurcation between Sufi Movement and the Sufi Way
, which became a specific branch of Inayat Khan’s lineage founded by Murshid Fazal in 1985. For an in-depth description of this history written by Murshid Fazal – read “Western Sufism: The Sufi Movement, The Sufi Order International, and The Sufi Way”. In 1988 Fazal's father Hidayat Inayat Khan
became Pir-o-Murshid of the International Sufi Movement. Following the death in 1990 of Murshid Fazal, he was succeeded by the first woman leader of the tariqah (path), Pirani Sitara Brutnell. She died in 2004, naming Pir Elias Amidon as her successor.
The Sufi Order International
was founded by Inayat Khan’s eldest son, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
. Pir Vilayat led the order for over 50 years, until his death in 2004. He was an avid student of many religious and spiritual traditions and incorporated the rich mystical heritage of East and West into his teachings, adding to it the scholarship of the West in music, science, and psychology. Pir Vilayat travelled widely and wrote several accessible books on Sufism, including "Awakening: A Sufi Experience" (Tracher, 2000). Pir Vilayat founded the Abode of the Message, a retreat center for the Sufi Order that is also used by other Sufi orders and interfaith gatherings. Pir Vilayat was succeeded by his son, Pir Zia Inayat Khan
.
An American mureed of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s, Samuel Lewis
, rose to prominence in the late 1960s and is well known as the creator of the Dances of Universal Peace
. A fellow mureed and protector of Hazrat Inayat Khan's designated spiritual successor, Murshida Rabia Martin, Samuel Lewis served as a Murshid in the lineage of Inayat Khan. In this role he organized the Sufi Islamia Ruhaniat Society (often referred to as S.I.R.S.), later renamed the Sufi Ruhaniat International
. The Sufi Ruhaniat International recognizes a distinct line of spiritual transmission from Hazrat Inayat Khan through Murshid Sufi Ahmed Murad Chishti (Sam Lewis). The current head of the Sufi Ruhaniat International
is Pir Shabda Khan.
At various times during the 20th century there have been disputes among Inayat Khan's and his successors' mureeds about who should most rightfully be the next leader of the Universal Sufi movement. However, recent years have brough considerable healing and reconciliation. In fact, the Urs of Inayat Khan (the celebration of the anniversary of his passing from this world) is now jointly celebrated at his dargah (tomb) in India by the Sufi Order International
, Sufi Ruhaniat International
, The Sufi Way and the International Sufi Movement.
The richness and variety of teachings within the western Sufi tradition inspired by Inayat Khan is a sign of its vitality.
Universal Sufism encourages one to pray for peace (Hazrat Inayat Khan's "Prayer for Peace being particularly useful), meditate upon the Divine Peace using the Wazifa "Ya Salaam", courageously and compassionately confront and transform the sources of fear and hostility within oneself, embody peace (which, of course, is not the same as laxity) in all of relationships, and reflect the essential unity of the human family in all of dealings.
Individual prayers include:
Hazrat Inayat Khan considered this necessary and not simply a legality.
Pir
Zia Inayat-Khan stated that this policy should not discourage Universal Sufis from acting on their convictions, but that as an entity the Universal Sufi orders are apolitical.
Initiation into a Universal Sufi order demonstrates one's sincerity in entering the Sufi path, strengthens one's powers to do so, and confers a blessing upon the pupil which enables progress. This initiation is the linking of the individual Sufi student with the chain of masters and teachers stretching back through the ages. The link so formed is of lifetime duration and forges a solemn bond, similar to the practice of baptism.
One may be initiated into a Universal Sufi Order by one of its Representatives. Those interested in initiation are encouraged to select a Representative with whom they feel a deep trust and respect, for those qualities are necessary to facilitate the training offered. The Initiate receives spiritual practices from her/his initiator which are designed to promote spiritual realization, facilitate the unfoldment of his/her being and assist in meeting life's challenges and demands. The practices are not compulsory, but are given as a gift.
An initiate in a Universal Sufi order is called a murid
.
Initiation is non-exclusive, and a murid (initiate) may be initiated into or to participate in other traditions, however, it is advised that a student receive his/her daily practices from only one guide and consult their Universal Sufi guide about practices he/she is doing from other Orders or traditions. The intention is to safeguard the well being of the student, so he/she is not confused by mixing practices that may not be complementary.
is referred to in terms of the Spirit of Guidance
. This spirit is particularly manifest in the prophets of the world's religions as well as being manifest in all beings. This belief has parallels in Quakerism (that of God in everyone, and the Inner Light) and the concept of Buddha Nature.
