Universal Sufism

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Universal Sufism is a spiritual and universalist movement founded by Hazrat Inayat
Khan in the early 20th century. The philosophy of Universal Sufism revolves around a
unity of all people and religions, as well as the ability to find beauty in all things.
Universal Sufism is one of the forms of Sufism that does not exist within the traditional
framework of Islam[1], and indeed the beliefs of Universal Sufism are almost certainly
influenced by Advaita philosophy. Universal Sufism is characterised by its respect (if not
inclusion) for other devotional traditions and its disapproval of miracles.

Contents
[hide]

1 Faith symbol
2 History
3 Universal Sufi Orders
4 Sufism
5 The Purpose of Universal Sufism
6 Beliefs
o 6.1 The Coming World Religion
o 6.2 The Soul
o 6.3 Differences Between Religions
o 6.4 Jesus Christ
o 6.5 Muhammad
o 6.6 Karma
o 6.7 Ignorance
o 6.8 Attunement
7 Credal Statement
8 Respected teachers
9 Structure
10 Silsila
11 Sayings
12 Common Member Practices
13 Prayer
14 Sunrise or Waking Prayer
15 Mid Day Prayers
16 Evening Prayers
17 Additional Prayers
18 Universal Worship
19 Dhikr

20 Wazifa
21 Muraqaba
22 Dances of Universal Peace
23 Ryazat (breathing practice)
24 Ziraat
25 Initiation
26 The Temple
27 Festivals
28 Sacred texts
29 Quote from magazine
30 References
31 Notes
32 Gallery
o 32.1 Notable Figures
o 32.2 Notable Places
o 32.3 Random Pictures
33 Video Clips

34 External links

[edit] Faith symbol

The symbol of Universal Sufism is the Tughra Inayati or The Winged Heart.
Sufi orders frequently have a tughra (an Arabic word meaning finely ornamented
writing), which is emblematic calligraphy formed using the name of the founding patron
saint of the order, often in a unique shape related to the traditions of that order. The
dervish Hafizullah created this beautiful winged-heart calligraphy in honor of Inayat
Khan. The winged heart is an old Sufi symbol, and was chosen by Inayat Khan as the seal
of the 'Sufi Order of the West' at its founding in 1910. The original rendering of this
winged heart calligraphy was presented to Vilayat Inayat Khan on the occasion of his
73rd birthday.
The Arabic script of the wings (in mirror image of each other) reads: "Ya Hazrati Inayat",
with ya meaning "O" (an invocation, an invitation), and hazrati meaning "presence; a
respectful title similar to your majesty". It may also be interesting to note that the word
'Inayat means "guarding, preserving, taking care of; concern, care; a gift, a present".
The Arabic script of the heart reads: "qaddasa Allahu sirrahu", which is a traditional
phrase used when mentioning the name of a deceased Sufi saint. The word qaddas
means: "sanctify, hallow, glorify, venerate, revere". The word sirr means: "secret,
mystery, something concealed; secret thought, innermost thought", or, as the masterful
lexicon of E. W. Lane says, "private knowledge; something inserted in the interior; a
pleasure, or delight, and dilation of the heart, of which there is no external sign". The

Sufis often use the word sirr to describe the divine wonder discovered in the depths of the
un-veiled heart.
The phrase exoterically mean "may Allah sanctify his secret" or esoterically "may his
message spread", or "whose inner thought Allah made holy", or "whose heart Allah has
made pure".
The shape of the tughra symbolises that the heart desires heaven. The crescent in the
heart suggests the responsiveness and potential of the heart. The crescent represents the
responsiveness of the crescent moon to the light of the sun, for naturally it receives the
light and develops into a full moon. The explanation of the five-pointed star is that it
represents the divine light. For when the light comes, it has five points. It is the divine
light which is represented by the five-pointed star, and the star is reflected in the heart
which is responsive to the divine light. The heart which by its response has received the
divine light is liberated, as the wings show. In brief, the meaning of the symbol is that the
heart responsive to the light of God is liberated.[2]

