Sufism: an Inquiry - Vol19.1

Vol.19 N.1 an inquiry

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Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XIX, No. 1

The days of life pass like Springs of water, and the breeze of dawn, Regret not the day that came not, Nor the one not yet begun.

- Omar Kayyam

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®

Publisher: International Association of Sufism a nonprofit corporation.

Editor-in-Chief: Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D. Executive Editor: Nahid Angha, Ph.D. Journal Board: Matthew Davis, Ph.D., Munir Hedges, Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., Sarah Hastings Mullin, Ph.D., Taher Roybal.

Photography:

Susan W. Lambert

www.SusanWLambert.com

Steve Uzzell

www.SteveUzzell.com

Inside Cover Photo: Steve Uzzell

The various articles in SUFISM: an inquiry represent the individual views of their authors.

SUFISM: an inquiry does not imply any gender bias by the use of feminine or masculine terms, nouns and/or pronouns.

SUFISM: an inquiry is a quarterly journal (ISSN: 0898-3380) published by the International Association of Sufism.

Address all correspondence regarding editorials and advertising to: SUFISM, P.O. Box 2382, San Rafael, California 94912 Phone: (415) 472-6959 email ias@ias.org All material Copyright © 2021 by International Association of Sufism.

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication (including art) may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

The publication is published by the International Association of Sufism, a California nonprofit corporation.

The publication of any article, essay, story, or other material herein constitutes neither an endorsement of, agreement with, or validation of the contents of the author’s views expressed therein.

Although the Publisher has made all reasonable efforts in its editing of such material to verify its accuracy, the Publisher takes no responsibility for any inaccurate or tortious statement by the author set forth therein.

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editors’ desk

11. A Letter from the Desk of the Editor

Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

17. Seeing and Meeting the Infinite Reality

Nahid Angha, Ph.D.

21. Essential Practices: Sabr Nahid Angha, Ph.D.

23. Selected Teachings: Student and Teacher Hazrat Moulana Shah Maghsoud

history, inquiry & science 55. On Making a Photograph:

a Practice of Poetry and Awareness

Susan W. Lambert with Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

77. 99 Most Beautiful Names: Al-Matin, the Steadfast

Sarah Hastings Mullin, Ph.D.

reports & offerings

29. The Garden of Light Meditation and Prayer Room

Leili First, Ph.D.

31. Wellness and Wellbeing for Families and Teachers

Nancy Roybal

47. Alchemy of Tranquility Retreat

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Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

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healing and the world 33. Women’s Wisdom in Action

Service Appreciation Grant: 2021 Honorees

47. Beyond Identifications II:

Heart-Based Psychotherapy Jamal Granick, Ph.D.

71. UN Report

poetry

37. “Living in a Time of Love and Loss” Reverend Canon Charles P. Gibbs

53. from Risalat-i Sawanih

Sheikh Ahmad Ghazzali

sufi biography and literature

63. New Publication, Inspiration: Lights of Stilness

Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

65. New Publication, Seasons of Transformation

Compiled by Saleh Arthur Scott

67. Sheikh Morshed

Safa Ali Michael Newman, J.D.

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The Garden of Light Meditation & Prayer Room

®

A Project for Peace

Site dedicated in the peaceful rolling hills of Napa, California, USA

Join people from around the world in Contributing to the construction and landscaping of this project.

Donations are tax deductible.

Name:

Phone number: Address: State & Zip:

Paid by:

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Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XIX, No. 1

Visa

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Garden of Light Development Project 14 Commercial Blvd. #101, Novato, CA 94949

The world's longest running journal on Sufism 30 years of service toward cultivating peace and understanding in the world Since its founding in 1983, the International Association of Sufism has been proud to be a home for Sufis, spiritual seekers, and people of all kinds devoted to uplifting the quality of humanity around the globe. Over the last three decades, the IAS has been blessed with phenomenal growth and has worked hard to be a leader in a wide range of areas. Among the longest running of its traditions of service is our journal, Sufism, An Inquiry, which we first published in 1987. Since that time, Sufism, An Inquiry has been a living reflection of the dynamic energy and growing global community of Sufis and searchers who are deeply engaged in the work of the IAS. Over 60 volumes, the pages of Sufism, An Inquiry have championed women’s rights and the work of the Sufi Women Organization; published scientific inquiries ranging from the physiology of heart math to the latest findings of astronomers; shared new translations of classic works of Sufi literature previously unavailable in English; offered works by leading psychologists on human development and the spiritual path, reported on human rights and other diplomatic movements ranging from the work of the United Nations to interfaith organizations such as the United Religions Initiative; explored the cultural gifts of world religions diversely embodied around the planet; and provided insight into a wide variety of effective practices for spiritual development. As a whole, the tradition at Sufism, An Inquiry of featuring the work of great teachers, scholars and scientists from a wide variety of global perspectives, historical contexts and fields of specialization runs deep and strong throughout our journal’s history and shall continue to grow far into the future.

Since the time the IAS first began publishing Sufism, An Inquiry, the world has also gone through an amazing transformation full of new opportunities and new challenges. One notable dimension in which the world has changed completely is the world of media under the influence of the internet and high technology. Just as the IAS has been at the forefront of leadership efforts for peace, human rights and equality, religious freedom and international cooperation, critical to meeting the opportunities and challenges of our changing world, today the IAS is proud to announce that it is relaunching Sufism, An Inquiry in a new online, digital format that will make it more dynamic and more accessible than ever to a worldwide population. We look forward to developing video content, mp3 audio files, social interactivity, links to websites with related content, and a beautiful full-color layout. At the same time, we plan to offer the journal, not just online, but in print, in downloadable pdf format, and in other formats readable on e-readers.

To all our readers who have added so much to our community over these many years, we wish to extend our great appreciation for making us part of your life and we extend to you and to all our enthusiastic invitation to journey with us into this new and exciting period of growth for our journal.

We hope you will enjoy this, our inaugural issue in our new online, digital format! Let us know what you think in an email to: sufismjournal@gmail.com.

Peace to you and yours,

Sufism, An Inquiry Editorial Staff, The International Association of Sufism Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XIX, No. 1

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Letter from the Editor

The Notions of Right and Wrong: Good and Evil, and Beyond Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

“There exists a field beyond all notions of right and wrong, I will meet you there.”

– Rumi

In reviewing the notions of right and wrong or good and evil, we notice that the human being faces two kinds of energies in this regard: two forces of good and evil. These energies are born with the birth of human nature; good is rooted in the praiseworthy and moral notions of justice, rights, unity, balance, wisdom, love, compassion, and so forth; while evil may be rooted in a deeper state of selfish desire for self-promotion and power at any cost, while ignoring the need, honor, rights, and peace for the human family.

If we look at the natural mixture of the elements of fire, water, wind, and soil, we may realize that we are offered a range of information inherited from generations, eras and cultures. Some are fueled with constant competition, greed, jealousy, war, and bloodshed–all in the name or for the cause of survival; a battle ground between the consumer and that which is being consumed.

Encyclopedia Britannica writes that the “Human beings are anatomically similar and related to the great apes but are distinguished by a more highly developed brain and a resultant capacity for articulate speech and abstract reasoning.” So perhaps the

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human being, with a more highly developed brain, and a capacity for more coherent speech and reasoning, is expected to also develop the notions of right and wrong as a way for survival of cultures, nations, ideas, and so forth. Perhaps morality, or lack of it, is only found within human cultures.

In the animal kingdom, for example, no one is looking for justice in the story of a fox that catches a hen and eats her for lunch! We do not portray the fox as guilty and the hen as innocent; we see these incidents as forces of nature–fox is set to hunt and hen is set to feed. No one seeks justice for this act of harm, because we accept this as one of the many ongoing rules of animal nature and animal kingdom. And we are not surprised if at some point the fox is eaten by a larger animal with sharper teeth.

These creatures of nature may not be subject to the notions of good or evil; religions are not for them, as far as we know. They may follow different sets of rules not relevant to human-made logic and systems of reasoning.

Research by scientists, scholars and philosophers about the root of human being is that human being is walking on an extended bridge between abstract rea-

soning and divine character, and that of genus Homo habitation. One is rooted in justice and the other rooted in the unjust, in comparison. According to the Bible and Qur’an, the soul of human being was created on the seventh day; that is marked as the day of perfection. Thus, human being has the capability to pass over the bridge in order to experience and learn about the essence of humanity.

A human being will pass this bridge successfully or he may fall. To achieve ultimate knowledge and meet the state of humanity is to practice being a human according to the divine rule and regulations; laws that have been taught by the founders of all religions. Pure intention and righteous action will help passengers not only pass over the bridge safely, but also contribute and provide a peaceful and just life within any given society.