In the Hadith
s the Islamic prophet Muhammad
stated that believers should "Seek knowledge even unto China," and this dictum is specifically followed by Universal Sufis who do not limit their source of spiritual knowledge to one particular area or tradition.
Therefore most historical figures, including both founders of great world religions as well as secular individuals, are considered to be important teachers, worthy of respect.
Zia Inayat-Khan, the Pir
of the Sufi Order International
was, during his training, a student of the Dalai Lama
as well as an initiate in the Chishti Sufi order.
Inayati or the "Winged Heart", designed by the dervish Hafizullah in honor of Inayat Khan.
The winged heart is an old Sufi symbol, and was chosen by Inayat Khan as the seal of the 'Sufi Order of the West' at its founding in 1910.
The original rendering of this winged heart calligraphy was presented to Khan on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
The Arabic script of the wings (in mirror image of each other) reads: "Ya Hazrati Inayat", with ya meaning "O" (an invocation, an invitation), and hazrati meaning "presence; a respectful title similar to your majesty". It may also be interesting to note that the word Inayat means "guarding, preserving, taking care of; concern, care; a gift, a present".
The Arabic script of the heart reads: "qaddasa Allahu sirrahu", which is a traditional phrase used when mentioning the name of a deceased Sufi saint
. The word qaddas means: "sanctify, hallow, glorify, venerate, revere". The word sirr means: "secret, mystery, something concealed; secret thought, innermost thought", or, as the masterful lexicon of E. W. Lane says, "private knowledge; something inserted in the interior; a pleasure, or delight, and dilation of the heart, of which there is no external sign". The Sufis often use the word sirr to describe the divine wonder discovered in the depths of the un-veiled heart.
The phrase exoteric
ally mean "may Allah sanctify his secret" or esoterically "may his message spread", or "whose inner thought Allah made holy", or "whose heart Allah has made pure".
The shape of the tughra symbolises that the heart desires heaven. The crescent in the heart suggests the responsiveness and potential of the heart. The crescent represents the responsiveness of the crescent moon to the light of the sun, for naturally it receives the light and develops into a full moon. The explanation of the five-pointed star is that it represents the divine light. For when the light comes, it has five points. It is the divine light which is represented by the five-pointed star, and the star is reflected in the heart which is responsive to the divine light. The heart which by its response has received the divine light is liberated, as the wings show. In brief, the meaning of the symbol is that the heart responsive to the light of God is liberated.
, the prophet of Islam
.
The historical Muhammad
is seen as a person. However, the inner light or Noor
and the Spirit of Guidance
which is present in all beings is viewed as the essence of all prophets and divine beings. Therefore he is considered as being of the same status as all other prophets, past and present. To quote from the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan,
There are three temples called "Universels" currently in use, and one called the Sufi Temple:
There are also a number of festivals peculiar to Universal Sufism:
Spirituality
Spirituality can refer to an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality; an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his/her being; or the “deepest values and meanings by which people live.” Spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer and contemplation, are intended to develop...
movement founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan while traveling throughout the West between 1910 and 1926, based on unity
Cooperation
Cooperation or co-operation is the process of working or acting together. In its simplest form it involves things working in harmony, side by side, while in its more complicated forms, it can involve something as complex as the inner workings of a human being or even the social patterns of a...
of all people and religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
s and the presence of spiritual guidance in all people, places and things. It is to some extent influenced by the Chishti order of Sufism
Sufism
Sufism or ' is defined by its adherents as the inner, mystical dimension of Islam. A practitioner of this tradition is generally known as a '...
.
Orders and leadership
Hazrat Inayat Khan died in 1927. Leadership of the Sufi Movement he had founded first passed to his brother, Shaikh-ul-Mashaikh Maheboob Khan; in 1948 to his cousin, Pir-o-Murshid Ali KhanAli Khan
Ali Khan is a citizen of Pakistan, and a permanent resident of the United States.One of his sons, Majid Khan, was held in extrajudicial detention, in secret interrogation centers, run by the CIA, for four years....