[edit] History
Hazrat Inayat Khan is the founder of Universal Sufism, which he established while
traveling throughout the West between 1910 and 1926. His eldest son Vilayat Khan,
second son Hidayat Khan, and grandsons, Fazal Inayat-Khan, and Zia Khan are
commonly regarded as his successors. Hazrat Inayat Khan was originally a member of
the Chishti Sufi order, and some Universal Sufis still trace their Silsila (lineage) to the
Chishti order.[3]

[edit] Universal Sufi Orders

Sufi Inayat Khan passed away unexpectedly in 1927. Leadership of the Sufi Movement
he had founded first passed to his brother, Shaikh-ul-Mashaikh Maheboob Khan; in 1948
to his cousin, Pir-o-Murshid Ali Khan; in 1956 to his youngest brother, Pir-o-Murshid
Musharaff Khan; and in 1968 to his grandson, Pir-o-Murshid Fazal Inayat-Khan.
In the 1980s Murshid Fazal proposed a bifurcation between Sufi Movement and the Sufi
Way, which became a specific branch of Inayat Khans lineage founded by Murshid Fazal
in 1985. For an in-depth description of this history written by Murshid Fazal read
Western Sufism: The Sufi Movement, The Sufi Order International, and The Sufi Way )
Following the death in 1990 of Murshid Fazal, he was succeeded by the first woman
leader of the tariqah (path), Pirani Sitara Brutnell. She passed away in 2004, naming Pir
Elias Amidon as her successor.

In 1988 Hidayat Khan assumed the role of Representative General of the International
Sufi Movement, and Pir of its spiritual school.
At various times during the 20th century there were other disputes among Inayat Khans
mureeds about who should most rightfully be the next leader of the Sufi Movement.
Inayat Khans eldest son, Vilayat Inayat Khan, contended for many years that it was his
right, culminating in his establishing his own order, the Sufi Order International. His son
Zia Inayat-Khan assumed the role of leader of the Sufi Order International on 5 February
2000 following his father's death.
Another American mureed of Sufi Inayats, Samuel Lewis, also rose to prominence in the
late 1960s, and while not claiming leadership of the Sufi Movement, began his own
related order, the Sufi Ruhaniat International.
The richness and variety of teachings within the western Sufi tradition inspired by Inayat
Khan is a sign of its vitality.

[edit] Sufism
The word Sufi, according to Greek and Arabic etymologies, means 'wisdom' for the one,
and 'purity' for the other. However both concepts clearly suggest one and the same Truth.
Wisdom is only there when the mind is purified of preconceived ideas, the burdens of
dogma and an unrestful conscience. As to the origins of Sufism, one could say that it is
also just as ancient as the concepts of wisdom and purity, which have always been the
inspiration of devotional worship all down the ages. In reality, Sufism is the essence of all
religious ideals and has even been appropriated during different periods of history by
large cultural and religious streams, without ever losing its own universal identity.

[edit] The Purpose of Universal Sufism

Hazrat Inayat Khan set forth three goals that he hoped Universal Sufis would strive to
achieve. These are as follows:

To realize and spread the knowledge of Unity, the religion of Love, and Wisdom,
so that the biases and prejudices of faiths and beliefs may, of themselves, fall
away, the human heart overflow with love, and all hatred caused by distinctions
and differences be rooted out.

To discover the light and power latent in Humanity, the secret of all Religion, the
power of Mysticism, and the essence of Philosophy, without interfering with
customs and beliefs.

To help to bring the world's two opposite poles, East and West, close together by
the interchange of thought and ideals; that the Universal Family may form of

itself, and people meet with people beyond the narrow national and racial
boundaries.

[edit] Beliefs

Universal Sufis believe in Wahdat-ul-Wujood, which is a Panentheist view.