Human history is saturated with the teachings of teachers of humanity who advise cultures that for a stable community, for the survival of humanity, for a peaceful life offered to all and every member of human civilization, moral actions have to prevail. We also hear from the oppressors of human cultures who advise that in order to rule, humanity must learn to gain

power at any cost. Such advice does not necessarily remind humanity of the need and value of moral actions. So, at this crossroad, every human being has to make a sound decision.

The blessing of good action may saturate nations for centuries to come; and the pain of evil action will cause suffering for nations for centuries, and will count precisely on the destiny of man through his journey.

So, whoever does an atom’s weight

of good will see it.

And whoever does an atom’s weight

of evil will see it.

(Quran: 99:7-8) Humanity is a mixture of body/soul. This being comes from different aspects of eternity to fashion a mysterious and magnificent potential being, as the perfect model in nature, which includes the substance and power of nature and knows the whole names of the Almighty God. This combination of clay and soul creates an implicit duality/tension, in which the heavier body gravitates toward the world of the

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Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D., the Editor in Chief of the journal, is the Co-Director of the International Association of Sufism. He is an acclaimed Sufi Master with students around the world, an international lecturer and the author of numerous books including An Introduction to Religion.

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senses, and the lighter soul toward the sublimity of Heaven. Each has a different culture, lineage, and language.

During these uncertain times of 2021 when the majority of the population of our world is suffering, whether the pandemic, loss of life, financial difficulties, divisions, wars, and more, the wisdom and the cause of good action become even more valuable. Let us come together and move beyond the field of divisions to our divine origin so we can together and in unity bring peace to this planet and all her inhabitants.

So as Rumi says: “There exists a field beyond all notions of right and wrong, I will meet you there.”

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Remember Me. I remember you.

Give thanks to Me and do not cover Me.” The Holy Qu’ran 2:152

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the Infinite Reality: God Nahid Angha, Ph.D. The Prophet looked at the moon in the sky and said: “You will see your God, the Provider, as clearly as you see the moon [and you will be blessed with seeing (ru’yat) Him]; and knowing that He sees you even if you do not see Him.” Ru’yat may be translated as seeing or vision; in Sufi terminology it refers to “beholding God.” There are Qur’anic verses, as well as hadith, that refer to seeing and meeting God, such as: for those who hope to meet (liqa’) God (29:5), on that Day (a day appointed by God) some faces will be happy looking (nazir) towards their Lord (75:23, 24). But there are those whose hearts are disgraced, are veiled from (seeing) the light of their God (83:15).

Since the beginning of human searching for God, meeting and seeing God have presented as utmost important pursuits. There are people who are promised to see God or His disclosure in paradise, and there are those who discover the divine reality– for what they seek is God Himself, not a promised future nor paradise.

At whatever level a human being seeks the Divine, be it the world, paradise, or God, that is the level at which he will witness divine manifestations or reality. A human being seeking God for the benefits of the world may receive his share from the world and what he sees are those worldly blessings that God is giving him. A human being who seeks God for the reward of paradise may dwell in paradise and what he sees is God’s grace in blessing him with

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what he has asked for: the paradise. A human being who seeks God for God’s sake alone will discover His reality and such Reality will not be veiled from his sight.

It does not matter where one is looking for God, one will receive just what one is looking for, as to God belongs all that exists, the heaven and the earth (Qur’an 57:2), and He is the first, the last, the apparent and the hidden (Qur’an 57:3). For the people of God (those who love Him as He loves them) are glad tidings in the life of the present and in the hereafter (Qur’an 10:64). These glad tidings perhaps constitute the union between the seeker and the Sought (God), or the human who seeks God becomes, as Sheikh Abdullah Ansari (eleventh century Persian Sufi) writes, like “a raindrop that falls in the ocean to become united with the ocean, as the star disappears in sunlight, and so the one who reaches God reaches Himself.”

This union is what Ahmad Ghazzali (eleventh century Persian Sufi), describes in his Sawanih as the seeker dissolves in the being of the Absolute God, or as Shah Maghsoud writes in his Nirvan, is a longing and whisper to the ultimate reality to “Please secure the seed of faith in [the searching heart of the one who is searching for the divine presences]. “...

Let his heart remain humble...command his tongue to be sincere, and his character to form straight and strong. Let his ears hear the epic of Your praises and his eyes see the source of all Light.” Ghazzali uses

Principles of Sufism

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the metaphor of the lover (the seeker) and the beloved (God) and writes in a profound lyrical expression: The beloved called upon the lover: Come and become me. Since if I become you, then the beloved will remain in the state of need, and the lover will become greater. Such need will increase longing. But if you become me, the beloved will become greater, all will become the beloved, and all that remains is the beloved and there exists no lover. There will be no more need.

Everything will become the Discovered (yaft), and there will remain no undiscovered (daryab), all becomes wealth and there remains no poverty and all becomes happiness and there remains no misfortune.

We read in the story of Moses of one who longed to see God. In his travels, Moses saw a burning bush and from that burning bush he received a revelation. He asked to see God but the answer was that: you will not see, but...when his Lord revealed and disclosed Himself, Moses fell down unconscious…” (Qur’an 7:143). The verse surely indicates that a human being in his physical form, in his “finite condition” with his

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physical eyes and optical vision, is unable to see the Absolute reality. However, when one arrives at the appointed time and place for meeting and one’s sight is firm and established, one witnesses the self-disclosure of his God, on the day of the time that is known (Qur’an, 15:38).

People who begin a spiritual journey towards God fall into different ranks and different classes, thus mastering different levels of vision.

It is important to note that the levels of one’s knowledge and awareness play an important role in determining the level of one’s vision in witnessing the divine reality. When the level of the wayfarer’s understanding and knowledge advances and he finds certainty in his knowledge, he becomes able to see what he knows, thus when he remembers God he sees Him. As the Qur’anic verse reads: [. . .] when they remember God, they see (7:201). These are the ones whose seeing is not based on mental reasoning and familiarity, but on the illumination of the heart; they see God through the eyes of the heart, and their sight emerges from the illumination of the heart.

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Essential Teachings Along the Spiritual Path

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Essential Essential Teachings Practices Along Along the the Spiritual Spiritual Path Path

Sabr {Patience}

by Nahid Angha, Ph.D. The human being lives in the world of nature, and nature is saturated with colors, tastes, and dimensions. Pain and suffering, grief and sadness, comfort and good fortune do not spring like flowers from the soil; rather, they are all part of human life, and everyone will taste and experience them. Should we consider these events to be destiny, then it is a destiny that follows its course without consulting anyone! The individual should not fail and lose hope when misfortune knocks, nor should he forget the bounds of moderation when fortune blesses him. To remain firm on one’s own path necessitates patience in conserving one’s strength and will. Indeed, it may be fairly said that it is the believer who meets the armada of destiny secure in the armor of patience. The Qur’an (25:75) provides us with the most succinct wisdom that, “Those [who are patient] will be rewarded […] because of their patient constancy: they be met with salvation and peace” or “You who believe, seek help with patient perseverance and prayer: for God is with those who patiently wait.” (Qur’an 2:153)

Patience is the state of contentment with the destiny of Being. A Sufi knows that the world of existence is the domain of rules, and that no single particle acts unless in accordance with the rules of eternal essence. A Sufi is aware of his understanding of the destination of Being.

One who discovers the destination and the rules of this infinitely designed system that we call world remains steadfast at all times. He will not lose hope when misfortune occurs, and will not fall into smug self-satisfaction when fortune knocks.

Discovery and success come only through patience. Sufis live patiently for the Divine; they do not love God because He rewards them with the benefits of life, but because He is to be loved. Since He is the Source of that eternal knowledge, those who are attracted toward knowledge will embrace the Beloved within their whole being. Whether or not the road toward the beloved is filled with hardship or paved with ease, such incidentals will not alter their intention and dedication: quite simply, they know that they must achieve their goal.

from: Angha, Nahid. (1991). Principles of Sufism. San Rafael: IAS Publications. 46–47.

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Selected Teachings

Hazrat Moulana Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha The fruitfulness of saplings depends upon the attention of the wise and experienced gardener. The safeguard of the flock lies in the guidance and protection of a vigilant shepherd.

And hearts find strength through communion with and guidance from pure souls.

Amongst all the praised ones, the best is the bird of the spirit of the heart: so consider carefully unto what meadow you lead your heart and to whom you will leave its training.

Rejoicing souls and clear sighted eyes love beauty. They do not find happiness in hiding the ruins or living in the corners of sorrow.

Payam-i-dil (the message of the heart) is a divine inspiration. The essence of my heart is Truth, howsoever you might hear it.

The humble soul hears the melodies of heavens and sees the manifestations of truthfulness.