; in 1956 to his youngest brother, Pir-o-Murshid Musharaff Khan; and in 1968 to his grandson, Pir-o-Murshid Fazal Inayat-Khan
Fazal Inayat-Khan
Fazal Inayat-Khan , also known as Frank Kevlin, was the son of Hidayat Inayat Khan and grandson of Hazrat Inayat Khan....
. In the 1980s Murshid Fazal proposed a bifurcation between Sufi Movement and the Sufi Way
Sufi Way
Poem of the Sufi Way, or Nazm al-suluk, is a poem by the Sufi mystic and scholar, Shayk Umar ibn al-Farid. An exact date of the poem's writing is unknown as Umar ibn al-Farid is said to have written this text during the course of many years...
, which became a specific branch of Inayat Khan’s lineage founded by Murshid Fazal in 1985. For an in-depth description of this history written by Murshid Fazal – read “Western Sufism: The Sufi Movement, The Sufi Order International, and The Sufi Way”. In 1988 Fazal's father Hidayat Inayat Khan
Hidayat Inayat Khan
Hidayat Inayat Khan a classical composer, conductor and Representative-General of the International Sufi Movement...
became Pir-o-Murshid of the International Sufi Movement. Following the death in 1990 of Murshid Fazal, he was succeeded by the first woman leader of the tariqah (path), Pirani Sitara Brutnell. She died in 2004, naming Pir Elias Amidon as her successor.
The Sufi Order International
Sufi Order International
The Sufi Order International is an organization dedicated to "Universal Sufism" as elaborated by Hazrat Inayat Khan.The order is currently led by Pir Zia Inayat Khan, the grandson of Hazrat Inayat Khan and son of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan....
was founded by Inayat Khan’s eldest son, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
Vilayat Inayat Khan
Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, was the eldest son of Sufi Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, head of the Sufi Order International. Pir Zia Inayat Khan is Pir Vilayat's son and successor as Pir of the Sufi Order International...
. Pir Vilayat led the order for over 50 years, until his death in 2004. He was an avid student of many religious and spiritual traditions and incorporated the rich mystical heritage of East and West into his teachings, adding to it the scholarship of the West in music, science, and psychology. Pir Vilayat travelled widely and wrote several accessible books on Sufism, including "Awakening: A Sufi Experience" (Tracher, 2000). Pir Vilayat founded the Abode of the Message, a retreat center for the Sufi Order that is also used by other Sufi orders and interfaith gatherings. Pir Vilayat was succeeded by his son, Pir Zia Inayat Khan
Zia Inayat Khan
Zia Inayat Khan is the Pir or spiritual leader of the Sufi Order International, a universalist Sufi order, and the founder of the Suluk Academy, Elixir Magazine, and the Seven Pillars Review, an on-line journal that seeks to cultivate awareness of the unity of existence and the qualities of heart...
.
An American mureed of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s, Samuel Lewis
Samuel L. Lewis
Samuel Lewis was an American mystic and dance teacher who founded the Dances of Universal Peace movement. He was also known under his Sufi name Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti and was addressed by his mureeds and others as Murshid...
, rose to prominence in the late 1960s and is well known as the creator of the Dances of Universal Peace
Dances of Universal Peace
The Dances of Universal Peace are meditative, spiritual practices using the mantras of all world religions to promote peace. The DUP dances, of North American Sufic origin, combine chants from world faiths with dancing, whirling, and a variety of movement with singing.-The Dances:Conducted in the...
. A fellow mureed and protector of Hazrat Inayat Khan's designated spiritual successor, Murshida Rabia Martin, Samuel Lewis served as a Murshid in the lineage of Inayat Khan. In this role he organized the Sufi Islamia Ruhaniat Society (often referred to as S.I.R.S.), later renamed the Sufi Ruhaniat International
Sufi Ruhaniat International
"The Sufi Ruhaniat International is the Universal Sufi Order founded by Murshid Samuel L. Lewis shortly before he died in 1971. The Ruhaniat is composed of sincere mureeds who tread the Path of Initiation and Discipleship, seeking the truth of the Inner Life through personal practice and direct...
. The Sufi Ruhaniat International recognizes a distinct line of spiritual transmission from Hazrat Inayat Khan through Murshid Sufi Ahmed Murad Chishti (Sam Lewis). The current head of the Sufi Ruhaniat International
Sufi Ruhaniat International
"The Sufi Ruhaniat International is the Universal Sufi Order founded by Murshid Samuel L. Lewis shortly before he died in 1971. The Ruhaniat is composed of sincere mureeds who tread the Path of Initiation and Discipleship, seeking the truth of the Inner Life through personal practice and direct...
is Pir Shabda Khan.
