Sufism: an Inquiry - Vol18.4 by International Association of Sufism

Vol.18 N.4

an inquiry

Purity

Peace & Equality

The Most Delicate Stages of Existence

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Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Whirlpool of Heavens, our astonishment; The lamp of our thought, we call its reflection Sun is the niche, the universe a lamp We are the images, wondering in awe.

- Kayyam

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Steve Uzzell photography

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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 © 2020 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.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

editorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; desk

11. A Letter from the Desk of the Editor

Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

17. Equity and Peace: No Individual Stands Alone

Nahid Angha, Ph.D.

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

23. Selected Teachings: Purity and Tranquility Hazrat Moulana Shah Maghsoud

history, inquiry & science 55. Remembering Joseph Fink

Saleh Arthur Scott

75. 99 Most Beautiful Names: Al-Bari

Sarah Hastings Mullin, Ph.D.

51. The Life and Teachings of Imam Ali

Sheikh Salman Baruti

reports & offerings

35. IAS Annual Dinner: Rabbi Michael Lerner

Safa Ali Michael Newman

39. Psychology: 40 Days Alchemy of Tranquiity

Katherine Preston

47. Psychology: Beyond Identifications

Jamal Granick, Ph.D.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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

Service Appreciation Grant: Honorees

45. A Letter from Santa Sabina

Russell Delman

59. Book Review: Matthew Fox

Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

69. UN Report

poetry

23. Diwan-i-Ghazal

Moulana Shah Maghsoud

31. Leili and Majnun: Khamseh of Nizami Ganjavi Nizami Ganjavi

59. Book of Victory Bozorgmehr

sufi biography

53. Assayad Rafae: Glimpses of Life/Teaching

Ali, Aisha and Aliaa Rafea

61. Sheikh Abu Sa’īd Abul Khayr

Words of Advice and Poems

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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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 womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 journalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 XVIII, No. 4

Letter from the Editor

Every human being, at one time or another, asks the perennial questions: Where did I come from? Where am I going? What is the purpose of life? Some people dismiss these questions, since the answers seem impossible to find. Others continue to strive for understanding, and this quest leads them to knowledge. One thing is certain...no knowledge is more important than the knowledge of the Self. No wealth is richer than the discovery of the essence of existence which lies within. Yet this wondrous creation is so tightly wrapped that it is rare indeed that someone is able to uncover its richness. The diversions of the outside world can amuse us for a lifetime and bury our jewel of existence farther within us; the jewel which we usually let remain untouched. Living the life of “the marketplace,” we keep ourselves busy and rarely do we remember our real Self. It starts when we are children. We make castles out of sand, we play with our dolls as if they were real. We become the speaker, the listener and the player. And so it continues as we make our way through our society, building bigger houses, “playing the game.” We may have fun, but we are never deeply satisfied. Before we know it we are old. Every cell seems to

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

slow down, becoming sedentary until the very elements which made up our body are scattered and return once again to earth. This is how nature works. The rule of nature is the rule of change–continuous gathering and continuous scattering. Through the principle of homogeneity, elements live together in cooperation. Societies operate according to this principle too. It is the basic rule of any association or group but many things take place in this “spirit of cooperation” because whenever there is an association of diverse elements, some members will be “eaters and some will be eaten.” The weak nourish the strong. In the final analysis, however, all will be eaten. It happens in the ocean which is a place of diverse creation. The whale feeds on fish. When the whale dies, other creatures of the deep feed on it. The ocean creates a myriad of motivations, actions and reactions. The nature of the ocean can be found in all its beings. The fish and the whale carry with them a shared heritage of the conditions and qualities of the water. Human beings are creations of water as well. And this principle of the eater and the eaten is also illustrated in our own lives. Living within this system focuses our attention outside, keeping peace and tranquility out of our reach.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are a universe, yet not aware. A treasure without hardship is Man.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hazrat Moulana Shah Maghsoud

The Most Delicate Stages of Existence Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D.

It seems that the essence of the human being has lost the straight direction of life after entering the world of nature and wearing the clothing of man. This is why everyone is searching for that lost tranquility, yet the majority are looking in the wrong direction so will not find it. For example, an individual who spends the wealth of life to gain and add to his bank account, or the one who strives hard in hope of fame, are both looking for tranquility of some kind. But the peace they are looking for is temporary relief and will not end in tranquility. Human beings lose energy as they walk toward the gate of death, the unavoidable destiny. Such a destiny destroys peace of mind. If other animals are bound to lose what they have gained on the gateway of death, the human being is not. Man, the chosen creation, with the power of intellect, can avoid this complete destruction. But what is the price of that lost youth and energy? Is there anything of equal value in exchange? What can we do in order not to face poverty and shame when old and to keep our life from ending in complete destruction? Prophets have brought the solution and have announced it to those who hear. But their messages have

been sold in the marketplace of society for the sake of some greedy ones and egotistical individuals. Thus, truths announced by them have been transformed into ceremonies. The message of any prophet is to inform mankind of the human essence and potentiality, and to lead him toward knowledge and cognition where prejudice and ignorance have no ground for manifestation. Research and perfection in the School of Moses must end by entering the celestial realm introduced by Jesus, and through his teachings one must find the way toward cognizing the abstract essence announced by the Prophet Mohammad as La illaha illa Allah; the last rule and message. The way and the path of the Prophets is the path of cognition and discovery. Through their teachings one can ascend to the level of a true human being, away from the animal level which is bound to the limitations of sensual information only. Such a human is as one who has been baptized by the hand of John. Through faith the gates of heaven will be open and the ray of knowledge will shine. This human will pass through the gate of the world of change and find his way to salvation and eternal life.

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He knows the difference between divine guidance and the influence of the devil, who is responsible for human illusion and deviation. He is victorious. Jesus says: Enter ye in at the straight gate; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction and many there be which go in threat: Because straight is the gate and narrow is the way, which leads into life and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:13–14). Yet the way, the knowledge and the books of such teachers have been replaced by meaningless ceremonies and customs. A wise person can only be pained by this sad state of affairs. Those who pass from the gate of the city of change leave the other world behind, continuing their spiritual traveling into celestial realms, and passing through the stages of devotion until their journey is complete. These people, aided by the depth of their knowledge, are victorious in the struggle between knowing and not knowing. So, it is those devotees who are settling down in the highest level of creation, making their home in the realm of infinity. The source of essential nature, as well as the capability to develop it, lie within us. Existence, by its own will, has handed the jewel of knowledge and cognition to us. We are capable of developing to the highest, most delicate stages of existence. Yet, at the same time, our physical bodies, which have been supplied by the world of matter, are also bound by its rules. The rule of nature is the rule of change which means that whatever is born is also bound to die. Life deserves more thoughtful attention than most people are inclined to give it. We have this mysterious thing called life, yet we are careless and lose ourselves in pursuing material objects. The alternative is waiting to be grasped: to respect knowledge and to inquire about who we are. This is how we can discover and understand our true nature. Imam Ali says: You, human being, think you are just this small body, but I tell you that the whole universe is wrapped in you.