Translated by Dr. Nahid Angha (1991) A Meditation: Payam-i-dil. San Rafael, CA: IAS Publications, p.5.

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SELECTED IAS PUBLICATIONS

Inspiration: Light of Stilness Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Shah Nazar Uwaiysi Compiled by Saleh Arthur Scott

Sufi Wisdom: The Collected Words of Sufi Master Nahid Angha Compiled by Arife Ellen Hammerle, Ph.D.

Caravan: Biographies from the Sufism Symposia 1994-2014 Introduction by Nahid Angha, Ph.D.

Illumination of the Names: Meditation by Sufi Masters on the Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God Introduction from the Teachings of Sufi Master Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar Compiled by Glenn Pascall

Seasons of the Soul: The Spoken Wisdom of Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar Compiled by Glenn Pascall & Saana Joy Carey, Ph.D.

Inspirations on The Holy Qur’an

Dr. Nahid Angha and Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar, students of Moulana Shah Maghsoud, 20th Century Persian Sufi Master, are Sufi scholars and masters, with many publications. They cofounded the International Association of Sufism in 1983, to introduce and provide practical applications of Sufism, the mysticism of Islam, and open a line of communication amongst Sufi masters and scholars from around the world.

International Association of Sufism IAS. PO Box 2382, San Rafael, California 94912, USA

ISBN: 0-918437-20-4

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Inspirations on The Holy Qur’an

To bring the wisdom of Islam to the general public, Dr. Kianfar offered exegesis on Qur’anic text through a series of classes entitled: Love and Wisdom through the Qur’an and Hadiths. His teachings and the students’ reflections are compiled in this book: Inspirations on the Holy Qur’an. Dr. Kianfar emphasized the importance of studying this text as a manual for humanity and as a reflection for a reader on his/her divine essence and of spiritual development. He emphasizes that the key to understanding the Qur’an is in how profoundly and reflectively one studies the teachings provided in the Book: the teachings that become a trusted guide for the practitioner who moves towards the stations of selfunderstanding and spiritual awakening.

Inspirations on The Holy Qur’an Introduction by Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar

Introduction by Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar

A Collection of Essays by Sherri Brown • Sarah Hastings Mullin • Munir Hedges Katherine Preston • Amelia Amineh Pryor Bryan Rich • Hamed Blake Ross

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Seasons of Transformation Compiled by Saleh Arthur Scott

Human Self Volume 1: Body

by Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, et.al.

Human Self VOLUME I : BODY Shah Nazar Ali Kianfar

with Mary Toth Granick, M.Ed., MS Arife Ellen Hammerle, Ph.D. Amineh Amelia Pryor, Ph.D. Katherine Preston, MA

series

Reflections

by Arife Ellen Hammerle, Ph.D.

The Book of Self

by Sarah Hastings Mullin, Ph.D.

Show Us the Straight Way: the intimate act of talking to God in Prayer

by Halima Joann Haymaker

Sufism: Self, Path and Guide

by Amineh Amelia Pryor, Ph.D.

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Sufi Gatherings, Uwaiysi Tariqat *Bi-monthly, Novato, CA (* may be online due to “shelter-in-place”)

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PRACTICE AND MEDITATION GROUPS

READING AND STUDY GROUPS

Qur’an Class with Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar Sundays, 3:00-4:00 pm (Pacific Time) Novato, CA (* on Zoom) Visit ias.org/love-and-wisdom for registration details

Amir al-Momenin Imam Ali Reading Group First Sundays monthly, 1:00 – 2:00 pm Novato, CA (* by Skype) Contact Sheikh Salman Baruti

Sufi Meditation & The Journey Reading Group Every other Sunday, 10:00 – 11:30 am Novato, CA (* on Zoom) Call in advance: Dr. Arife Hammerle, (415) 389-6448

Community Discussion Group Sundays, 2:00-3:00 pm Novato, CA (* on Zoom) Contact Safa Ali Michael Newman

Meditation for Mothers Second Mondays monthly, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm (on hold) 14 Commercial Blvd. Suite 101, Novato, CA Pre-reg. required. Contact Dr. Amineh Pryor, (415) 4382-7834 Alchemy of Heart Sufi Meditation Program Last Mondays monthly, 4:30 – 5:30 pm (on hold) 616 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, CA 94941 Call in advance: Dr. Arife Hammerle, (415) 389-6448

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Sacred Meditation Circle for Women in Santa Rosa First Wednesdays monthly, 11:00 am (on hold) Santa Rosa, CA Contact Halima Haymaker, (707) 953-2013

Stations of the Sufi Path Third Wednesdays monthly, 7:00 – 8:00 pm San Francisco location, CA (* on Zoom) Contact Dr. Amineh Pryor, (415) 4382-7834 Illumination of the Names Monthly on Wednesdays, 7:00 – 8:00 pm Novato, CA (* online) Contact Dr. Leili First

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Heart-based Meditation Thursday evenings, 7:00 – 8:00 pm (on hold) San Francisco, CA Contact Dr. Amineh Pryor, (415) 4382-7834 Sufi New Student Gathering Every other Saturday & by Appointment Novato, CA (* online) Contact Safa Ali Newman, (415) 499-1115

Indicies and Seeds of Transformation Groups One Saturday a month Novato, CA (* on Zoom) Contact Saleh Arthur Scott, (510) 318-0688

Awareness of Breath and Movement Weekly practice group, Saturdays 8:00-9:00 am Novato, CA (* on Zoom) Contact Sheikh Jalal Heery

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Update Leili First, Ph.D.

The Garden of Light Meditation & Prayer Room Community Service by International Association of Sufism From the planning and design, and continuing through the groundbreaking, construction and now artwork completed on the domed ceiling and walls, every idea and decision behind the Meditation and Prayer Room at The Garden of Light in Napa, California, has been designed as a community service by the International Association of Sufism (IAS) for the people of faith.

Beginning with the inspiration of Dr. Nahid Angha and Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar, this vision has become a reality through the generous donations of members and supporters of the International Association of Sufism. This project has been years in the making, as every step of the design and construction process has been carefully considered with clear and unified intention to create a serene, welcoming structure to stand for all of time. It honors believers and their faith. The direction is oriented toward qibla, running water is available for ablution, and a wheelchair accessible

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walkway enables all to easily approach the building and enter for contemplation, meditation, prayer, and remembrance of loved ones.

The recently-completed calligraphy on the dome and interior walls reflects teachings of peace and unity and features the names of many of the prophets in the monotheistic traditions as well as several of the 99 Beautiful Names of Allah, those qualities which infuse all of Creation, and for which we strive.

The calligraphy artist, Sehar Shahzad, was born and raised in Toronto and currently lives in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is devoted to her faith and to the practice of her artistic calligraphy.

Her work is known throughout the Bay Area and internationally, and she has taught workshops and participated in exhibitions. She notes that she considers her work as an act of worship, and hopes to master the tradition of Arabic calligraphy, following in the line of the masters who have

come before and illuminating the path for those to come after. Her dedication and concentration are evident in the beautiful work on the dome and interior walls of the Prayer Room. She spent months developing and refining the designs, in an inspired collaboration. This was followed by weeks of meticulous application of paint to the

prepared surfaces, resulting in the breathtaking beauty that will be appreciated by generations to come.

As we continue to complete the project improvements and plan for ongoing care and maintenance, we welcome contributions to this magnificent project.

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SWO Report

Wellness & Wellbeing

for Families & Teachers in a Time of Transition

by Nancy Roybal

Under the direction of Dr. Nahid Angha, the Sufi Women Organization (SWO), a humanitarian, non-political organization, held its semi-annual speaker presentation program, Women’s Wisdom: Women in Action, on May 4, 2021. Founded by Dr. Angha and established under the International Association of Sufism (IAS) in 1993, throughout its 25-year history, SWO has worked locally and internationally to promote the well-being, advancement, education, social awareness, and fundamental rights of women and girls. It is a forum for women of diverse backgrounds. IAS was established also as a nonprofit organization and a United Nations NGO/DPI. Through the Women’s Wisdom: Women in Action Program, SWO honors leaders, activists, and humanitarians who have provided exemplary services, and seeks to bring people together to learn, to build community, and to cultivate ways of living and working that are oriented toward dignity, health and service.

On May 4, 2021, SWO hosted a virtual conversation between five health care providers and educators for a discussion focused on the “Wellness & Wellbeing for Families & Teachers in a Time of Transition.” It was an evening of an inspiring conversation between the panelist as both mental health professionals and educators shared their experiences of the last school year.

The panelists offered their reflections, thoughts, practices, ideas, and resources for families and teachers as they prepare students and themselves

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for the close of this school year and the beginning of the year ahead. The evening was also intended to have application for anyone navigating family life and the stress and uncertainty experienced during the pandemic.