God is also understood as Universal Intelligence. The common Sufi term is Aql-i
Kulli (from the Arabic al-aql al-kulli).

Hazrat Inayat Khan termed God as Nur-Zahoor, he said that this universe is
nothing but a manifestation of the divine.

The Universal Intelligence manifests in the human consciousness as the Spirit of

guidance, which is equated with the "Word of God, the Logos." Through
meditation one can listen to this.

The Spirit of Guidance is somewhat similar to the idea of Buddha Nature.

Universal Sufis believe in an essential unity of the great religions of the world.
However, this does not mean they believe the various religious creeds and
doctrines are identical. Rather, they view all religions as having sprung from the
same spiritual source. The social and outer forms of different religions vary due to
the circumstances at the time that they were founded. Other differences in
doctrine and belief can be attributed to later accretions, after the death of the
founder.

Universal Sufism is a Universalist faith, as it believes that everyone will

eventually be "saved" or achieve union with God.

[edit] The Coming World Religion

Universal Sufism believes that there is no one religious belief which is true for all people
at all times, Hazrat Inayat Khan said that attempting to create new religions is like saying
"I wish to teach you new wisdom," Wisdom is simply Wisdom.
He said that the person who is conscious of honour, shame, sincerity, who is sympathetic
and shows devotion is the one who is "religious." The future religion would be one in
which people do not "believe" but live.

[edit] The Soul

Every person has a fundamental "essence", which does not end with death, but rather
goes on to further better itself, until finally it realises union with the Universal
Intelligence, which is in fact its true nature. Heaven and Hell are creations of the mind,

Heaven being Nirvana - and thus peace, and Hell being ignorance. The Sufi practices
teach one to realise oneself in this lifetime (this concept is linked to that of Sach Khand in
Sikhism and Jeevan Moksha in Hinduism). The concept of the soul is nearly identical to
the Hindu term Atman. Hazrat Inayat Khan stated that the Soul is the Intelligence being
"caught" by the mind and body, therefore Soul and Intellect are not two things, but One.
He also likened the soul to a tree; the same essence that gives life to the trunk also
animates the brances, the leaves and the seeds.

[edit] Differences Between Religions

The differences between religions and how they relate to different people at different
times can be explained allegorically using a quote from Layla and Majnun:
When someone said to Majnun, "Layla is not so beautiful as you think," he said "My
Layla must be seen with my eyes, if you wish to see how beautiful Layla is, you must
borrow my eyes."'

[edit] Jesus Christ

Khan tends to refer to the Holy Spirit in terms of the Spirit of Guidance, which is what a
major Sufi prayer called the Invocation is directed towards. This spirit and Jesus are
considered to be one; however, Universal Sufis believe this spirit to be manifest in all
beings. This belief has parallels in Quakerism (That of God in everyone, and the Inner
Light).
"The Christ-spirit cannot be explained in words. The omnipresent intelligence, which is
in the rock, in the tree, and in the animal, shows its gradual unfoldment in man. This is a
fact accepted by both science and metaphysics. The intelligence shows its culmination in
the complete development of human personality, such as the personality, which was
recognized in Jesus Christ by his followers."[4]

[edit] Muhammad
The historical Muhammad is seen as a person. However, the inner light or Noor and the
Spirit of Guidance which is present in all beings is viewed as the essence of all prophets
and divine beings.
To quote from the writings of Hazrat Inayat Khan,
Hazrat Ali said, 'The secret of God can be studied in His nature.' Every traveller on foot
as a rule lights his torch at the approach of night. So also this heavenly traveller. Seeing
darkness overwhelming Him in the lower spheres on His path, He lights a torch. It is the
light of this torch, which is called in the Qur'an, Noor Muhammadi, that has guided Him
to the surface, whence He could clearly discern and find His path back. To the knower's
eye, this Nur, this light, is the real Mohammed. This light it is which has beamed forth
through all the Masters of humanity and is known as the Light of Guidance. It is the