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The human intellect, which is the key to discovering reality, and the human material nature, which is facing constant change and death, have built the palace we call Man. Man is in constant struggle to survive. He is fortunate if, and only if, his intellect rules his life and not his changeable temporary physical desires. We can liken the relationship of the essential nature of the human being and his physical body to a horseback rider and his horse. If the rider doesn’t understand the horse, it will not obey him. As a matter of fact, the horse could become so distressed by the rider’s lack of ability as to throw him out of the saddle and even harm him. On the other hand, the experienced rider has the horse’s respect and can ride wherever he wants in peace and security. The rules are clear: “one must have knowledge of horseback riding and one must know how to train a horse.” If either is unknown, horseback riding becomes difficult. An experienced rider who has not trained his horse will find it hard to reach his destination. In the same way, a trained horse cannot compensate for a careless rider. It is possible for a human being to climb through the stages of spiritual perfection under the guidance of a divine teacher. Following a self-serving teacher, or carrying out empty rituals, will likewise hamper real spiritual progress. There are many imposters who are only too happy to abuse the words of true teachers and sell their fake goods in society. It is a pity that self-indulgence and marketplace amusements divert so many people from genuine instruction and self-cognition. According to the Prophet of Islam, “The human being chooses his death as he chooses the style of his life, and he rides into the next stage with the same qualities with which he has died.” In other words, we are responsible for the way we live our lives, for our awareness, thoughts, and behavior. We must know where we’re going...open our eyes to the celestial realms...open our ears to hear the spiritual melodies. When we dwell on our desires and mundane musings, we are living a life of illusion. When a person deprives himself of the highest stages of existence, how can he expect to be saved? Do we expect Jesus to come to us at the moment of death and forgive us for our shortcomings? How can we correct our shortcomings after we are dead? When people are careless about their own being, how do they expect others to care for them?

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A person who is trapped in his own senses cannot discover the knowledge of heaven. Imam Ali said that when people lose something, they look for it until they find it. Yet, look at all the people who are not aware that they have lost the precious gift of their own Self, and do not look for it. In the introduction to his book, This is My Religion, Gandhi wrote that there is one reality in the world, and that is the knowledge of Self; thus one who knows and has discovered his Self has discovered his God. And one who dies not knowing his Self does not know anything. The only energy, freedom and justice in this world is the power to control oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Self. Throughout the ages, great thinkers have been studying the human mystery. Researchers have spent lifetimes in their laboratories, applying their intellect to discover the truth of human existence. And, different kinds of researchers have been using their power and energy to discover the secrets of heaven using the laboratory of their own being to find the answers. We can only discover our own reality. To know oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Self is to rise to the highest stage of humanity.

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Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D., the Editor in Chief of the journal, is the CoDirector 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.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Equality & Peace No Individual Stands Alone Nahid Angha, Ph.D. Nature in her wisdom and intellect has selected male-sperm and female-egg as equal partners for the continuation of human life. Further, in that great scope of life, nature has entrusted the female species with that life, and granted her the potentiality to receive, to hold, to grow, to give birth, and to care for the generations of humankind; and, thus, become the mother of all humanity. However when equal partnership and the great scope of life fall into the dimensions of cultures, religions and political ideologies, the scenario may change most of the time. When that equal partnership falls into the dimensions of religions, what we begin to practice has not much to do with the teachings of those great teachers of religions. If the recorded history is accurate, Moses, who was raised in the pharaoh’s royal family, having the same lifestyle and probably following the same Egyptian religion as pharaoh, accepted and followed his mother’s religion when he found her; he leaves the life of power and luxury behind and travels to his mother’s promise land. However, when we come across some of the old Jewish prayers, we may be surprised to hear: praise be to the Lord, our God, who has not created me a woman.

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In a most difficult environment, Mary gives birth to Jesus. She nourishes, educates and plants the seed of spirituality and morality in his heart. However, we continuously praise the Father, and even though the mother is holy, she cannot compete with the Father figure. We honor male disciples of Jesus but hardly mention the significance of Mary Magdalene, a female disciple of the same teacher. Muhammad was raised by a single mother (Ameneh) 1400 years ago in Arabia. When he begins his prophecy he immigrates to Yathrib, the birthplace of his mother. He calls Yathrib, Madinat-al-Nabi, the City of the Prophet; the Illuminated Medina; the City of Light; and Yathrib/Medina becomes one of the three most important cities in the world of Islam. His generation continues through his daughter; he remains one of the most powerful advocates and supporters of women’s rights and equality. Yet those historical records hardly became the foundations of equality in Muslim lands. When nature’s equal partnership falls into the dimensions of political ideologies, women have to fight for their rights, whether rights to vote, to equal pay, to land ownership, to financial freedom, and more. In one land a woman is demoted from her position as judge to a simple

Principles of Sufism

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

lawyer, and in another land a woman judge is fired for upholding the law and standing against the dictate of a male authority. Yet we cannot and should not underestimate the contributions of women to the advancements of our civilizations. Previous United Nations Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, said that women had proved instrumental in “building bridges rather than walls.” They had also been crucial in preserving social order when communities collapsed. There are many examples of women’s leadership roles implementing peace, education and equal rights that sometimes remain unnoticed. Liberian women, for example, stopped civil war in their homeland and brought their nation to order and peace; Egyptian women challenged the traditions of educating boys but not girls, and initiated the education of girls; Brazilian women changed policies to benefit women’s equality; Swedish, Italian and Mexican women have been working hard to initiate and change the journey from gender gap to gender dialogue; women from Syria, the Netherlands and Bangladesh emphasize the role of spirituality as a source of strength. We hear the voices of women from Venezuela, Uganda, Kenya, and Cameroon advocating for health and equal rights to education and to land ownership – voices that have brought

successful and positive changes in policies. From Iranian women who walked for women’s rights to vote, to women of color who stood against racial oppression and Algerian women who were instrumental in Algeria’s nationalism movement, from the political role of women in India, to the role of American women changing the traditional idea of women and the idea of women as political leaders, women have worked for change. Women have been the torchbearers of peace in Palestinian and Israeli; they have joined forces and advocated for peace. Women in politics, in cultures, in religions, often unseen, are bringing peace to their lands and keeping the door of equality open. No individual stands alone; we cannot underestimate the strength and determination of the women of our past, who began the journey towards women’s equality long ago, nor should we underestimate the women of the world who continue to keep a peaceful transformation alive in our communities. It is our collective advocacies, our courage, our persistence, and our determination, that has contributed towards universal peace. We have journeyed this road towards equality, accompanying the brave men and women of our past, of our cultures, of our religions, of our family, in the hope of creating a safe passage for the women of future.