The panelists discussed the following topics and themes, and more:: • How they have seen and experienced the impact of covid on kids, parents, teachers, and family systems at this time of the pandemic.

• Their own personal challenges over this school year as teachers, counselors, health care providers, parents, and what helped them navigate through them.

• The challenges they’ve most noticed in children over this last year, what resources have helped, and some of the things they feel would make the greatest difference now and moving forward.

• Common fears and excitements they have been noticing as kids complete this year and transition forward, and what they are finding in their work that helps students, families and teachers manage either the fear or the excitement.

• The challenges of the pandemic being an opportunity for growth, and how to take those lessons forward in healing and sustaining ways.

• Their practices or spiritual path that sustains them during this time, with recommendations of tools/resources.

“This is a time of discernment…I believe that what we’ve all been through over this past year and a half has prepared us for what’s coming next and, as much as possible, this is a time for us to stay stable be a calm reassuring presence for our own selves and for our children.”

– Katherine Preston

Carin Rhodes (top left) is an has been an educator for over 25 years, and holds a Master’s Degree in Curriculum Design and Instruction.

Chrissy Nichols (top center) spent 20 years as a classroom teacher in locations all over the world before becoming the founder and CEO of The Chrissy Concept, LLC, and transitioning her work to serve as a life coach and educator who focuses her work on serving teachers.

Katherine Preston (top right) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been practicing for over 30 years, and currently serves as the mental health specialist for a private school in San Francisco.

Christina Fass (lower left) manages the Marin County Office of Education’s Early Intervention Program in Marin, California, which provides services to families and students with special needs.

Jenae Casalnuovo (lower right) is an educator and program designer in California, and is passionate about environmental justice, human rights, and the cultivation of hope and agency in students.

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The Women’s Wisdom: Women in Action program launched its Annual Service Appreciation Grants in 2019 by awarding two grants to women and women-led organizations who provide direct service to their communities towards improving the quality of life for women, reducing poverty among women, improving gender equality, or promoting women’s and girls’ right to access education. Sufi Women Organization was gratified to receive their reports of successful efforts, from women planting, harvesting and selling maize; establishing sewing workshops for women and their children; providing mindfulness-based stress reduction training to vulnerable women and girls; and developing skills and flexibility to respond to the needs of women in refugee camps.

Service Appreciation Grant women action

Nominations for candidates for the grant will be solicited and invited solely by the Women in Action program. All candidates must be nominated by a colleague(s) or by an individual(s) who has come to understand the work of the woman or women-led organization. Nominations are open and accepted from March 1st to March 31st each year. Winners will be announced in September of that year. A panel of volunteers review nominations. The awardees receive $500-$1,000 from the program as a grant.

Ruth Natyanya, Kenya A second round of funding was given to Ruth Natyanya to help continue her Peace Path Development Program. Ruth will use the grant funds to facilitate ten women - five from each village - purchasing groundnuts and seeds for planting, The grant will help to strengthen the role of rural women in peace-building processes and community development through networking and collaboration; and will promote the dignity of women and girls through sustainable economic empowerment activities.

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Sufi Women

2021 Grant Honorees Isabelle Kamariza, Rwanda Isabelle Kamariza is the Founder and President of Solid’Africa, a non-profit organization, operating in Rwanda since 2011, with the mission to help vulnerable patients in public hospitals. Through five programs, the organization provides food, hygienic products and other services with the goal to accelerate patient recovery process, preserve patient’s dignity and promote equity. She was the recipient of the Young African Women Leaders Forum Award, a CYRWA (Celebrating Young Rwandan Achievers) awardee. In 2018 she was recognized by the Queen Elizabeth II as the 55th Point of Light Awardee. She is the 2019 Segal Family Foundation’s System Innovator Awardee. She is also an Aspen New Voices Fellow and a One Young World Ambassador. Most recently, she has been the recipient of the Forbes Woman Africa Social Impact Award 2021.

Tecla Namachanja Wanjala, PhD., Kenya

Through Shalom Centre for Counselling and Development (SCCoDev), a Kenyan NGO, Tecla and her team have been responding to relational, structural and traumatic needs of communities in Kenya affected by violent conflicts. They have been doing so by creating and holding safe spaces for affected people to come together and support each other in their healing process through community social healing circles, and circles for relationship building and for promoting sustainable livelihoods. Their target groups are widows, the youth and the elderly. A 3-day community dialogue circle meeting will target 30 leaders representing 120 widows. The meeting will look into the unaddressed socio-economic grievances that were raised during the healing circle meetings. It will also be an opportunity for the women to see how they can strategically champion peace in their community as peace mothers.

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V ICES

FOR JUSTICE A Department of the International Association of Sufism

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2021 Campaign in Support of SB1221 Expanded Learning Enhances Student Success California Department of Education Initiative

Take Action and help VFJ reduce the “nutrition gap” in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area!

Millions of children in California qualify for a reduced price lunch or a free lunch meal, however about 4 of 5 children are missing out on meals. Voices for Justice will be donating collections received to a local school that provides services to low income communities. Help Voices for Justice to keep children learning and growing by supporting meal programs. Voices for Justice (VFJ) is a department of the International Association of Sufism, a non-profit, United Nations, NGO-DPI. Donate your contribution of $50; $100; $250; $500; any amount $ to IAS: Voices for Justice: Checks payable to “Voices for Justice” or pay via Credit Card - Number:_______________________________ Expiration date:________________ Your name:______________________________________________________________________________ Your address:____________________________________________________________________________ Phone number:_______________________________ Email:______________________________________ Mail to: IAS/Voices for Justice: 14 Commercial Blvd., Ste. 101, Novato, California, 94949, USA International Association of Sufism is a non profit 501 c, and your contribution is tax deductible to the extend permitted by law.

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Reflection: 40 Days Practice

Annual

Alchemy of Tranquility Retreat Mind-Heart January 30-31, 2021

by Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

The 40 Days Alchemy of Tranquility program held its annual retreat online January 30-31, 2021.

Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha and Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar led the retreat, along with the experienced psychotherapists who comprise the 40 Days team.

Under the theme Reflection: Mind – Heart, retreat participants–who included educators, lawyers, medical professionals, social workers, psychotherapists, parents, students, writers, and scholars–were invited to look closely at the dimensions of both mind and heart to better understand spiritual development and their own humanity.

The annual 40 Days retreat is intended to focus on the original nature of the human being, the mystery of being and the physiological, psychological and spiritual principles that constitute our totality. This retreat was designed to benefit all participants in developing

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a personal practice, as well as therapists, counselors, healthcare workers, and others who would like to increase their capacity to bring presence to their work in order to provide service.

Katherine Preston served as retreat moderator, and began the retreat by discussing the history of the 40 Days program, which began in 2007 with the goal to support anyone interested in discovering deep inner tranquility, wisdom and healing.

She noted that each of us “has the potential to undergo our own 40 Days process”–a practice and process of purification that extends back through, and has been emphasized by, the prophets across traditions. Alchemy, she described, is the “transmutation of base metals into gold, the common into the special.” In this opening, and across the retreat, it was emphasized that the same process

is possible within the human being, upgrading one’s energy to discover inwardly the treasure and potential of the self that has been wrapped within.

In her opening, Katherine also discussed the human being as possessing multiple networks that make it possible to sense and navigate our physical environment, as well as to sustain our life and develop knowledge of ourselves within and beyond the physical world. She identified two schools by which the human being learns about him or herself: the school of the mind (the subject of philosophy, psychology, etc.) and the school of the heart. Katherine noted, “We cannot learn about the heart, or the divine wisdom within, at the school of the mind.” It is within the heart that the human being can learn about the original seed of his or her being, and, by the guidance of a teacher, learn to nourish that seed and to “let go of the layers of images and ideas that each of us has collected since birth so we can find the essence within.”

As Katherine described it, connection with a knowing teacher “breathes through you and remains in your heart.” This connection “must go beyond the realm of the physical.” And only by this connection is it possible to “develop essential awareness of the truth of our own value, our existence, our actions.” Katherine noted, “The ultimate goal of practice is transformation.” To achieve this transformation, from what we think we know to true knowledge of our being, we must become able to receive by heart, by reflection; and for this there must be “a source and a receiver.” This dynamic has been demonstrated by the prophets and teachers across traditions, who have been able to purify themselves to be as “a clean mirror,” reflecting accurately the fact and reality of being. Each of us is capable to journey along our own way of purification.