At various times during the 20th century there have been disputes among Inayat Khan's and his successors' mureeds about who should most rightfully be the next leader of the Universal Sufi movement. However, recent years have brough considerable healing and reconciliation. In fact, the Urs of Inayat Khan (the celebration of the anniversary of his passing from this world) is now jointly celebrated at his dargah (tomb) in India by the Sufi Order International
Sufi Order International
The Sufi Order International is an organization dedicated to "Universal Sufism" as elaborated by Hazrat Inayat Khan.The order is currently led by Pir Zia Inayat Khan, the grandson of Hazrat Inayat Khan and son of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan....
, Sufi Ruhaniat International
Sufi Ruhaniat International
"The Sufi Ruhaniat International is the Universal Sufi Order founded by Murshid Samuel L. Lewis shortly before he died in 1971. The Ruhaniat is composed of sincere mureeds who tread the Path of Initiation and Discipleship, seeking the truth of the Inner Life through personal practice and direct...
, The Sufi Way and the International Sufi Movement.
The richness and variety of teachings within the western Sufi tradition inspired by Inayat Khan is a sign of its vitality.
Structure
- A Universal Sufi initiate has an association with a spiritual teacher, or guide, called a MurshidMurshidMurshid is Arabic for "guide" or "teacher". Particularly in Sufism it refers to a Sufi teacher. The term is used by other branches of Islam as well, e.g. by the Nizaris, the main school of Ismā‘īlī Shiites....
who prescribes individual spiritual practices for the initiate. From time to time, the PirPir (Sufism)Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
(head of the Order) may prescribe practices for the MureedMureedMureed is a village and union council, an administrative subdivision, of Chakwal District in the Punjab Province of Pakistan, it is part of Chakwal Tehsil....
s (students) to do as well. - There are Universal Sufi centers throughout America and other parts of the world, with Center Representatives who provide classes and group practices. These are often open to the public, not just initiates.
- The clergy are called Cherags, 'Cherag' means Light Bearer in PersianPersian languagePersian is an Iranian language within the Indo-Iranian branch of the Indo-European languages. It is primarily spoken in Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan and countries which historically came under Persian influence...
, and it is their function to help initiates to move towards enlightenment. - A Seraj is appointed to oversee the training of and ordination of Cherags.
- The Universal Worship Service honours the world's spiritual traditions with readings from the holy books of different religions. Cherags take classes in learning about the different religions and the spiritual essence of these traditions as part of their training for ordination.
- Universal Sufis who have joined a movement are grouped into three different orders, some of whose leaders are the children or grandchildren of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
- The Federation of the Sufi Message, an association formed in 1997 is a non-hierarchical umbrella organization of Sufi Orders united in their devotion to the spiritual lineage of Hazrat Inayat Khan and the Sufi Message. It includes: The Sufi Order International, The International Sufi Movement, The Sufi Ruhaniat International, and smaller organizations such as Sufism ReorientedSufism ReorientedSufism Reoriented is an American school of spiritual training headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, established by Meher Baba in 1952. In November of that year he signed The Chartered Guidance from Meher Baba for the Reorientation of Sufism. He appointed Ivy O...
and the Sufi Way. - There are also various groups who do not adhere to any particular order, but who are dedicated to the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, these often meet together but are not affiliated to any organised form of Universal Sufism. They do not have physical Pirs or Murshids and are called "Independent Universal Sufi Groups."
- Sufi Order teachers undergo a rigorous and lengthy training and mentoring before being authorized to teach by the PirPir (Sufism)Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
, and ongoing training and supervision is a mandatory part of the function of a teacher in this order. - “Representatives and Guides” are authorized to initiate into the Order, give classes, and to give and guide the spiritual practices of initiates.
- “Coordinators” give classes and perform other honored and valued service in the activities of the Order. Coordinators are teachers-in-training but are not authorized to give spiritual practices or initiations.
- A “Retreat Guide” is someone specially-trained in guiding the process and practices of individual and/or group Sufi spiritual retreat.
- “Healing Conductors” are ordained and empowered to conduct a Healing Circle in which they offer prayers for those who have requested healing.