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Safa

{Purity}

Sufis have often stressed the importance of purification in attaining and binding together the principles that a spiritual traveler observes. For example, Abu al-Qasim Qoshayri, a Sufi scholar and theologian of Nishapur, d. 1074, wrote that one who worships God must not associate anything with his worship; in other words, his worship must be purified of anything other than God. Such a truthful individual does not fall into the trap of popular praise in his worship, since the goal of his worship is closeness to God not praise from the people. Abu Ali Daghagh, another Sufi of Nishapur, d. 405/1015, says that a sincere spiritual individual does not fall into the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s praise and forget his truthfulness to God; such an individual avoids the desires of his ego. Dhul-Nun alMiSri, an Egyptian Sufi, d. 859, has said that if sincerity is not accompanied by patience and truthfulness, it remains incomplete. According to Junayd, a Persian Sufi who lived in Baghdad, d. 910, sincerity is a secret principle held between the Lord of the universe and His worshippers; this secret is hidden from the angels so they could not write of it, nor is it known to the devil who could destroy it, and desire does not know it so it cannot influence it. Sincerity is reached when a person sees the Divine as his witness, all the time. Yet not all worshippers are pure and sincere, and not all those who perform their prayers are properly respectful. Many have likened the witnessing of reality to the growth of a date palm tree. This

by Nahid Angha, Ph.D. tree only grows in a warm climate and only in suitable soil. It will not grow in a cold atmosphere, nor in the stony ground. Likewise, witnessing the truth of Being requires the soil of a pure heart, love, and knowledge, until after tender cultivation, servitude blossoms into respect and sincerity. And as it is important to remember that not all trees grow to become palm trees! So not all prayers are accepted, and not all words are said in truth. And so a heart must become pure from duality and hypocrisy, otherwise, it can be likened to a palm tree that is planted in a cold climate: although it may grow, it will not blossom or bear fruit. Moulana Shah Maghsoud said that the blessing is received through the teachings of the masters of hearts, in the merit of servitude and by following the footsteps of the great teachers, without the temptations of the immature intellect. This blessing will open the pure heart and so illuminate the inner self; and only then an individual may qualify to repent and purify his self. The servitude of the pure is based upon this devotion and sincerity. They avoid the desires of their ego; and are ever present at the solitude of the great masters. The light of understanding arises from the heart of such believers. The roots of this light are firm and its branches reach upward into heaven. Divine grace nourishes this light and permits its owner to drink from the eternal ocean of friendship in the cup of love. Such an illumination reveals the Divine secrets to the Sufi, who is the owner of his heart.

from: (1991) Principles of Sufism. San Rafael: IAS Publications. 61-63.

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Essential Practices Along the Spiritual Path

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Selected Teachings

Pure springs rise out of the heart of the earth; they flow even through the barren lands and harsh rocks, and their courses are not obstructed by the mud.

The resistance of tenderness is greater than the resistance of harshness; isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the uprising of the waves along the shallow shore more uprising than that of the deep ocean?

Pure souls remove strangers from their domains and do not allow them to persistently remain in that domain. Divine goodness does not permit rules other than that of peace and tranquility, and so anxiety and distraction have no foundation for survival.

The tranquility felt in the heart of a peaceful and thus a true human being is stronger than the rages that disrupt the minds of those who constantly complain, object and disturb.

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Selected Teachings

Translated by Dr. Nahid Angha (1991) Psalms of Gods Avaz-e-Khodayan. San Rafael, CA: IAS Publciations, 7-8.

Hazrat Moulana Shah Maghsoud Sadegh Angha

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Rhythms of the Heart

from Shah Maghsoudâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Diwan-i-Ghazal

Melt away like a candle, in the fire of love Consumed by the heart of the heart Be realized in realm of Eternal Long for the voice of the Friend Find the infinite at the very heart of the finite Search for God from within Unveil the secret of this present time.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Rhythms of the Heart

Translations by Nahid Angha, Ph.D.

(2002). Diwan-i-Ghazal. San Rafael, CA: International Association of Sufism Publications.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

IAS PUBLICATIONS

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

Stations of the Sufi Path: The One Hundred Fields (Sad Maydan) of Abdullah Ansari of Herat by Nahid Angha, Ph.D. Archetype Publishing

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

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

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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.

THE

LIGHT of the

HEART

The Light of the Heart: An Introduction to the Principles and Practics of Sufism As taught by Sufi Masters Nahid Angha, Ph.D. and Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D. by Halima Joann Haymaker

HALIMA JOANN HAYMAKER

Sufism: Self, Path and Guide by Amineh Amelia Pryor, Ph.D.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Institute for Sufi Studies Classes

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

S M W H S

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 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

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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Poetry: Nizami Ganjavi

from story of Leili and Majnun: Khamseh of Nizami Ganjavi Translated by Dr. Nahid Angha I pass by these walls, the walls of Leiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house I kiss this wall and I kiss that wall It is not the love of walls that has enraptured my heart It is the love for the One who lives behind those walls

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Nizami Ganjavi (d. 1209) was one the greatest Persian poets of the romantic genre with many books; including Khamseh, a five parts book of poetry, with a third section dedicated to the story of Leili and Majnun. Leili and Majnun was a 7th century old love story of Arabic origin. Its beauty enraptures many cultures and poets, including Persian poets and Sufi literature. Leili and Majnun were friends and in love when they were young. Over time, Leiliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father prevented them from being together and had Leili marry someone else. Their love for each other did not change, and Majnunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love lasted to the end of his life to become a subject of one of the greatest epic love poems; and fascinating metaphorical love stories in Sufi and Persian literature, a story that represents the eternal and unconditional love of the Sufi for the divine Beloved.

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Grant Honorees 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.

Service Appreciation Grant

women action

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Sufi Women

Ataf Awad, Galile

A second round of funding was given to Ataf Awad, who will use the grant to continue developing her “stress release group support” workshops in her town (Jenin), where women are facing very difficult conditions given the Israeli military occupation and its impact on impoverishing their community and where tensions have been heightened by funding cuts, particularly US development aid, for projects for those most in need in Palestine. She has reported that the stress release exercises that were shared in her workshops have given direct and immediate help with the stress these women are dealing with.

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. 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.

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Report

Annual Inspiration Dinner honoring

Rabbi Michael Lerner by Safa Ali Michael Newman

Dr. Nahid Angha

Dr. Ali Kianfar

Dr. Matthew Fox

Dr. Michael Krasny

Honorary Committee: US Congressman Jared Huffman Dominican Sisters of San Rafael Peter Gabel Donna Garske The Rev. Canon Charles P. Gibbs Rabbi Susan Leider Thomas Peters, Ph.D. Martha Sonnenberg Mary Kay Sweeney, Ph.D. Cat Zavis