Dr. Angha began her remarks by acknowledging the state of the world at the time of the retreat as “all are bound to our house, sheltered in, socially distanced.” She noted that this experience has necessitated new levels of reflection “on everything we do, and everything that we are. We must find new attributes, and new ways to deal with what

we navigate.” Looking at the subject of reflection, she highlighted some of the different ways many human disciplines, including science, psychology, philosophy, literature, and spirituality have sought to understand the reason, nature and dynamics of being. In looking at the different disciplines together, Dr. Angha identified that it becomes possible to “see a common thread…There is a sender and a receiver, and the connection between these two is very focused.” The quality of understanding and depth of knowledge depends on how much attention is paid to the “clarity of the receiver. We live in a world that is so busy. I wake up and my day is completely scheduled for me. I act by the force of habit, or repeating, with a little variation on the same thing.”

Dr. Angha asked each participant to consider for him or herself what we accept as our life and reality–“Really this busyness is all there is for me?”

Continuing further, she noted, “We accumulate so many ideas and experiences, it is necessary to pause, give mind and heart time off, so heart can go back to itself and discover what me who I am, not everyone else’s ideas.” She encouraged, “The busyness of the world does not let me see the beauty of me. We have to pause and pay attention to the importance of ‘I’ in the design of this universe.” Learning to “polish this heart and brain so they come together and receive the knowledge to make sense of my life,” that is the way beyond busyness. We “have to go back to self,” Dr. Angha concluded.

Dr. Kianfar picked up on the opening provided

by Katherine and Dr. Angha, placing the emphasis on the necessity of right practice for knowing self. He noted that “practice is a movement, is a motion. It should be in a directed and controlled way. For practice reflection, we have to begin from one point and the next point and move. The destination should be clear for us. In reality you are returning to your own self…You have to stay on your own self and discover the secret of your own self.” Dr. Kianfar brought the attention of participants to the blessing of their creation, the mercy of the universe and the potential “to return

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to the first reflection–every action which you make should be a reflection of the first reflection, the first light.” He emphasized that while we are asking everyone around us, ‘What is the righteous action?,’ we ignore the mercy we already have and has been given to us. The righteous action is reflection on your own self and searching for light…Let the Lord, and that first image, and that first reflection, be your Lord.”

To let the Lord be your Lord, Dr. Kianfar said, means that “We cannot limit the Lord which is the first reflection to any form. Release yourself by reflection from all these lords we’ve created as idols; these idols that generations before made it and pass it to us. Search for the Lord, for the first image and first reflection, within your heart. Always remember (the teaching of Uwaiysi Gharan), Be with your heart.” Later in his remarks, Dr. Kianfar continued, “Do not count on your mind, feeling, emotion as a true reflection...Don’t let your mind take all this opportunity the universe has given to you. Don’t follow your mind. Mind is secondary. Only follow your heart, reflect on your heart…Your direction must be known to you. When reflecting on your heart, make sure your destination is your heart.”

Dr. Jalal Heery, a 4th degree black belt, who provides guided movement practices as part of the annual 40 Days retreats followed Dr. Kianfar’s talk with instruction on bringing attention to every breath and using the breath to help purify and concentrate energy in the heart. With reference to his learning as a martial arts practitioner over many decades, he described that “If we are not first connected with our own self, our own heart, we can be thrown off balance immediately. We need to learn how to activate the energy in our bodies in service to our heart.”

Dr. Amineh Pryor further discussed the subject of reflection with examples from science and nature. She emphasized what “we can learn from the physical world for self-awareness, knowledge and balance,” and how attuning ourselves to the example of nature can help each of us to “awaken our inner scientist for self-awareness and so that we can better understand our environment and become more peaceful.” She discussed the relationship of all life to the same fundamental laws and principles that extend from particle to cell to

cosmos. Dr. Pryor led an experiential practice, helping participants learn to “follow the line of source and receiver.” She noted that while “we are set up as receivers,” what we receive depends on our internal filters and how much we purify our receptivity. In Sufi psychology, she said, “the teacher stands as a guide in reflection on our self, helping remove what blocks us from receiving and what is not essential to the state of practice and purity to find our primary identity, beyond personality.”

Dr. Arife Ellen Hammerle spoke about the elements of mind-heart practice, and the ability of the human being to cultivate a pure and open heart.

She focused participants on the inner heart’s quality of remembrance, and returned attention to the way the breath can help the human being to “upgrade our being to receive the breath of the divine.” It is equilibrium and balance that allows to “hear the divine message.”

Dr. Jamal Granick discussed a hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (pbuh): “The believer is the mirror of the believer.” He noted, “It’s not just a matter of saying, ‘I believe.’ It’s about an experience, a lived connection.” In Sufism this is the quality of “witnessing–an experience of awareness, not a thought process.” Witnessing, he noted, is identified by the prophets and teachers of humanity as “a function of the heart,” and increasingly the findings of neurobiology and neurocardiology are empirically validating the heart’s perceptual capacities. Dr. Granick also shared a video of dervishes, “turning around their own center line, like a planet orbiting around the sun.” He noted that in this practice, “as connection with the still point within deepens, masks fall” and the practitioner remains, “listening, hearing the divine melody, being turned by it.”

Mary Granick led retreat participants in another experiential practice, inviting each person to “think of a time when you’ve experienced someone who has seen what is most essential about your very being.” Participants had an opportunity to interact with one other person, letting go of all words and practicing only to see God in each other’s eyes.

Through this practice, participants were encouraged to seek an inner experience in which they “felt safe, rested, and at peace” through this experience of being seen, and in reflection.

Professor Saleh Arthur Scott discussed the

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Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold and dust, and “with elegance and grace,” in a practice known as kingtsugi. He likened this practice to the internal process of coming to understand that “mistakes can be where we find our beauty.” This has deep “implications for healing,” he said. Professor Scott identified the need to respect and learn from “what has been damaged or broken,” and to cultivate our capacities to be “grounded in humility, compassion and self-love.” He asked, “What could be more broken than thought? Knowing this, do I know how to observe the craziness of thought, and let it lead me to seek a deeper reality?...Rumi and the Sufi poets speak to us about the importance of the diamond in the darkness, and recognizing the parts of ourselves that need healing. Can we use those parts to inspire longing? Longing is what we need for practice.”

Sheikh Salman Baruti discussed Dr. Kianfar’s guidance to understand the practice of removing oneself “from all that we are carrying–a burden, yet we call it knowledge.” He led retreat participants through an exploration of poetic verses from 20th Century Persian Sufi Master Moulana Shah Maghsoud. He asked participants to practice reading with an awareness of heart, noticing what lines of poetry drew their heart and then to seeking the meaning in connection with their own lives. He also shared a story about the true meaning of la illaha illa Allah, “part of the testimony of faith for a Muslim,” emphasizing that “the goal of practice is removing yourself so you can reflect the light of the divine.”

Dr. Soraya Chase Clow provided music before a candle meditation and sharing of two verses of the Qur’an for participants to meditate on (2:255, 2:256) into the evening.

On the Sunday morning of the retreat, Dr. Sarah Hastings Mullin discussed ways “we can reflect on the books of monotheism to better understand our own self-development.” She posed four questions for contemplation: “What is a book (deepest understanding)?”; “What is holy?”; “How would you know a holy book?”; “How would you reflect on a holy book?”

In addition, she asked retreat participants to consider, “What is capable to show us our true reflection?”

Dr. Mullin identified that the holy books describe that the human being “must go on an inner quest to find this true reflection,” and that “finding our own

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total being is what we call ‘God.’” She noted that most often the holy books are “taught with short stories as the focus, not self-development”; this is to miss the point. The holy books are about “experiencing a “direct relationship with the divine, with divine knowledge… the content of these books cannot be understood without direct experience.” Dr. Mullin shared teachings from the Qur’an and Bible that further illuminated the emphasis the holy books place on a human being’s innate knowledge becoming activated through practice.

Salim and Salima Matchette provided an experience of music and zikr before Dr. Angha and Dr. Kianfar offered their closing remarks. Dr. Angha emphasized that we are living in a “world that is saturated with wave energies,” and as such “continuously, we are receiving and sending.” She explained, “All this receiving sometimes makes us very tired, and we don’t even realize. We also send out energies, and sometimes without intention. What matters is that I have to become selective about what I receive.” In Sufism, she said, “The goal of meditation is not to open your heart, it is to protect your heart. That protection of heart helps us to protect the mind, helps me to become very selective of what I receive and send…Since I am living in the world of energies, I have to collect all of my energies and direct them to the right place.”

Dr. Angha encouraged retreat participants to continue to think about two things: the importance of ‘I’ and who is that ‘I,’ and the importance of human being.

She reminded participants, “The only one who can reflect on me is me,” and each one of us is a unique expression of the divine and of sacred beauty. Dr. Kianfar followed on from these teachings, emphasizing, “We have to reflect on our own selves and see what we are looking for. What is the demand, the quest, the question of you?” He cautioned, “Between unreal and real there is not too much distance, it’s only one frequency.”