- In structured orders Sufi initiates and those as yet just exploring the path, are encouraged to connect with an authorized teacher to receive individualized guidance and instruction in the teachings and practices of the Order.
- There is a lay led independent Universal Sufi order that operates in several locations across the world.
Common practices
- Prayer - The Confraternity PrayersUniversal Sufi PrayersUniversal Sufi Prayers are also known as the Confraternity Prayers.The three prayers read daily by Universal Sufis. They are not obligatory...
are normally read daily at sunrise, midday and sunset. Universal sufis can also pray at any time, in any state, place, aloud or silent, communally or privately. - Universal WorshipUniversal Worship ServiceThe Universal Worship Service was created by Inayat Khan as a prayer service honoring the religious traditions of the world as equal sources of spirituality....
- Interfaith prayer and meditation service. - ZikrDhikr (Universal Sufism)Universal Sufis practice particular forms of Dhikr, otherwise spelt Zikr or Zikar. Dhikr is literally "remembering." It is the religious ceremony, or act of devotion, which is practised by the various Sufi orders....
- Remembrance of the spiritual in daily life. - Wazifa - Evocation of qualities of the divine.
- Muraqaba - Sufi MeditationMeditationMeditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
. - Dances of Universal PeaceDances of Universal PeaceThe Dances of Universal Peace are meditative, spiritual practices using the mantras of all world religions to promote peace. The DUP dances, of North American Sufic origin, combine chants from world faiths with dancing, whirling, and a variety of movement with singing.-The Dances:Conducted in the...
- Spiritual dance. - Prayer for PeacePrayer for PeacePrayer for Peace may represent:* A prayer for peace* "A Prayer for Peace", a Sufi prayer developed by Hazrat Inayat Khan, see Prayer for Peace * Prayer for Peace in the World, a Sufi prayer developed by Hazrat Inayat Khan...
- Daily prayer for peace for a particular country. - RyazatRyazatRyazat is the Universal Sufi practice of mindfulness of breath, similar to Pranayama.Ryazat is used as a meditation for many daily activities and as a source of prana....
- Universal Sufi mindfulness of breath technique. - Attunement - Meditation on beings of a highly development spirituality such as prophetProphetIn religion, a prophet, from the Greek word προφήτης profitis meaning "foreteller", is an individual who is claimed to have been contacted by the supernatural or the divine, and serves as an intermediary with humanity, delivering this newfound knowledge from the supernatural entity to other people...
s and avatarAvatarIn Hinduism, an avatar is a deliberate descent of a deity to earth, or a descent of the Supreme Being and is mostly translated into English as "incarnation," but more accurately as "appearance" or "manifestation"....
s. - ZiraatZiraatZiraat is a Universal Sufi meditational practice focusing on nature and the five elements.Zia Inayat-Khan in his The Holy Mysteries of the Five Elements draws from the purification practices of the Chishti tradition to emphasize how embodied spiritual practice brings one into direct contact with...
- Initiatic meditation tool using the symbolism of agriculture. - FastingFastingFasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. An absolute fast is normally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a defined period, usually a single day , or several days. Other fasts may be only partially restrictive,...
- There is no set period of fasting, but the act of fasting is utilised as a spiritual tool during times of war. - UrsUrsUrs is the death anniversary of a Sufi saint in South Asia, usually held at the saint's dargah . South Asian Sufis being mainly Chishtiyya, refer to their saints as lovers and God as beloved...
- The celebration of the passing of a PirPir (Sufism)Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
including ZikrDhikr (Universal Sufism)Universal Sufis practice particular forms of Dhikr, otherwise spelt Zikr or Zikar. Dhikr is literally "remembering." It is the religious ceremony, or act of devotion, which is practised by the various Sufi orders....
, meditationMeditationMeditation is any form of a family of practices in which practitioners train their minds or self-induce a mode of consciousness to realize some benefit....
and the singing of spiritual songs.
Prayers
In Universal Sufism there are several prayers which were written by Hazrat Inayat Khan and are recited on specific occasions.Universal Sufism encourages one to pray for peace (Hazrat Inayat Khan's "Prayer for Peace being particularly useful), meditate upon the Divine Peace using the Wazifa "Ya Salaam", courageously and compassionately confront and transform the sources of fear and hostility within oneself, embody peace (which, of course, is not the same as laxity) in all of relationships, and reflect the essential unity of the human family in all of dealings.