nature of every luminous object to shed light all around, and yet a particular beam of light
coming forth from it gives more illumination than light spread all around. This may be
seen in the light of the sun. The souls which happen to be in the zone of that beam of the
Light of Guidance, whether by intention or accident, have been known to the world as the
chosen ones of God. They saw God sooner, they heard Him more quickly than others,
they have been nearer to Him than others. They may be called the elect of God as it is
said in the Song to the Soul of the Saint: Before the righteous soul, Servant of God, even
the angels bend; His lotus feet the long-desired goal Where weary pilgrims find their
journeys end In pardon for their sin. Thus, as the saint God comes, and man is healed,
And fortunate that happy one, within Whose heart the mystic vision is revealed.
[5]

[edit] Karma
Inayat Khan did not speak of the term Karma, but he did refer to it using the terms "Law
of Reciprocity" (see Creedal Statement number 5). It can be explained thus:

Right and Wrong depend upon the attitude and situation, not upon the action
itself. None are innate but we have the ultimate choice between them.
Our actions echo back to us in the same form. Therefore Reciprocity is likened to
a dome. In order to have a good echo one emits good sound, and to have evil one
gives evil.
Because we "Live, Move and Have Our Being in God" everything we do must be
in awareness of this and therefore it is our duty to refresh the world and help to rid
it of negative action and rebound. This is why it is said that humans have freewill. If we blame God for the evil in the world, and say that he is responsible, in
truth it is us who are responsible because through us God has his experience,
through us God's will is done.
Hazrat Inayat Khan said "If you wish to be happy, think of the happiness of your
fellow human being"

[edit] Ignorance
Ignorance is the state of the mind when it is in darkness. When mental vibrations flow
into the astral plane, without conscious direction, it is called imagination; when they do
so under conscious direction, it is called thought. When the imagination is experienced
during sleep it is called a dream.

[edit] Attunement

Universal Sufis practice attunement to beings of a very high spiritual state, such as
prophets. They believe that the only way to lift themselves into the state of pure spirit
known as Malakut or Ananda is by emotion and attunement. They believe that this state
cannot be achieved independently but only by the inspiration of and attunement to a
spiritual person.
Religious and spiritual places aim to create the conditions through which attunement is
possible. Music is also used as an aid.
Universal Sufis believe that this spiritual state is not normally experienced by the average
person, but that sometimes one starts to sense it through things in our material state, such
as looking into the eyes of a baby, listening to classical music, through intense and pure
love etcThey believe that there is an inter-relationship between the two states. When
elements of the spiritual state are experienced through attunement, Universal Sufis
believe that these are actually also elements of our own being, and this is the start of the
journey towards full realisation of our true nature, that is to say Enlightenment.
Universal Sufism states that ultimately, it is attuning to the whole universe that raises one
to the spiritual state.

[edit] Credal Statement

Hazrat Inayat Khan set forth ten thoughts, which form the basic creed of Universal
Sufism:

There is one God the Eternal, the Only Being, None exists save God

There is one Master the Guiding Spirit of all souls, who constantly leads all
followers toward the Light

There is one Holy Book the Sacred Manuscript of Nature, the only Scripture that
can enlighten the reader

There is one Religion the unswerving progress in the right direction, toward the
Ideal, which fulfills the life's purpose of every soul

There is one Law the Law of Reciprocity, which can be observed by a selfless
conscience together with a sense of awakened justice

There is one Family, the Human Family, which unites the Children of Earth
indiscriminately in the Parenthood of God

There is one Moral Principle the Love which springs forth from a willing heart,
surrendered in service to God and Humanity, and which blooms in deeds of
beneficence

There is one Object of Praise, the Beauty which uplifts the heart of its worshipper
through all aspects, from the seen to the unseen

There is one Truth the true knowledge of our being, within and without, which is
the essence of Wisdom

There is one Path the effacement of the limited self in the Unlimited, which raises
the mortal to immortality, in which resides all Perfection

[edit] Respected teachers

Universal Sufis are encouraged to seek truth wherever they can find it. Most historical
figures, including both founders of great world religions as well as secular individuals,
are considered to be important teachers, worthy of veneration and respect. In the Hadiths
the Islamic prophet Muhammad stated that believers should 'Seek knowledge even unto
China,' and this is especially practiced by all Sufis.