Each of us must be clear our intention and our destination; as clear as the seed that becomes the tree.

Dr. Kianfar noted, “Life is very, very precise and very delicate…The form, feature, figure of human being doesn’t mean that I am a human being…We have to find the right direction for reflection on every part of ourselves, every cell. Ultimately we have to be directed to one, direct, straight line and find the meaning of humanity.” Across the retreat the teaching of Uwaiysi Gharan echoed: “Be with your heart.”

“Be with your heart.”

- Uwaiysi Gharan

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A very unique opportunity space is limited

Love and Wisdom with Sufi Masters Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha & Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar

14th Annual Retreat January28-30, 2022 www.IAS.org

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“The instruction was truly transformative and answered lifelong questions” - Retreat Participant

The Alchemy of Tranquility Santa Sabina Center

“I will definitely be in a more centered, stable, empathic place (mentally, emotionally, physically) so I can be of more use to my clients.”

- Retreat Participant

This weekend retreat will explore the higher reaches of human development through the lens of spirituality. Drawing on the Sufi tradition, the concept of Unity refers to the absolute essence of Being, the ultimate Reality, of which all manifestation is an expression including our own Self. The teachings and practices this weekend will provide participants with an opportunity to experience knowledge of this Unity within their own being. The retreat will include spoken presentations, experiential exercises, and dialogue, as well as music and movement practices. This retreat is for those interested in exploring their own potential transformation. It will also be of value to therapists who would like to increase their capacity to bring presence to their work.

Facilitator Bios and Program details @

www.IAS.org/programs/fortydays His Holiness, Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, PhD, a world-renowned Sufi Master and teacher of spiritual practice for over forty years developed the 40 Days Program, and continues to guide its public offering. Dr. Kianfar provides spiritual wisdom and deep knowledge of the psychology of the human being in ways that provide participants with the opportunity to gain full awareness of themselves, and to learn to act in ways that reduce conflict and foster love and wisdom. It is the first time that this highly spiritual practice of purification has been combined with psychological training.

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Poetry

Living in a Time of Love and Loss

by Reverend Canon Charles P. Gibbs

It seems each day brings a deeper appreciation for who and what I love; and a deeper sense of loss.

Of gratitude and grief.

And, always, of the beckoning light of a possible better tomorrow.

Pause, listen deeply, pay attention, light invites.

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N

DENTIFIC I A D

S ON TI

BEY O

Update

Heart-Based Psychotherapy

the INTERPLAY of PSYCHOLOGY & SPIRITUALITY a conference by IAS

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Beyond Identifications II: Heart-Based Psychotherapy

by Jamal Granick, Ph.D. International Association of Sufism offered the second event of its Beyond Identification program on March 13th, 2021 focusing on the theme of “Heart-Based Psychotherapy.” This year’s online conference was well attended and well received.

This program focuses on the practice of psychotherapy grounded in a heart-centered approach. The heart has been recognized as a center of awareness in many spiritual traditions since ancient times. Recently, the field of psychotherapy has begun to recognize its relevance, from both neurobiological and experiential perspectives, yet there is still much to be learned about the role of the heart in promoting human development and healing.

The presenters at this event, all experts in their fields, represented a variety of psychotherapeutic approaches and spiritual disciplines. In order of their presentations: John Prendergast, Ph.D., spiritual teacher, psychotherapist, educator, and author offered Heartfelt Meditative Inquiry: Seeing Through Core Limiting Beliefs with the Wisdom of the Heart.

Judith Blackstone, Ph.D., author, retired psychotherapist, and developer of The Realization Process offered Opening to the Wellspring of Love.

Joseph Bobrow, Ph.D., Zen Roshi, author, psychotherapist, and founder of the Deep Streams Institute offered Pour Your Heart Out: Good Mourning to the Heart of the World.

Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., psycho-physiologist and Director of Research at the HeartMath Institute offered The Importance of Heart Based Self-Regulation and Energy Management in Improving Patient Outcome.

Rahima Schmall, Ph.D.RN, clinical psychologist, registered nurse, and master teacher and healer in the Shadiliyya Sufi tradition offered The Heart as a Doorway to the Divine.

Members of the Beyond Identifications team Mary Granick; M.Ed., LMFT; Arife Hammerle, Ph.D.,

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LMFT; Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D., Katherine Preston, MA, LMFT; , and Amineh Pryor, Ph.D., LMFT introduced the presentations and facilitated lively Q & A sessions with the presenters.

There was a remarkable confluence between the presentations. Introducing the day, Katherine Preston provided an initial framework, stating that “heartbased psychotherapy” rests on the well-established principle that the therapeutic alliance between therapist and client is the single biggest predictor of positive outcome in psychotherapy. The quality of this relationship is increasingly understood as emerging from the therapist’ own being and the awareness they bring to the moment-by-moment unfolding of the process.

Interpersonal neurobiology and neuro-cardiology also increasingly reveal the role of heart in precipitating these therapeutic conditions. Heart has been variously understood as a physical organ, the “seat of emotion,” a metaphor for deep capacities such as compassion and courage, a major chakra, a locus of equilibrium in the autonomic nervous system, and an electromagnetic center that both responds to and influences its interpersonal environment.

All of these dimensions of heart, and its role in healing and therapy, were discussed in the various presentations among which a convergence of themes emerged, including: the relationship between embodied knowing, breath, and heart the connection between heart and “something bigger” that is the source of healing the call to return to heart and the potential for connection that this provides The relationship between these themes will be explored in depth in a future article.

In the meantime, please mark your calendars for Beyond Identification 2022, scheduled for Saturday March, 12. The theme will be “Heart-Based Treatment of Trauma” and the presenters will be deepening into this timely, highly relevant inquiry into the cuttingedge of psychotherapy practice.

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The Beyond Identifications Team Hamaseh Kianfar, Ed.D. Leili First, Ph.D. Jamal Granick, Ph.D., LMFT Mary Granick, M.S., LMFT Arife Hammerle, Ph.D., LMFT Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D. Katherine Preston, M.A., LMFT Amineh Pryor, Ph.D., LMFT

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The essence of the human being, regardless of gender or color, time or place, has been regarded as reverent, dignified, and respectful by teachers of humanity. Such magnificence is the gift of Being to humankind, the art of recognizing such magnificence is learned. The foundation of civilization is based on teachings and learning, and the first teacher of any human being, male or female, from any social position or illumination, is a mother. To direct the civilization to a favorable station, one has to rely on the power of a mother, providing that she knows the value of her position. A mother, in fact, is the teacher of all. Underestimating such power and strength, overlooking such magnificence is most unfortunate.

- Dr. Nahid Angha, founder

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Poetry: al Ghazzali

Sheikh Ahmad Ghazzali (c. 1061-1123/1126)

from Risalat-i Sawanih a book dedicated to love

It is the seeing that cultivates love As soon as the eye sees, the love story begins Isn’t it true that bird falls for the bait And butterfly (moth) falls for the light.

Do not wake me up from my joyful sleep When I dream of you, you the companion of my heart and soul.

There are watchful eyes safeguarding your being Let me be in my unguarded time.

No one is as miserable as I am I am in pain of separation when I see you;

I am in pain of separation when I see you not.

If the tresses of you hair are but a chain, then I am your captive If your love is but a burning fire, then I am the circling moth If you need a cup for the wine of love, then I am the measuring cup See, I am but a friend to your love and a stranger to you.

Sheikh Ahmad Ghazzali, Risalat-I sawanih (Tehran: Ferdowsi, 1973) 25, 49, 51, 53;

translated by Nahid Angha, Ph. D.

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Poetic Reflection

Susan W. Lambert on Making a Photograph: a Practice of Poetry and Awareness

by Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D. Recently Sufism: an Inquiry had an opportunity to ask Susan W. Lambert about the essence and experience of her practice as a photographer and artist. She described the way she seeks to access her heart and whole being and body to guide her movement toward taking a photograph, noting: “You can go out and reproduce a famous photograph in a national park, or a place where someone else has stood, but, for me, a really important thing about a photograph is that it has to trigger an emotion and an experience–reverence and awe, joy, sadness, calm.

When I see something, it has to evoke something, to trigger something in me to move me to take a picture.

If I have that feeling when I take the picture, beyond just the scene, whoever is looking at the picture can feel the emotion and experience too.”

In Susan’s experience, the techniques of photography are important, but technical knowledge alone is not enough. She says, “I don’t feel that I take

photographs, I feel like I make photographs. An objective, literal interpretation of something has its place, but what interests me is the unique vision and experience of a person that gets translated through the way they make a photograph. There are many pretty pictures in the world, but they feel unremarkable. To me, photography is visceral, felt; it brings me into the present moment. I wait until images are presenting themselves to me, instead of me seeking them out.”