Inte Dr. Michael Lerner

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f ism f Su

Annual

al Associatio ta ion

Dinner

On November 21, 2019, The International Association of Sufism’s 19th Annual Inspiration Dinner celebrated honoree Rabbi Michael Lerner’s life, career of service to the community and values-based vision of humanity. Addressing Rabbi Lerner’s many accomplishments, and speaking across the evening were the IAS co-founders, Dr. Nahid Angha and Dr. Ali Kianfar; the emcee and KQED Forum radio host, Dr. Michael Krasny; Harvard Divinity School Professor, Cornel West; past Annual Inspiration Dinner Honoree, Reverend Matthew Fox; former New College of San Francisco President, Peter Gabel; and physician and writer Dr. Martha Sonnenberg. Each speaker celebrated a different aspect of Rabbi Lerner’s character and achievements. Dr. Kianfar focused on three of Rabbi Lerner’s outstanding qualities: sincerity, honesty and dignity, which he described as rooted to the heart, and as “gifts of God to those whose integrity leads them to step toward peace.” Dr. Krasny spoke about both Rabbi Lerner’s devotion to promoting peace, and the energy and focus with which he has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to get things done. In a pre-recorded video tribute, Cornel West gave an assessment of Rabbi Lerner’s significance to the current time, calling him an “inimitable, a one-and-only kind of figure” with unwavering dedication to the “spreading of steadfast love, and the spreading of love and kindness to the orphan, the widow, the oppressed, and the exploited.” Reverend Fox then shared how Rabbi Lerner had come to his support at a time when he was being treated unjustly by the Catholic Church, noting, “He doesn’t just write about justice and talk about it and all the rest, but he practices it.” Peter Gabel celebrated the legacy of Rabbi Lerner’s long-running journal, Tikkun, and his leadership in teaching society how to build “a healing and transformative politics.” Closing the series of speakers, Dr. Sonnenberg reflected on her more than half-century of friendship with Rabbi Lerner, and thanked him for deepening her spiritual and political awareness.

After Dr. Angha presented Rabbi Lerner with the IAS Humanitarian Award, Rabbi Lerner spoke about his life’s work and mission, and the need for social change movements to speak openly about their desire for a politics based in love and caring. Rabbi Lerner encouraged the audience not to listen to those who insist that political goals must be practical, and offered several examples wherein the impractical proved world-changing. He also reflected on the evolution of his work, the current historical and political moment and his new book, Revolutionary Love, just released in the fall of 2019. The 2019 Annual Inspiration Dinner celebrated the life’s work of Rabbi Lerner with appreciation for his sincere and inspiring services to the human community.

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Sacred Voices is a beautiful collection of stories, interviews, prayers, practices, and poetry, illuminating women’s wisdom and history within the Islamic and Sufi traditions…a rich tapestry that weaves these elements together with evocative art and succulent recipes, to create a truly unique record of the ancient and ongoing traditions of women on these paths. 220 pages “Drawing on ancient traditions as well as creative, modern voices, Sacred Voices presents a spirituality that is healthy and revitalizing, not only for our human communities, but also for the planet. This way could be our saving grace.” —Neil Douglas-Klotz, author of The Sufi Book of Life “Inspiring and engaging!” —Azima Lila Forest, author of A Journey From love to Love Available on www.mariambaker.org and on Amazon.

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2020 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 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. Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Reflection: 40 Days Practice

Alchemy of Tranquility Retreats 2020 by Katherine Preston

Transformation was the topic of the12th Annual 40 Days Alchemy of Tranquility retreat in February 2020. Held at Santa Sabina, the beautiful and peaceful retreat center at Dominican University in San Rafael, California, the event attracted participants from across the country, including therapists, social workers, educators, engineers, others. The 40 Days Alchemy of Tranquility program was developed as a service to the human community by Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Kianfar in 2006, and has been led by Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha and Dr. Kianfar. The 40 Days retreat offers an opportunity for participants to have exposure to a guided spiritual practice based on ancient Sufi wisdom and science, as well as to recognize the relevance and application for those who work in the field of mental health. Taneen Sufi Music Ensemble was present as well to add their gorgeous music to the weekend. Their original pieces combine Sufi chant and love poetry, which has been translated by Dr. Angha. Dr. Kianfar began Friday evening by outlining an understanding of the principle of transformation.

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Transformation is an eternal motion, meaning it is a constant process that is ongoing without end. Human beings are a part of this eternal motion. The right practice has the capacity to remove the limits of our understanding of ourselves, and raise our expectations of ourselves. The ultimate goal of practice is transformation beyond the limits of time and space: Unity. Salim Matchette closed the evening by offering a meditation focused on finding the internal light within the heart, to prepare for the weekend. Saturday morning began with movement from Dr. Jalal Heery, a fifth degree black belt in Aikido. He offered an exploration of the power and potential of integrating body movement and the breath, activating energy flow in the body to support us on our journey of transformation. Dr. Angha offered that change is gradual, and knowing that transformation is constant, poses the question, can we control the goal? The spiritual practice of purification can give us the opportunity to be reflective and decisive. By contrast, focusing attention on the labels we are born into in society,

Our goal is to find the one point within our being that is in unity with the greater whole. Our very existence relies on this point of connection. Our original journey into the body set our course to survive in the physical realm, and our second transformation is to maintain the right practice guided by wisdom to collect our energy and move back into a state of oneness

and that limit our self-understanding, is not useful. Dr. Kianfar taught that anything changeable is not real, therefore our goal is to find the one point within our being that is in unity with the greater whole. Our very existence relies on this point of connection. Our original journey into the body set our course to survive in the physical realm, and our second transformation is to maintain the right practice guided by wisdom to collect our energy and move back into a state of oneness. Following the talks from Dr. Angha and Dr. Kianfar, Dr. Amineh Pryor offered an explanation and exploration of some of the science behind our physical beginning. She elaborated on the great wisdom stored within each cell of the body, and emphasized that we can find ourselves in the midst of transformation in every moment, as mind, body and spirit have a chance for awareness. Dr. Angha offered examples of the incredible intelligence of our physical system. Salima Machette offered a workshop to introduce the attributes of balance, recognizing the importance of balance for transformation.

Dr. Sarah Hastings Mullin then extended the discussion of balance, recognizing that our thoughts and behavior impact our character, and providing specific examples of how this can manifest in human life, and how we can approach for greater health and healing. She recommended raising our expectations of ourselves, using our wisdom rooted in the divine to become closer to our true nature. Dr. Arife Hammerle offered a meditation workshop intended to move participants toward a practice with the goal of finding the point of stability in the constant movement within. Each participant had an opportunity to share and ask questions in small groups. Saturday evening, Sheikh Salman Baruti offered a Sufi teaching story which concluded that transformation is always possible with the right intention and practice. Dr. Kianfar instructed that every human being has a central point of light within, and the intention for the right practice is to move closer to that point. He reassured participants that it is never

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Our focus should remain on the importance of the self – it is both a gift and a huge responsibility. The more someone practices for self-improvement, the more they will be of benefit to themselves and their community.

too late to begin a focused intentional practice for an entire system transformation, and that they deserve to strive for their highest potential. Participants should begin to remove whatever is in the way of the second transformation of returning to one stable point of connection with the divine. Sunday morning began with another opportunity to focus on breath and movement with Dr. Heery. Then Dr. Jamal Granick spoke about the turn toward transformation. He explained that the movement toward transformation requires turning in a completely different direction. He invited participants to develop a strong intention to shift awareness to ourselves, and to realizing our highest potential inwardly and directly. He also led an exercise of standing and turning to the beautiful music of Taneen as a physical practice of this movement. Mary Granick offered a peaceful time for reflection and sharing, and offered a detailed review of the weekend. The weekend ended with the message from

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Dr. Angha that our focus should remain on the importance of the self – it is both a gift and a huge responsibility. The more someone practices for self-improvement, the more they will be of benefit to themselves and their community. Dr. Kianfar concluded with a reminder that human beings were created in the best mould, with infinite potential, which can be relied on, and, therefore, we should expect more from ourselves. He encouraged participants: “Return to yourself, stay with yourself and you will become closer to God. That is transformation. Make a new decision and change your life.”