[edit] Structure

A Universal Sufi initiate has an association with a spiritual teacher, or guide , who
prescribes individual spiritual practices for the intiate. From time to time, the Pir
(head of the Order) may prescribe practices for the Mureed (students) to do as
well.
There are Universal Sufi centers throughout America and other parts of the world,
with Center Representatives who provide classes and group practices. These are
often open to the public, not just initiates.
The clergy are called Cherags, 'Cherag means# Light Bearer in Persian, and it is
their function to help initiates to move towards enlightenment.
A Seraj is appointed to oversee the training of and to ordain Cherags.
The Universal Worship Service honors the world's spiritual traditions with
readings from the holy books of different religions. Cherags take a class in
learning about the different religions and the spiritual essence of these traditions.
Universal Sufis who have joined a movement are grouped into three different
orders whose leaders are the children or grandchildren of Hazrat Inayat Khan, the
most well-known are Pir Zia Inayat Khan and Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Pir
Hidayat Khan
The Federation of the Sufi Message, an association formed in 1997 is a nonhierarchical umbrella organization of Sufi Orders united in their devotion to
Hazrat Inayat Khan and the Sufi Message. It includes: The Sufi Order
International, The International Sufi Movement, The Sufi Ruhaniat International.
There are also various groups who do not adhere to any particular order, but who
are dedicated to the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, these often meet together
but are not affiliated to any organised form of Universal Sufism.

Sufi Order teachers undergo a rigorous and lengthy training and mentoring before
being authorized to teach by the Pir, and ongoing training and supervision is a
mandatory part of the function of a teacher in this Order.
Representatives and Guides are authorized to initiate into the Order, give
classes, and to give and guide the spiritual practices of initiates.
Coordinators give classes and perform other honored and valued service in the
activities of the Order. Coordinators are teachers-in-training but are not authorized
to give spiritual practices or initiations.
A Retreat Guide is someone specially-trained in guiding the process and
practices of individual and/or group Sufi spiritual retreat.
Healing Conductors are ordained and empowered to conduct a Healing Circle
in which they offer prayers for those who have requested healing.

Sufi Initiates, and also those as yet just exploring the Path, are encouraged to connect
with an authorized teacher to receive individualized guidance and instruction in the
teachings and practices of the Order.

[edit] Silsila
Below is The Chain of Transmission of the Universal Sufism up to Hazrat Inayat Khan.
The representation of the Chain of Transmission is called the "Shajara" ("Tree"). The
Shajara which appears here is that of Hazrat Inayat Khan's primary spiritual lineage,
though he was initiated into the four major Sufi lineages represented in India.
Silsila's always begin with God, so the 'Shajara' will begin with the name Allah, but in the
Universal Sufi context this should not be confined to the concept of Allah within Islam,
but should be seen as Universal Intelligence.

Hazrat Jlbrail
Hazrat Khwaja Muhammad Rasul Allah
Hazrat Khwaja Ali Wali Allah
Hazrat Khwaja Hasan Basri
Hazrat Khwaja Abd al-Wahid bin Zayd
Hazrat Khwaja Fuzayl bin Iyaz
Hazrat Khwaja Ibrahim Adham
Hazrat Khwaja Huzayfa Marishi
Hazrat Khwaja Hubayra Basri
Hazrat Khwaja Mumshad Ulu Dinwari
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Ishaq Shami
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Ahmad Abdal Chishti
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Muhammad Chishti
Hazrat Khwaja Abu Yusuf Chishti
Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Mawdud Chishti
Hazrat Khwaja Hajji Sharif Zindani