Individual prayers include:
- The Confraternity PrayersUniversal Sufi PrayersUniversal Sufi Prayers are also known as the Confraternity Prayers.The three prayers read daily by Universal Sufis. They are not obligatory...
or Universal Sufi PrayersUniversal Sufi PrayersUniversal Sufi Prayers are also known as the Confraternity Prayers.The three prayers read daily by Universal Sufis. They are not obligatory...
: Saum, Salat, Khatum, Pir, Nabi, Rasul - Prayer for Peace
- Nayaz
- Nazar
- Dowa
- The Healing Prayer
- Prayer for the Dead
- Blessing
- Namaz-e Norooz (Prayer for the New Year)
- Prayer for Peace in the World
- Prayer of Invocation
Constitution
Universal Sufism maintains a policy of political non-involvement which is codified in its constitution.Hazrat Inayat Khan considered this necessary and not simply a legality.
Pir
Pir (Sufism)
Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
Zia Inayat-Khan stated that this policy should not discourage Universal Sufis from acting on their convictions, but that as an entity the Universal Sufi orders are apolitical.
Initiation
Universal Sufism offers an option to undergo "Initiation".Initiation into a Universal Sufi order demonstrates one's sincerity in entering the Sufi path, strengthens one's powers to do so, and confers a blessing upon the pupil which enables progress. This initiation is the linking of the individual Sufi student with the chain of masters and teachers stretching back through the ages. The link so formed is of lifetime duration and forges a solemn bond, similar to the practice of baptism.
Initiation only means a step forward, a step which should be taken with hope and courage, for without courage and hope it would be most difficult to take any forward step. - Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan
One may be initiated into a Universal Sufi Order by one of its Representatives. Those interested in initiation are encouraged to select a Representative with whom they feel a deep trust and respect, for those qualities are necessary to facilitate the training offered. The Initiate receives spiritual practices from her/his initiator which are designed to promote spiritual realization, facilitate the unfoldment of his/her being and assist in meeting life's challenges and demands. The practices are not compulsory, but are given as a gift.
An initiate in a Universal Sufi order is called a murid
Murid
Murid is a Sufi term meaning 'committed one' from the root meaning "willpower" or "self-esteem". It refers to a person who is committed to a Murshid in a Tariqa of Sufism. Also known as a Salik , a murid is an initiate into the mystic philosophy of Sufism. When the Talib makes a pledge to a...
.
Initiation is non-exclusive, and a murid (initiate) may be initiated into or to participate in other traditions, however, it is advised that a student receive his/her daily practices from only one guide and consult their Universal Sufi guide about practices he/she is doing from other Orders or traditions. The intention is to safeguard the well being of the student, so he/she is not confused by mixing practices that may not be complementary.
Spirit of Guidance
The Holy SpiritHoly Spirit
Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of the Hebrew Bible, but understood differently in the main Abrahamic religions.While the general concept of a "Spirit" that permeates the cosmos has been used in various religions Holy Spirit is a term introduced in English translations of...
is referred to in terms of the Spirit of Guidance
Spirit of Guidance
The Spirit of Guidance is the term in Universal Sufism for Universal Intelligence as it is manifest in the human mind.Hazrat Inayat Khan coined the term in Arabic Ruh-ul-IrshadArabic:روح الارشادIn English: The Spirit of Guidance...
. This spirit is particularly manifest in the prophets of the world's religions as well as being manifest in all beings. This belief has parallels in Quakerism (that of God in everyone, and the Inner Light) and the concept of Buddha Nature.
In the Hadith
Hadith
The term Hadīth is used to denote a saying or an act or tacit approval or criticism ascribed either validly or invalidly to the Islamic prophet Muhammad....
s the Islamic prophet Muhammad
Muhammad
Muhammad |ligature]] at U+FDF4 ;Arabic pronunciation varies regionally; the first vowel ranges from ~~; the second and the last vowel: ~~~. There are dialects which have no stress. In Egypt, it is pronounced not in religious contexts...
stated that believers should "Seek knowledge even unto China," and this dictum is specifically followed by Universal Sufis who do not limit their source of spiritual knowledge to one particular area or tradition.
Therefore most historical figures, including both founders of great world religions as well as secular individuals, are considered to be important teachers, worthy of respect.