When taking a photograph becomes an experience of presence, awareness and heightened attention, “the emotion, the story and the poetry of a place or a moment can be felt. Then a photograph can even trigger a metaphor, something that personifies how you are feeling. Most of us respond intuitively to a natural scene in front of us, if we give ourselves the time to wander and explore. Taking photographs is a kind of inner meditation for me; I lose a sense of time and get into a different flow.” Susan spent part of her

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career as an architectural photographer, doing more commercial work, but even then, “I found that to make an image that is interesting, you have to be available to an experience–available to react, to be curious about and understand how to position yourself. Something may catch my eye, or the attention of my body, do I notice this? I have to allow myself to be willing to turn around, and to see and experience things from different angles.” The practice of photography then becomes an ongoing process of learning and discovery.

Susan noted that one of her own deepest lessons has been learning to respond in the moment of experience. She explains, “When you encounter something, you need to respond in that moment. If you don’t, if you wait or think to yourself, ‘I’ll come back later,’ what you are experiencing may be gone; it will never be the same.” While she still enjoys photographing architecture, as well as landscapes, Susan has found over time that she is most “drawn to interesting and unexpected juxtapositions, and to the unknown.” In the earlier years of her career, she sought to control the conditions of lighting, motion and other variables, but in more recent years, she has come to most enjoy environments that are “out of my comfort zone, and where I can’t control the scene but have to focus differently to understand how to respond to it.”

With this experience has come a heightened trust in herself.

When she lays the camera down again after wandering and exploring, following the direction of her heart and intuition, Susan finds her sense of appreciation for life heightened. Instead of taking her further from the true vibrancy of the lived moment, the camera helps her to witness the beauty, curiosities, relationships, details, patterns, and qualities of the world even more deeply. She says, “Sometimes now I just want to appreciate, I don’t even take the photograph.

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I just want to be with the world–the sunset, the sky, the trees, the clouds. I used to worry about not ‘capturing’ the moment; now, most of all, it’s nice to feel such appreciation. I’ve learned that I don’t want to be burdened with a lot of equipment when I go to make photographs, I want to be free to move and respond. I want to feel the situation and stay in the journey, sensing what kinds of decisions need to be made in the moment, instead of trying to make all of the calculations ahead of time. I like to be free to move around–to lay on the ground, stand underneath a waterfall, climb up high and look out, look in front of me, above me and behind me. I want to let the world speak to me, and let that make the photograph.”

Susan W. Lambert’s career, which began with a master’s degree in Photography and Media Studies, has encompassed teaching, commercial work, large format architectural photography, portraiture, sports, fairs and events, graphic design and writing. In addition to book and magazine publications, Susan has contributed her photographs to Sufism: an inquiry over many years, as well as to Healing Images, a project to provide uplifting photographic images to healthcare facilities. Susan is the author of ten books. Her latest book, The Dolphin Diaries: A Spiritual Journey, is a collection of essays about life experiences, both joyful and difficult, and an exploration of health, healing and the mysteries and magic of one’s connection to the universe. Her work can be seen at www.susanwlambert.com.

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Susan W. Lambert photography

Love’s ocean has no shore to swim for, The only relief is to give up your life.

The moment of love’s rapture

is the moment of joy.

- Hafiz Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XIX, No. 1

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praise for the book “If you surrender yourself to this book and its Source, truly and fully surrender yourself, this wisdom will claim you and not release you this side of Oneness, this side of Belonging, this side of Home...Calling to mind Kahlil Gibran’s masterwork The Prophet, Inspirations is structured as a series of teachings offered by Dr. Kianfar, the Master, in response to questions asked by pilgrims on the path to Truth. The forty teachings cover a range of topics from Knowledge to Consciousness to Poverty to Yearning to Death to Freedom to Joy to Oneness...Each teaching is an invitation to slow down, to focus, to savor. Each teaching is an invitation to go deep. And then deeper.”

– Rev. Canon Dr. Charles P. Gibbs “Inspiration is a multi-layered spiritual guidebook, the fruit of Dr. Kianfar’s lifelong surrender to the One. In its wisdom, offered with love, compassion and deep insight, it offers an invitation and accompaniment on a journey into the depths of your Heart, your Soul, your Self. This is the journey of a lifetime...Inspiration: Light of Stillness brilliantly combines wisdom from the world’s spiritual traditions, parallels from contemporary science and the poetic heart of Sufism.”

– Neil Douglas Katz, Author of The Hidden Gospel and The Sufi Book of Life “This book provides necessary guidance for everyone on the path toward spiritual realization. Author Dr. Kianfar shares a lifetime of deep spiritual knowledge that provides our lives with greater intention and meaning. The author shares this wisdom in a poetical form that holds the potential to awaken the reader from his or her forgetfulness as each line, paragraph, and page offer illuminating knowledge. For example, each line offers an inspirational glimpse into the inner realm of the Divine. As the author writes, “Peace is inside, not outside. Inspiration invites you to discover your miracle.”

– Dr. Sharon G. Mijares “Inspiration is jolting, intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. It is ‘counter cultural’ in a deeply needed sense for our world today. It jolts you into an alternative stance toward life, to your profound self, with a sense of peace. It takes a jolt to set us on our journey away from the noise of the modern world.”

– Dr. Harlan Stelmach, Professor of Humanities, Dominican University of California

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New Book Release

now available on Amazon 138 pages, $40

just released

Inspiration: Lights of Stillness is a unique offering in spiritual literature in the genre of Khalil Gibran`s Prophet. Its Forty Reflections provide insight into many of the existential challenges confronting modernity. Forty points to renewal, to self-rebirth, which is the quintessential theme of Inspiration. The Master, throughout its pages, urges humanity to return to the stillness of heart by dropping the images of thought and the distractions of culture.

Inspiration is structured in a series of 40 questions and answers between student and Master. Compiled and edited by Dominican University Professor, Saleh Arthur Scott, it runs the gamut from knowledge to wisdom, from intention to balance, from yearning to heart, from resurrection to oneness, as well as other meaningful life questions.

The Master, Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar of the Uwaiysi Tariqa, is an author, global speaker and co-founder of the International Association of Sufism and editor of Sufism: an inquiry.

Being heart-bound is the cornerstone of his teaching, it is all that you really need to know.

As he likes to say, “In true meditation the mind dissolves in the center of the heart.”

Readers, upon absorbing the wisdom and knowledge of Inspiration, may expect to experience a deep renewal and transformation of Self in which joy, gratefulness and peace can permeate their awareness and energy. Life becomes more effortless, easy, and still.

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The book of the heart has many chapters and titles. It is permeated with never-ending secrets to be discovered and new mysteries to be revealed with the will of the divine and the guidance of a teacher.

– Nahid Angha

just released

an excerpt...

In March 2019, Sufi Masters Dr. Nahid Angha and Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar invited their students to explore together more deeply the mystical implications of Sufism, with an emphasis on the Uwaiysi path, which centers on the intoxicating messages of heart. Fourteen students felt called to participate in what became known as the Seasons of Transformation group. Facilitated by Professor Saleh Arthur Scott, the group consisted of a broad crosssection of gender, professions, race, education, age, and length of time practicing Sufism...

Most of us started as seekers who were spiritually disillusioned and perplexed when we arrived at the door of our Sufi teachers. However, their integrity, authenticity, and humility made their wisdom certain and reliable. Their knowledge of divine principles made the way forward clear. We were fortunate to be accepted as their students, and, under their guidance, to embark on a path of purification, learning to clean the mind of its nonsense, practice

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now available on Amazon 161 pages, $15 self-discipline, and be still and be in the moment in order to Be. All of us have experienced personal struggles along the way, for it is not an easy process. Our voicing of these struggles and triumphs, and our collective wisdom for how to overcome strives, gave us all strength and fortified our intentions to persist on the path. We were joined together as “those who believe and counsel each other to be steadfast, and counsel each other to be merciful.”

Drawing on the principles of the Uwaiysi way, we also found inspiration in the relationship of Uwaiys Gharan and the Prophet Mohammed, who, paradoxically, were close despite never having met physically. What made their spiritual intimacy so deep arose from the heart, embodying an energy that transcended time and space. Their relationship exemplifies the mystery of the “hidden teacher” and demonstrates how two persons, although separated by space/time, can speak heart to heart and share divine truth. This principle of

heart to heart connection, and of experiencing life as emanating from the ever-present Wine Bearer (God), constitutes the essence of the Uwaiysi path. It gave rise to the greeting, “I sense the fragrance of Rahman wafting from Yemen,” wherein Prophet Mohammad referred to the compassion and mercy embodied by Uwaiys, who lived far away. The principle of heart to heart connection with the hidden teacher also helped those of us in the Seasons of Transformation group understand that the Prophets, Masters, and Holy Ones are present with us, guiding and supporting our individual and collective efforts...