Hazrat Khwaja Usman Harvani

Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Sanjari-Ajmeri
Hazrat Khwaja Qutbuddin Masud Bakhtiyar Kaki
Hazrat Khwaja Fariduddin Ganj-i Shakar Ajhodani
Hazrat Khwaja Nizamuddin Mahbub Illahi Badauni
Hazrat Khwaja Nasiruddin Chiragh Dihlavi
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Kamaluddin Allama
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Sirajuddin
Hazrat Shaykh al-Masha'ikh Ilmuddin
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Mahmud Rajan
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Jamaluddin Jamman
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Hasan Muhammad
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Muhammad Azam
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Yahya Madani
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Shah Kalim Ullah Jahanabadi
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Nizamuddin Awrangabadi
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Maulana Fakhruddin
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Ghulam Qutbuddin
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Nasiruddin Mahmud Kali Shah
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Muhammad Hasan Jili Kalimi
Hazrat Shaykh al-Mashaikh Abu Hashim Madani
Hazrat Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan[6]

[edit] Sayings
Some of Inayat Khan's most famous sayings are:

"Shatter your ideals on the rock of Truth."

"There is nothing valuable except what we value in life."
"In a small affair or in a big affair, first consult yourself and find out if there is
any conflict in your own being about anything you want to do. And when you find
no conflict there, then feel sure that a path is already made for you. You have but
to open your eyes and take a step forward, and the other step will be led by God."
"The difference between the divine and the human will is like the difference
between the trunk of a tree and its branches. As from the boughs other twigs and
branches spring, so the will of one powerful individual has branches going
through the will of other individuals. So there are the powerful beings, the masters
of humanity. Their will is God's will, their word is God's word, and yet they are
branches, because the trunk is the will of the Almighty. Whether the branch be
large or small, every branch has the same origin and the same root as the stem."
"The more one studies the harmony of music, and then studies human nature, how
people agree and how they disagree, how there is attraction and repulsion, the
more one will see that it is all music."
"Reason is the illusion of reality."

[edit] Common Member Practices

Sufis pray three times using the prayers given by Pir Hazrat Inayat Khan in a
spirit of meditation.
Sufis meditate and perform inner dhikr (remembrance of God.)
Universal Sufis upon initiation do not consume drugs, although drinking alcohol
and smoking tobacco are matters of the indivdual Sufi's personal choice.
Sufis are expected to lead a healthy life and keep a healthy diet.

The religious life of a Universal Sufi values the worth of one's family culture which is not
disregarded, no conversion is required to become a Universal Sufi, merely a dedication to
its teachings.

[edit] Prayer
Hazrat Inayat Khan recommended reciting the Confraternity Prayers daily in a state of
meditation. There is no Qibla, therefore, a Universal Sufi does not face any specific
direction.
The three Sufi prayers are read at Sunrise, Midday and Sunset respectively.

[edit] Sunrise or Waking Prayer

Includes:

Invocation

Saum

A Prayer of the Gayatri

Dhikr of "May the Message of God reach far and wide". Recited eleven times.

Pir

Prayer for the Universel

[edit] Mid Day Prayers

Invocation

Salat

A Prayer of the Gayatri

"Pour upon us Thy Love and Thy Light" Recited eleven times.

Nabi

Prayer for the Universal

Prayer for Peace

[edit] Evening Prayers

Invocation

Khatum

A Prayer of the Gayatri

"Disclose to us Thy Divine Light". Recited eleven times.

Rasul

Prayer for the Universel

[edit] Additional Prayers

Nayaz - The Healing Prayer, recited after early morning breathing practices.

Beloved Lord, Almighty God! Through the rays of the Sun, through the waves of the air,
Through the Allpervading Life in space, Purify and revivify me, and I pray, heal my
body, heart and soul.
Amen

Nazr - Recited as a blessing at mealtimes.