Upcoming*** retreat 2021 Alchemy of Tranquility Reflection: Mind - Heart Please join the 13th Annual Retreat to be held January 29-31. This year the topic will be Reflection: Mind - Heart. We will look closely at the dimensions of both mind and heart to better understand spiritual development. The annual retreat is intended to focus on our original nature, the mystery of being and the physiological, psychological and spiritual principles that constitute our totality. This retreat will be of benefit to all interested in developing a personal practice to increase their own potential, as well as for therapists and counselors who would like to increase their capacity to bring presence to their work in order to provide service. The retreat is scheduled to be held at Santa Sabina retreat center in San Rafael, California.

Sufism: Sufism:An AnInquiry Inquiry Vol VolXVIII, XVIII,No. No.44

A very unique opportunity space is limited

Reflection: Mind-Heart with Sufi Masters Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha & Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar

13th Annual Retreat Jan29-Jan31, 2021 www.IAS.org 43

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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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Dear Friends of Santa Sabina, Hoping you are well and healthy in this uniquely challenging planetary moment. I am writing to you because of your deep connection to Santa Sabina. We are seeking donations to help sustain Santa Sabina as a sacred place of refuge and service. My name is Russell Delman. For 20 years, I have valued the opportunity to lead retreats at Santa Sabina and, for the last 12, have been privileged to serve on the Advisory Board for the Center. Working with the Dominican Sisters has been remarkably inspirational. As chair of the Board, I have witnessed the great devotion of the sisters to service in the world. These sisters have dedicated themselves to the care of the poor through: working to thwart sex trafficking, educating the poor, standing up against the death penalty and for prison reform, and working vigorously for environmental causes and much more. It was not until I joined the Board, that I could see their great commitment to social justice that springs from their own contemplative lives. In that context, I have learned that the sisters hold Santa Sabina as a ministry of service to the world, by sustaining a sacred space for contemplation, interiority and soul nourishment. The beauty, silence and support that we experience when in retreat here is a non-denominational, eclectic offering to the evolution of consciousness. I am very touched by this vision. As you can imagine, like many other organizations, Santa Sabina is in the most challenging moment in its 50 year history as a retreat center. Even without guests, the daily expenses are significant; many monthly costs do not change when retreats are cancelled. Also, we are doing our best to support the staff financially, as they depend on us for the survival of their families. We imagine that you are receiving requests for support from other worthy organizations. With humility, we ask that you please consider the value and importance of Santa Sabina in both your personal life and the service to the greater world. If you wish to donate, please copy this link to your browser: https://checkout.square.site/pay/ af725df0334341dd88ed521b8bd8cd54 With gratitude,

Russell Delman for the Santa Sabina Advisory Board

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Santa Sabina Center San Rafael, CA

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DENTIFIC I A D

S ON TI

BEY O

Update

The Roots of Healing

the INTERPLAY of PSYCHOLOGY & SPIRITUALITY a conference by IAS

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Beyond Identifications: Roots and Looking Ahead by Jamal Granick, Ph.D.

an Inaugural Event

The International Association of Sufism, in collaboration with the Community Healing Centers and the Sufism Psychology Forum, first conceived the Beyond Identifications Series of events in early 2018, with a focus on the relevance of spirituality for a contemporary, psychologically-oriented society. Particularly, the Beyond Identifications team sought to articulate the value of integrating spirituality into the practice of psychotherapy, with new focus on Sufism and psychotherapeutic practice. Building on the success of previous panels offered by the Sufism and Psychology Forum at the Annual Sufism Symposia, the first event of this new series was a one day conference titled, The Interplay of Psychology and Spirituality, presented in July 2019 in Berkeley, California. This conference explored the interaction between the wisdom of spirituality and the knowledge of psychology. The featured presenter was Laurence Heller, Ph.D., author of the international best seller Healing Developmental Trauma, and creator of NARM (Neuro-Affective Relational Model) who, together with members of IAS’ Beyond Identifications team, including Arife Hammerle, Ph.D., LMFT, Amineh Pryor, Ph.D., LMFT, and Jamal Granick, Ph.D., LMFT, conducted a dialogue exploring the reciprocity between the two domains of inquiry. Dr. Heller presented from the perspective of a spiritually-informed psychology, while the Beyond Identifications team offered a spiritual approach to psychological experience grounded in the deep study of Sufism.

Dr. Heller suggested that “Psychology without access to the overarching spiritual underpinnings of existence is limited, symptom-oriented and ultimately less effective”; however, any spirituality that is not based in self-knowledge also has inherent limitations. He emphasized that the use of spiritual practice to avoid the impact of unresolved childhood developmental trauma lacks psychological integration and distorts authentic spirituality. Drawing on years of spiritual practice under the guidance of Sufi Masters Seyyedeh Nahid Angha, Ph.D. and Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D., the Beyond Identifications Team offered a deep exploration of spiritual experience, centered in heartbased awareness. The implications for potential human development and healing of psychological distress, as well as the application to the practice of psychotherapy, were elaborated.

Continuing Forward

Now the Beyond Identifications team is planning next offerings for the Spring of 2021 and going forward. Building on our previous success, the intention is to deepen the exploration of how spirituality can profoundly enrich the practice of psychotherapy. Presenters will include panelists who have a deep engagement in both domains. Look for announcements soon at ias.org. At an upcoming event, we will also be introducing our newest project, Heart-Based Psychotherapy. There is growing consensus in the field of psychotherapy

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that a significant factor in effective treatment is the implicit effect of the therapistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state. Heart-Based Psychotherapy is an approach to psychological healing that emerges from the understanding of the central role of the heart in human nature, potential human development and place of the human in the cosmos. This approach is based in a traditional spiritual perspective, in contrast with a contemporary, conventional Western psychological view, which locates the center of the human psyche in the brain and nervous system. Heart, in this context, is understood as more than a physical organ, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;seat of emotion,â&#x20AC;? or a metaphor for the more noble or expansive qualities of human beings (like love, courage, and compassion, etc.). While it includes all of these, the heart is seen as the governing center of human awareness and connection with the metaphysical origin of the human being. Spiritual traditions, especially Sufism, have long held that bringing awareness to the heart is a central method to cultivate the higher states of being that are the human birthright for all people. Heart-Based Psychotherapy does not reject the vast body of knowledge accumulated by both scientific and clinical psychology, including psychotherapy theory, cognitive science and neuroscience. Instead,

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it acknowledges the profound contribution of these disciplines to the alleviation of human suffering and their support for both normative human functioning and self-actualization. Within this acknowledgment and integration, it seeks to integrate their deep understanding of the human psyche, and its disruptions and repair, with the ancient wisdom that the heart holds the key to the fulfillment of the highest reaches of human potential. The Beyond Identifications team will conduct research to integrate this traditional spiritual understanding of the role of heart in human development with contemporary findings in neurocardiology, interpersonal neurobiology, transpersonal psychology, and positive psychology. The long-term intention is to validate the traditional methods in their application to cultivating optimal therapist states and the implicit beneficial therapeutic effects of these states for clients, and to do so using both subjective and objective measures. Concurrently, a model is under development for training therapists in these methods. Over time, classes will be offered to teach therapists how to focus on the heart center as a vehicle for focusing healing attention, developing heightened perception, and cultivating the capacity for implicit influence in the therapeutic relationship.