Zia Inayat-Khan, the Pir
Pir (Sufism)
Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
of the Sufi Order International
Sufi Order International
The Sufi Order International is an organization dedicated to "Universal Sufism" as elaborated by Hazrat Inayat Khan.The order is currently led by Pir Zia Inayat Khan, the grandson of Hazrat Inayat Khan and son of Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan....
was, during his training, a student of the Dalai Lama
Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama is a high lama in the Gelug or "Yellow Hat" branch of Tibetan Buddhism. The name is a combination of the Mongolian word далай meaning "Ocean" and the Tibetan word bla-ma meaning "teacher"...
as well as an initiate in the Chishti Sufi order.
"Winged Heart" symbol
The symbol of Universal Sufism is the TughraTughra
A tughra is a calligraphic monogram, seal or signature of an Ottoman sultan that was affixed to all official documents and correspondence. It was also carved on his seal and stamped on the coins minted during his reign...
Inayati or the "Winged Heart", designed by the dervish Hafizullah in honor of Inayat Khan.
The winged heart is an old Sufi symbol, and was chosen by Inayat Khan as the seal of the 'Sufi Order of the West' at its founding in 1910.
The original rendering of this winged heart calligraphy was presented to Khan on the occasion of his 73rd birthday.
The Arabic script of the wings (in mirror image of each other) reads: "Ya Hazrati Inayat", with ya meaning "O" (an invocation, an invitation), and hazrati meaning "presence; a respectful title similar to your majesty". It may also be interesting to note that the word Inayat means "guarding, preserving, taking care of; concern, care; a gift, a present".
The Arabic script of the heart reads: "qaddasa Allahu sirrahu", which is a traditional phrase used when mentioning the name of a deceased Sufi saint
Pir (Sufism)
Pir or Peer is a title for a Sufi master equally used in the nath tradition. They are also referred to as a Hazrat or Shaikh, which is Arabic for Old Man. The title is often translated into English as "saint" and could be interpreted as "Elder". In Sufism a Pir's role is to guide and instruct his...
. The word qaddas means: "sanctify, hallow, glorify, venerate, revere". The word sirr means: "secret, mystery, something concealed; secret thought, innermost thought", or, as the masterful lexicon of E. W. Lane says, "private knowledge; something inserted in the interior; a pleasure, or delight, and dilation of the heart, of which there is no external sign". The Sufis often use the word sirr to describe the divine wonder discovered in the depths of the un-veiled heart.
The phrase exoteric
Exoteric
Exoteric refers to knowledge that is outside of and independent from anyone's experience and can be ascertained by anyone. Compare Common sense. It is distinguished from internal esoteric knowledge. Exoteric relates to "external reality" as opposed to one's own thoughts or feelings. It is knowledge...
ally mean "may Allah sanctify his secret" or esoterically "may his message spread", or "whose inner thought Allah made holy", or "whose heart Allah has made pure".
The shape of the tughra symbolises that the heart desires heaven. The crescent in the heart suggests the responsiveness and potential of the heart. The crescent represents the responsiveness of the crescent moon to the light of the sun, for naturally it receives the light and develops into a full moon. The explanation of the five-pointed star is that it represents the divine light. For when the light comes, it has five points. It is the divine light which is represented by the five-pointed star, and the star is reflected in the heart which is responsive to the divine light. The heart which by its response has received the divine light is liberated, as the wings show. In brief, the meaning of the symbol is that the heart responsive to the light of God is liberated.
Influence of Sufism and Islam
As Universal Sufism has a large Islamic influence, it is necessary to clarify its position on MuhammadMuhammad
Muhammad |ligature]] at U+FDF4 ;Arabic pronunciation varies regionally; the first vowel ranges from ~~; the second and the last vowel: ~~~. There are dialects which have no stress. In Egypt, it is pronounced not in religious contexts...
, the prophet of Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
.