After a period of time, Dr. Angha suggested we each write our personal narratives of transformation on the path in order to share our experiences with future seekers, who, likewise, may feel called to discover the divine and so leave the ruins of materialism. Perhaps our personal stories will serve as encouragement, points of reference, and lampposts for fellow seekers who, in the solitude of their hearts, may experience loneliness, confusion, and doubt as they traverse what is undoubtedly the most difficult journey of all–the inward transformation from limitation to Unity. Indeed, this process is known as the Greater Jihad, the struggle of all struggles.

We would like to acknowledge our gratitude to Dr. Angha who made the miracle of the fourteen, the Seasons of Transformation group, a reality. She continues to inspire and encourage us. Over the years and in many of our Sufi gatherings, she has reminded us of the uniqueness of our own existence and how special our moment in time/place is. In short, she has made it clear that our existence has been intentionally woven by the Compassion of the Beloved over billions and billions of years, and that each of us is integral to the whole. What great knowledge!

She mirrors this sacred knowledge/truth.

Her discernments about heart, meditation, and self are messages from eternity. Emanations from Oneness, her knowledge transcends time and space. Her modesty is truly inspiring. She is always present. She is indeed a sacred, subtle melody. Her energy, always dignified, is an exquisite model for all of humanity. She holds everything together. We thank her, and Dr. Kianfar, for helping us witness this truth:

Let love live eternally

Whether I live or die.

Let the gold of my being

become pure,

Burning by this fire of love.

Seasons of Transformation addresses the need that many have for a new direction through a collection of first-person accounts from American Sufi students who share their personal journeys from being lost in ego/culture to finding another pathway to peace and wellness.

The beauty of Seasons is that notwithstanding one’s orientation you cannot help but be touched by these spiritual accounts/insights.

The search for the Divine is universal and perennial. It transcends borders and time. The variety of perspectives, their honesty, as well as the inherent universality of themes rings true for all humanity.

There were 14 who responded to Dr. Angha’s call to narrative their experiences for future seekers.

These 14 are diverse in gender, age, occupation, and nationality. They came together somewhat apprehensively but left transformed as they found a deeper understanding of Self, of community, and of The Holy Qur’an.

The greatest realization that what we are all looking for is already within us, and that the quickest way to it was though the doorway of the heart.

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Sufi Biographies

Sheikh Morshed 11th Century

Sheikh Abu Eshagh Shahryar Kazerooni, known as Sheikh Morshed, was born of Moslem parents, but was descended from Zoroastrians. According to Tazkerat-ol-Olia, it is said that the night the Sheikh was born, people saw a pillar of light radiating from the house to the sky and that the pillar had branches of light going in different directions.

From a young age, despite disputes with his parents and grandparents, Sheikh Morshed was insistent on acquiring spiritual knowledge.

It is narrated that when Sheikh Kabir was near death he handed down his robe to his student Sheikh Akkar and told him to keep the robe until the true recipient of the robe comes–a man who would appear only after several years and who would possess many secrets, wisdom, and intellect. Sheikh Kabir told Sheikh Akkar that the sign by which he would know this man would be that the man would suffer an injury upon wearing the robe.

Sheikh Akkar took the robe but kept Sheikh Kabir’s words to himself. When asked by other Sufis whether Sheikh Kabir had given the robe to him, Sheikh Akkar replied that Sheikh Kabir had entrusted the robe to him and had given him a sign about the owner of this robe who would appear when his time came. His statement spread throughout the land. Many pious men came and asked for the robe but none were injured upon wearing the robe.

Time passed but many of Sheikh Morshed’s friends and students came to believe that Sheikh Morshed was the rightful recipient of the robe.

Sheikh Morshed discounted his students’ belief but eventually he went to Shiraz to visit Sheikh Akkar. At this time he had not even received his twentieth birthday. When he put on Sheikh Kabir’s robe a scorpion bit him, fulfilling Sheikh Kabir’s prophecy.1

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Sheikh Morshed developed a large following. It was said that 24,000 Zoroastrians alone converted to Islam because of him.2 In describing obedience to God, Sheikh Morshed once said the following: Whoever is disciplined during childhood and obedient to God during youth will remain obedient as he or she becomes older. His or her heart will be lit by the light of knowledge and the source of knowledge will spring from his or her heart. Whoever is undisciplined during childhood and youth but repents when he or she is older will be accepted but it will be too late to become knowledgeable.

The following quotations from Ferdous-al-Morshedieh are also illustrative of Sheikh Morshed’s teachings: Learn to call on God by your heart and do not like the world so much that you call on Almighty God with your tongue and keep the world in your heart.

The visions of believers come from the light in their hearts. Since futurity is invisible and the light of the heart is invisible, the invisible sees the invisible.3 Sheikh Morshed died in the eleventh century at the age of 73.

From Safa Ali Michael Newman, The Gift of the Robe, San Rafael, CA: International Association of Sufism Publications, 2000, p.55–56.

1. Ferdous-al-Morshedieh, p. 25.

2. ibid., p. 49.

3. ibid., p. 315.

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A journey of spiritual awakening awaits in Charles P. Gibbs’s insightful new collection of poems, Light Reading.

Always on a pilgrimage of remembrance, even during the brief time in which he tried to run away from his own understanding of God, Gibbs has learned to embrace and thrive in his spiritual understanding. Whether you are a seasoned pilgrim, have just set off on a spiritual journey of your own, or merely possess a vague feeling that something significant is missing in your life, Light Reading will support and challenge you on your own sojourn into the heart.

Charles P. Gibbs is an internationally respected spiritual leader, interfaith activist, speaker, and writer who has committed his life to serving the world through interreligious and intercultural engagement. An Episcopal priest, he served for seventeen years as the founding executive director of the United Religions Initiative, a global network of people from diverse religious and spiritual traditions united in service to the Earth community. He recently became senior partner and poet-in-residence for Catalyst for Peace.

A prolific writer, Gibbs’s published works include coauthoring Birth of a Global Community; contributing a chapter to Interfaith Dialogue and Peacebuilding; “Opening the Dream: Beyond the Limits of Otherness,” an essay publishd in Deepening the American Dream. Charles cherishes and is inspired by his family. He is blessed with dear friends and colleagues of diverse faiths from around the world.

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San Francisco Mill Valley Novato

Community Healing Centers

Healing

Psychotheraphy & Counseling 40 Days: Alchemy of Tranquility Program Total Focus Stress Management Workshops Therapy Groups Increase awareness Facilitate pyschological growth Promote balance in all stages of life www.communityhealingcenters.org

(415) 499-1115

rocky valley AIKIDO DOJO We are a traditional Japanese martial arts school. We have a comprehensive approach to teaching open handed, sword and staff techniques. We practice to develop balance, strength, flexibility and power by unifying our body and mind. We explore the way of reconciling conflict by encouraging balance and harmony. This is why Aikido is often called ‘The Art of Peace’.

Instructor: Jalal Brian Heery, PhD Fifth Degree Black Belt 190 S. Whisman Rd. Bldg. B Mountain View, CA 94041 www.rvdojo.org rvdojo1@gmail.com

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United Nations: Recent News

The International Association of Sufism is a non-profit organization, and a DPI/NGO associated with the United Nations. As an active human rights advocate, IAS disseminates information focused on Human Rights, Social Justice, Education, Women’s Rights offered and organized by the United Nations. For the most up to date information visit: http://ias.org/service/unitednations/

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Department of Public Information Non-Governmental Organizations

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“By the sky and the night visitant...

By the star of piercing brightness.

There is no soul but has a protectant over it.”

The Holy Qur’an Surah Al-Tariq

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99 Names

Before, voices spoke, running outward with no return.

Ants who misstep from their lines fall into a heavy syrup or disappear into nothing at all.

This weighted blanket pulled up into a tented point, space and time with it leaving just the sweet origin, Your perfume and design.

Now the lines of Your light pass over sheepish shadows, each particle reflected in the dew.

And voices only ask for You to wait for Your return.

The asking and answering, beats and breath marching.

Water flows from a perfect line meeting the sun as each day begins and ends.

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Star and moon float in the womb of silence.

In a deep reflection, burst of an honest blossom.

Al-Matin The Steadfast

The unmoving center that moves all of creation, the Divine remains the calm, fixed constant underneath and within everything. With infinite composure, firmness and strength, the Divine is impenetrable.

prepared from the teachings of Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

by Sarah Hastings Mullin, Ph.D.

Illumination of the Names: Meditation by Sufi Masters on the Ninety-Nine Beautiful Names of God. Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar (2011) .

San Rafael, CA: International Association of Sufism Publications.

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The Garden of Light A Project for Peace

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