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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Sufi Biographies

The Life and Teachings of Amir al-Momenin Ali by Sheikh Salman Baruti

One of the many classes and groups currently held at the Institute for Sufi Studies in Novato, California is a monthly study and discussion group on the life and legacy of Amir al Mu’minin Imam Ali. The group, hosted by Sheikh Salman Baruti, reads and discusses Imam Ali’s sermons, hadith, stories, and sayings attributed to him that cover a wide range of topics. This group draws readings from the text Nahjul Balagha (Peak of Eloquence) and from the teachings and guidance of Sufi Masters Seyyedeh Dr. Angha and Shah Nazar Seyyed Dr. Ali Kianfar to explore the wisdom from the life of Imam Ali and its relevance to our lives today. Ali ibn Abi Abu Talib, also known as Amir alMomenin Ali, commander of the faithful, one of the most important and revered figures in the history of Islam, was the cousin, son-in law and ward of Prophet Muhamad (saw). He had the unique distinction of being the only person ever to be born in the house of God, the Ka’ba. He was also the first to accept Islam, and did it at the tender age of ten years. Imam Ali was a legendary, courageous warrior, a scholar, a statesman, and one of the closest companions of the Holy Prophet (saw). He is considered by Shia Muslims to be the rightful heir to the spiritual legacy of Prophet Muhammad, and was the first of the 12 imams from the Ahle Beyte (house of the Prophet). In the four Sunni schools of Islam, Imam Ali is the recognized as the last of the four rightly guided caliphs (Khalifa Rashidun). Imam Ali was martyred while leading the morning prayer during the holy month of Ramadan.

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The following saying and story exemplifies the magnanimity of Imam Ali’s character and reason that his life deserves to be studied: “Anger is a fire kindled, he who restrains anger extinguishes the fire; he who gives vent to it is the first to be consumed by it.” It is said that once, while fighting with a non-believer, Imam Ali managed to overpower him and was sitting on top of him ready for the final blow of his sword. At that moment, the non-believer spat in Imam Ali’s face. This act of the disbeliever made Ali feel very much displeased. However, he placed the sword back into its sheath and got off from him. In other words, he immediately refrained from killing this man, although he had all the opportunity to do so. As Imam Ali separated himself from the enemy, the disbeliever shouted at him: “O Amiral Mu’minin! What is this? After I had insulted you by spitting in your face, you should have killed me immediately. You had me at your mercy and completely subdued and subjugated. What is it that stopped you from killing me?” Hazrat Ali replied: “I had the intention of killing you solely for the pleasure of Allah. When you spat in my face, you stirred up my anger. If I had killed you then, this act of mine would have been out of the anger of my nafs and not out of sincerity to Allah. Allah does not accept any deed which is not done out of sincerity. Killing you at that time would have been against sincerity. Hence I refrained from killing you”.

Sufi Biographies

Hearing these words from Hazrat Ali, the enemy was astonished and the light of Iman was lit in his heart: “I consider it my good fortune to accept such a Deen, 0’ Amir al Mu’minin , where such a teaching of sincerity is expounded. This Deen is undoubtedly the true Deen.” During the farewell pilgrimage the Holy Prophet declared, “To whom I am Mawla, Ali is his Mawla.” Mawla, which comes from the root wali, means guardian or protector. For Sufis, the followers of the inner path of Islam, Imam Ali is revered as the vali or guide, and almost all schools of Sufism trace their lineage to him. “I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate; so whoever desires knowledge let him enter the gate” – Prophet Muhammad “Only action based on piety is lasting, and only that action will blossom and bear fruit which is watered by piety because worship is only that wherein the feeling of submissiveness exists.” - Imam Ali, Sermon 16

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Sufi Biographies

Assayed Rafea Muhammad Rafea 1903–1970

Glimpses of His Life and Teachings excerpts from his biography, One Humanity One Home: Journeys of Spiritual Seekers

by Ali, Aisha and Aliaa Rafea Assayed Rafea Muhammad Rafea (1903–1970, Egypt), a Sufi teacher, was a seeker of truth since childhood and ever after. Very early in his childhood, he felt the innate longing to pray in solitude, keeping it as his own secret that had to be kept away from anybody and everybody, even his beloved mother.1 In his early youth during the 1920s, and also as a lawyer, Assayed Rafea became a socialist and political activist. He described: To put it more correctly, I would say I was one of the freedom defenders, as part of this national movement which rose in 1919, and I was born through its birth. As I can see now, when I shared in this movement, I was not a nationalist either, but an advocate for the right of this country to be an independent nation. For me, justice should be realized, freedom should be provided for everyone, and people should respect each other.2 Realizing that politics is often influenced by personal interests, and would not fulfill his humane aspirations, Assayed Rafea quit politics and sought another domain of service. At this stage, he married Sayyeda Hazami Rifaa, in 1938.3 It was a very blessed marriage wherein, unexpectedly, he had some mystical experiences and direct learning from the higher sphere. Following much research in the religious literature of Islam, other revelations and ancient wisdom, Assayed Rafea found home in Islamic Sufism where Sufis experience the heart of the human being as the residence of the Lord. In his words: Within the human there exists a holy shrine, a temple or a sacred city that he neither loses nor brings to existence; he only discovers it and can be part of its existence. This is the heart. It is the central point of his (the human’s) existence and the essence of his being. To the heart he directs his whole self, and from it he receives the effulgence coming from the circle around

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it and sends to his whole being. It (the heart) is the lamp inside the niche of human’s chest; his work is the oil that rekindles the lamp and enlightens all his being.4 Assayed Rafea had a long journey of search for a sheikh since he did not want to follow one from among the attracted majdhub. Some events led him to find Sheikh Muhammad Abdel Wahid, who happened to be Shadhili. The Sheikh did not fail to see Assayed Rafea as a companion, not a disciple. After more than a decade, though, the sheikh did not like Assayed Rafea’s open-mindedness for welcoming the modern Spirit Communication of the 19th and 20th century, which Assayed Rafea thought touches the essence of all revelations and Sufi experiences. The sheikh made a rift with Assayed Rafea. Reflecting on his experience of these communications, Assayed Rafea said: I guessed that there was a kind of wisdom behind that phenomenon, and it might be a kind of (divine) support to Islam and Sufi Muslims.5 Late in the 1950s, and in companionship with the spirit guide, Silver Birch, Assayed Rafea founded the Islamic Spiritual Society, wherein “service” was its focal target.6 Service included: 1) spiritual trainings through meditation of silence and heart awakening; 2) Sufi zikr; and 3) spiritual healing.7 For Assayed Rafea, to be a devotee to God, and to be channeling His love to humans, are one and the same thing: In case a person really experienced the meanings of what servanthood to God signifies, and he directed his love to the One and Only God, he would flood people by his love. He would love them over and over until he would see them as his own self. He would see their faces as nothing but a mirror of His Lord.8