The historical Muhammad
Muhammad
Muhammad |ligature]] at U+FDF4 ;Arabic pronunciation varies regionally; the first vowel ranges from ~~; the second and the last vowel: ~~~. There are dialects which have no stress. In Egypt, it is pronounced not in religious contexts...
is seen as a person. However, the inner light or Noor
Noor (Sufism)
Noor is the link which binds being to knowledge in Sufism. The word itself means light. Each particle of light that is reflected of the "mirror of the heart" projects spiritual knowledge according to distinctive types of colors....
and the Spirit of Guidance
Spirit of Guidance
The Spirit of Guidance is the term in Universal Sufism for Universal Intelligence as it is manifest in the human mind.Hazrat Inayat Khan coined the term in Arabic Ruh-ul-IrshadArabic:روح الارشادIn English: The Spirit of Guidance...
which is present in all beings is viewed as the essence of all prophets and divine beings. Therefore he is considered as being of the same status as all other prophets, past and present. To quote from the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan,
Hazrat AliAli' |Ramaḍān]], 40 AH; approximately October 23, 598 or 600 or March 17, 599 – January 27, 661).His father's name was Abu Talib. Ali was also the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, and ruled over the Islamic Caliphate from 656 to 661, and was the first male convert to Islam...
said, 'The secret of God can be studied in His nature.' Every traveller on foot as a rule lights his torch at the approach of night. So also this heavenly traveller. Seeing darkness overwhelming Him in the lower spheres on His path, He lights a torch. It is the light of this torch, which is called in the Qur'an, Noor MuhammadiNoor (Sufism)Noor is the link which binds being to knowledge in Sufism. The word itself means light. Each particle of light that is reflected of the "mirror of the heart" projects spiritual knowledge according to distinctive types of colors....
, that has guided Him to the surface, whence He could clearly discern and find His path back. To the knower's eye, this Nur, this light, is the real Mohammed. This light it is which has beamed forth through all the Masters of humanity and is known as the Light of Guidance.
It is the nature of every luminous object to shed light all around, and yet a particular beam of light coming forth from it gives more illumination than light spread all around. This may be seen in the light of the sun. The souls which happen to be in the zone of that beam of the Light of Guidance, whether by intention or accident, have been known to the world as the chosen ones of God. They saw God sooner, they heard Him more quickly than others, they have been nearer to Him than others. They may be called the elect of God as it is said in the Song to the Soul of the Saint:
Before the righteous soul,
Servant of God, even the angels bend;
His lotus feet the long-desired goal
Where weary pilgrims find their journeys end
In pardon for their sin.
Thus, as the saint God comes, and man is healed,
And fortunate that happy one, within
Whose heart the mystic vision is revealed.
Temples
- Universel Murad HassilUniversel Murad HassilThe Universel Murad Hassil is one of the three international Universal Sufi Temples.In 1969, a temple designed by the Dutch architect S.J. of Embden was built on the place where in 1922, during the summer school, Inayat Khan reported having a 'spiritual experience' and proclaimed the place...
in KatwijkKatwijkKatwijk is a coastal municipality and town in the province of South Holland in the western Netherlands. It has a population of 61,292.-Location:...
, The Netherlands. - The UniverselUniverselThe Universel is a temple of the Sufi Order International, located at The Abode of the Message a Universal Sufi community located in a former Shaker village...
in The Abode of the MessageThe Abode of the MessageThe Abode of the Message is a Universal Sufi community founded in 1975 by Vilayat Inayat Khan. The Abode is the central residential community of the Sufi Order International, a conference and retreat center, and a center of esoteric study. It is also home to the current spiritual leader of the Sufi...
, in New Lebanon, New YorkNew Lebanon, New YorkNew Lebanon is a town in Columbia County, New York, U.S., southeast of Albany. In 1910, 1,378 people lived in New Lebanon, New York. The population was 2,454 at the 2000 census.The town of New Lebanon is in the northeast part of Columbia County...
, USA. - Universel in BothellBothell, WashingtonBothell is a city located in King and Snohomish Counties in the state of Washington. It is part of the Seattle metropolitan area. The population was 33,505 as of the 2010 census...
, Washington, USA. - The Sirkar Sufi Centre or "Sufi Temple" in Cape TownCape TownCape Town is the second-most populous city in South Africa, and the provincial capital and primate city of the Western Cape. As the seat of the National Parliament, it is also the legislative capital of the country. It forms part of the City of Cape Town metropolitan municipality...
, South Africa.
Festivals
Being "universalist", Universal Sufism encourages observing festivals as determined by the local culture and personal taste.There are also a number of festivals peculiar to Universal Sufism:
- February 5: Visalat Day, the Urs of Hazrat Inayat Khan.
- July 5: Viladat Day, Hazrat Inayat Khan's birthday.
- 13 September: Hejirat Day, the date Hazrat Inayat Khan left his native India to bring Sufism to the West.
- June 17: Urs of Vilayat Inayat Khan.