Sufi Biographies: Assayed Rafea

Ali is the guide of the Egyptian Society for Spiritual and Cultural Research; Aliaa is the founder of the Human Foundation; and Aisha is a researcher and writer in Spirituality. Notes: 1. Read more in The Wisdom of Islam Expressed in the Autobiography of a Muslim (Hikmat Al Islam Fi Sirat Muslim), prepared by his daughter, Aliaa Redahu Rafea. See: https://www.neelwafurat.com/ itempage.aspx?id=egb237126-5252098&search=books 2. Ibid, p. 68. 3. She is a relative of him and a great granddaughter of Sheikh Rifaa Al Tahtawi, (1805–1873), the founder of the Modern Egyptian Renaissance. 4. Rafea, M., Rafea, Alwah Ma Baina Qabrin Wa Minbar, Scripts: “Between Tombs and Platforms,” Collections of Assayed Rafea’s Speeches in Arabic, Part Three, Speech 1. 5. p. 211. 6. Master Silver Birch describes service as the heart of religion: “Religion is that which increases the tie between you and the Great Spirit and between you and His other children. Religion is that which makes you go out into your world and give service wherever you can. Religion is service, and service is religion” (http://www.jhardaker.plus.com/pdf/Silver%20Birch%20Anthology.pdf), p. 46. 7. Read more in The Message of Unity and Differentiation. Master Silver Birch says: “The spirit grows through kindness, toleration, sympathy, love, service, and doing of good works. Character evolves only when you allow the divine spirit to be made manifest in your daily lives. If you harbor unkind thoughts, thoughts of hatred, of malice, of vengeance, of selfishness, you yourself will be the victim and you yourself must pay the price in a warped, distorted and thwarted character (http://www.jhardaker.plus.com/pdf/Silver%20Birch%20 Anthology.pdf), p. 9. The faithful in the Holy Qur’an enjoy the highest of morals and they feed, for the love of Allah, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive – “(Saying),‘We feed you for the sake of Allah alone: no reward do we desire from you, nor thanks’” (Holy Qur’an 76:9). The principle of service also is in the heart of the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings: “Allah will be in your support as long as you are in support of your fellow humans.” 8. Hikmat Al Islam Fi Sirat Muslim, p. 63.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

oseph Fink, former president of Dominican University of California, died on May 2, 2020. He will be dearly missed for his visionary leadership at Dominican, spanning 23 years. As President he consolidated the move to make Dominican co-educational, guided Dominican to university status, erected the Science building, named for him, and saw substantial growth in Nursing and Psychology programs, and the School of Business. He also was responsible for expanding the sports programs to NCAA Division #3 and bringing the LINES Ballet program to Dominican. Joe was born in 1937 during the Great Depression in New York. He received his Doctorate from Rutgers University in American History. His knowledge of history held him in good stead as President. It made him a champion of the Humanities, which fit perfectly into the Liberal Arts tradition of the Dominican Sisters, and fostered in him a commitment to diversity and inclusion. When 9/11 struck, Joe realized that the world had changed, and that America had to address the world of Islam and the many misconceptions that existed about it. It was at this juncture that the International Association of Sufism (IAS), headquartered in Marin under the auspices of Dr. Nahid Angha and Dr. Ali Kianfar, came to his attention. Through IAS and the Humanities Department, led by Dr. Harlan Stelmach and assisted by Professor Arthur Scott, the educational relationship between Dominican and IAS deepened. Sufism became the lens through which Islam was studied and given a human face. The first step involved in this collaborative process was holding a teach-in on Islam at Angelico Hall with Fr. Robert Haberman and Dominicanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campus Ministry.

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Sufi Friend Biographies

A Celebration of Joseph Fink by Saleh Arthur Scott preneurship and charming storyteller style. He liked people and discussing politics, and enjoyed being active within the San Francisco Commonwealth Club, which was a terrific place to make contacts and to network. One of his close friends was former mayor of San Francisco, Willie Brown. Joe was a terrific family man. His youngest son, Joseph Jr. graduated from West Point and his youngest daughter, Madison, from Oberlin. He is survived by his wife Denise, and his older children, who all reside in the East. I used to kid Joe about being a closeted Sufi. He would smile back with a twinkle. He had a generous heart and spirit, which accounts for his remarkable tenure at Dominican. I will always remember my pal, Joe, he of the Eastern roots and Western sensibilities. At one time in the last few years, he even kidded Denise that he would like to give the Mid-West a try. I’m sure he’s surveying the landscape of the afterlife and staking a claim somewhere where he can make the most good. Farewell, my friend, until we meet again. Here’s a toast to you from Rumi: You are the One who says, You are. You are the ball on this field. You are the club, and You are The One who watches this game.

in memoriam

There were other collaborations between IAS and Dominican that characterized the Fink years. One of the most productive ongoing programs initiated by Dr. Angha, in cooperation with Dr. Stelmach and the Humanities Department, was Building Bridges of Understanding, a program that brought people together among various faith, educational and community service providers. Building Bridges embraced the gamut of traditions from Islam to Native American Spirituality. In addition, there were workshops and dialogues focused on the prevention of many faces of violence, women’s self-empowerment, youth realities, and the healing arts. As IAS Symposia brought various Sufi groups from throughout the world together, Dominican was, in many instances, a place where these activities were held, with programs and offerings that included readings of Rumi’s poetry and music by the IAS musical ensemble Taneen. Two famous poets, Roger Bly and Coleman Barks, shared the beauty of Rumi’s poetics to packed audiences at Angelico Hall, which was also the place where the words of Iranian Nobel Prize winner, Shirin Ebadi, were delivered about the quest for Human Rights, Islam & the West. As the conflict in Iraq escalated, Dr. Kianfar and Professor Scott were invited to do a series on the Middle East through Dominican’s Continuing Education Program funded by Osher, as well as to offer an introduction to the mysticism of Sufism. Dr. Kianfar likewise was invited by President Fink to bless the graduating class, as well as the ground where the new Science building was to be constructed in 2005. In conclusion, Joe was bigger than life – a force of nature, a great visionary, and an adroit politician who dramatically transformed Dominican with his entre-

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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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Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Literature Review

a review by Elizabeth Miller, Ph.D.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

The newest book from spiritual theologian Matthew Fox, Naming the Unnameable: 89 Wonderful and Useful Names for God…Including the Unnameable God, marks Fox’s 37th book and continuing contribution to public dialogue about spirituality. An Episcopal priest and activist for gender and eco-justice, many of Fox’s works have focused on the lives and contributions of Hildegard de Bingen, Meister Eckhart and Thomas Aquinas. His work seeks to help draw out the experiential nature of contemplative practice, as well as the relationship between spirituality and science. Fox is a recipient of the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award, also given to the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa and Rosa Parks. In Naming the Unnameable, Fox explores humanity’s capacity to discover an expansive experience of Divinity, and invites readers to consider the ways in which images and ideas associated with “God” may limit human understanding and evolution. Fox writes: “A fresh understanding and language about Divinity may assist us to come up with fresh understandings of ourselves and thus the societies and institutions we feel called to give birth to as we struggle to assist other species to survive and survive ourselves, to be sustainable, even to thrive and become beautiful and worthy of our holy existence” (xxviii). Throughout the book, Fox offers 89 names for Divinity, drawing from science, spiritual teachings and his own experience. He also deals with the “unnamable” nature of Divinity, and invites readers to consider the paradox of God as both seen and unseen, spoken and unspoken, as a gift beckoning human beings to be more contemplative and inquiring toward life’s mysteries. Among the names explored in Naming the Unnamable are “God Is Love”; “God Is the One to Whom We Give Our Thanks”; “God Is the One in Whom We Live, Move and Have Our Being”; and “God is the Beloved.” Fox quotes John of the Cross speaking about God as Beloved, as well as Rumi. He quotes a Rumi scholar who writes: “All a Sufi strives for, all he reaches for, all he ever wants is the Beloved. This unswerving love causes him to see the form of his Beloved everywhere: as pure beauty and pure love, as the master and the playful ‘Friend,’ as the vibrant, living presence that permeates every aspect of life” (54). A reader will find in Fox’s Naming the Unnamable the spaciousness to explore his or her own experience, and inspiration from the experiences of Rumi, Teilhard de Chardin, Thomas Aquinas, Meister Eckhart, Hildegard de Bingen, Thich Nhat Hahn, and many more; all allowed to situate within a singular conversation about the highest potential of a human being.

Naming the Unnameable Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Poetry: Bozorgmehr

from

Zafar-nameh (Book of Victory) Translated by Dr. Nahid Angha

I have asked Bozorgmehr what should God grant me so I have everything I need He said three things: health, capability, and security. To whom should I leave my works, I asked; To the one who is worthy of your works, he replied. Who should grant me security, I asked; A friend who is not envious and jealous of you, he replied. What is the best action when you are young and when you are old, I asked; Learn when you are young, and apply your knowledge when you are old, he replied. Does your destiny design your effort or is it your striving that brings success in life, I asked; Your efforts create your destiny, he replied. What is a sign of bravery, I asked; Forgiveness, he replied.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Bozorgmehr (d. 580) was among the greatest sages of Iran, he served as a vizier during the Sasanian Empire. He is mentioned in works of Persian literature, including Shah Nameh (The Book of Kings) of Ferdowsi. One of his books: Zafar-nameh (Book of Victory), was translated from Pahlavi (Middle Persian) to Persian by Ibn Sina (d. 1037), the Persian philosopher, physician, aastronomer, thinker and writer of the Golden Age of Islam.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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 XVIII, No. 4

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Sufi Biographies

Sheikh Abu Sa’īd Abul Khayr Persian Sufi Master, d. 1033

Translated by Dr. Nahid Angha

Words of advice and poems: Avoid companionship of those who have no sense of honor and dignity Forget those who change colors all the time Leave those who do not recognize or appreciate Divine attributes

Every time your head touches the ground in prayers, It is to put down the load of your ego As it is your ego that blocks you from entering the House of the Beloved

If you do not give up the crowds, you won’t find your way to the Absolute If you do not drop your ego-self, you won’t find your true worth

If you are seeking closeness to the Beloved, love everyone, see only good in them Be like the sun, have nothing but warmth and light for everyone.

Love came and flew as blood in my veins, emptied me of myself The Beloved conquered all of me, I remained only a name and the rest, the Beloved

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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.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

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Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

United Nations: Recent News

Department of Public Information Non-Governmental Organizations

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, Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rights offered and organized by the United Nations. For the most up to date information visit: http://ias.org/service/unitednations/

Commission on the Status of Women

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

The theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2020 focused on The Impact of COVID-19 on Violence, Abuse and Neglect of Older Persons. An expert panel discussed the following themes with a focus on COVID-19: 1. Verbal abuse and hate speech: Do they lead to other types of abuse? 2. Protection and abuse: When do under or/and over-protection become abuse? Have lockdowns increased the risk of financial exploitation? 3. Neglect: What are examples of passive and active neglect? The event was organised by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in collaboration with DESA, and with the support of the NGO Committees on Ageing in New York, Geneva and Vienna The event was held via a virtual discussion on a platform organised by INPEA. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) aslo released the updated COVID-19 Global Humanitarian Response Plan, where it prioritized the needs of the most vulnerable including older persons. Given that the pandemic has already heightened existing levels of discrimination, inequality and gender based violence, the Plan includes specific metrics to ensure that the vulnerabilities of these groups are addressed. The plan also includes programmes that respond to the projected rapid growth in food security. Women in Peacekeeping: A key to peace As peacekeeping has evolved to reflect the populations we serve, women have become increasingly part of the peacekeeping family – making operations more effective. Throughout May, UN Peacekeeping highlighted the invaluable contributions of women peacekeepers, particularly in the COVID-19 response. Visit peacekeeping.un.org/en/women-peacekeeping to learn more about: • Why is it important to have women peacekeepers • Women peacekeepers in the COVID-19 response • Key initiatives in the Department of Peace Operations • Women, Peace and Security is a key commitment of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative • And how to join the conversation UN75 Youth Townhall Through their Permanent Representatives to the United Nations in New York, the Governments of Qatar and Sweden, in collaboration with the Office of the President of the General Assembly (OPGA), and the Office of the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth (OSGEY), hosted a Youth Townhall to collect young people’s input to the Member States Declaration for the United Nations’ 75th Anniversary – which will be adopted on 21 September 2020.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

“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

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

99 Names

Dear God, I hear I am everything within nothing. Bursting forth life, sparkling— a gift from within. An empty chamber holds your face. Glittering white beams off yellow, a trumpet sings your name. From a speck on what looked dead celebration of color spreads open—You reach out from the center— I wait to return to You.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Where is your address, your love, You? Here, where I am nothing and everything. Inside the inside unfolded to the outside— color spread across Your sky.

Al-Bari

The Maker from Nothing

The creator and originator who creates the first of everything without a template. Designer of the whole, the innovator who invents everything. The evolver who develops creation within perfection.

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.

Sufism: An Inquiry Vol XVIII, No. 4

Sufism: an Inquiry - Vol18.4

Articles inside

Equity and Peace: No Individual Stands Alone Nahid Angha, Ph.D

A Letter from the Desk of the Editor Shah Nazar Seyyed Ali Kianfar, Ph.D