O Thou, Sustainer of our body, heart, and soul, Bless all that we receive In thankfulness.
Amen

Dowa

Save me, my Lord, from the earthly passions and the attachments that blind mankind.

Save me, my Lord, from the temptations of power, fame and wealth, which keep man
away from Thy Glorious Vision.
Save me, my Lord, from the souls who are constantly occupied in hurting and harming
their fellow-man, and who take pleasure in the pain of another.
Save me, my Lord, from the evil eye of envy and jealousy, which fall upon Thy Bountiful
Gifts.
Save me, my Lord, from falling into the hands of the playful children of the earth; they
might use me in their games; they might play with me and then break me in the end, as
children destroy their toys.
Save me, my Lord, from all manner of injury that cometh from the bitterness of my
adversaries and from the ignorance of my loving friends.
Amen

Namaz-e Norooz (Prayer for New Year)

O Thou who abidest in our hearts, most Merciful and Compassionate God, Lord of
Heaven and Earth, we forgive others their trespasses and ask Thy forgiveness of our
shortcomings. We begin the New Year with pure heart and clear conscience, with courage
and hope. Help us to fulfil the purpose of our lives under Thy divine guidance.

[edit] Universal Worship

Cherags perform the Universal Worship Service regularly, in which readings are taken
from the various religious traditions, and candles lit in honour of each religion. Each
religion is given a relevant meaning. Meditations and Dance also occur during the
Universal Worship. The Universal Worship can be performed by anybody and is inclusive
of all people. Weddings, Funerals and Baby Dedications are performed during a
Universal Worship Service.

[edit] Dhikr
Universal Sufis practice Dhikr, otherwise spelt Zikr or Zikar. Dhikr is literally
"remembering." It is the religious ceremony, or act of devotion, which is practised by the
various Sufi orders.
Universal Sufi Dhikr differs from the Islamic form of Dhikr, widening the scope of the
term to encompass remembrance of the spiritual in all forms. Dhikr formulas are usually
given specifically to each individual murid, and their formulas are kept private.

The Sikh belief in Nam is very closely linked to the Universal Sufi belief "that God
existed before the creation of the universe. The name of God is therefore beyond the
language structure created by mankind. The Nam is the internal rhythm that a person
experiences is the true nature of God."
There are any number of practices from the various traditions which focus on energy and
kundalini. However there seems to be a danger of putting the cart before the horse and
losing one's way. Hazrat Inayat Khan advised that the best way is to focus on God and to
let enlightenment follow, as opposed to focusing on enlightenment in order to find God
(Jesus Christ is famed for giving this advice when he said "Seek First the Kingdom of
God, and all other things shall be added unto you"). So rather than focusing on kundalini
one might focus on God. Perhaps, then, do the practice which aides in kundalini, but only
with a God focus. Thus this first intention may aide in the balanced unfoldment of
spiritual attributes.
Focusing on God can be difficult for some. Here the Sufi way is to focus on the highest
ideal of God one can conceptualize. And even perhaps to conceptualize is an intermediate
step. Once the heart is sufficiently open, it is perhaps easier to feel or even sense God
than it is to conceptualize God. God love is something that can be felt and even sensed.
Experienced. To stay in tune with this is perhaps the Sufi way. To stay in tune with this
and then to let the spiritual attributes follow as Jesus said. So perhaps the best practice is
attunement to God love, then all the other practices will facilitate growth from that in
proper order. Even to love God is an exercise in subject-object experience. Though this
aides growth very much and could be employed as a first step, the Sufi tries to go beyond
this subject-object love and into this love. The Sufi says God is love, lover, and beloved.
In other words God is the object, God is the subject, and God is the love experienced
between the two. So definitely the practice is to be it, to be in it. Perhaps this is the
primary practice.

[edit] Wazifa
The qualities of God, which in Universal Sufi terms are the aspects of Nature, can be
evoked, understood, felt, and seen through the repetition of Wazifas, the Divine Names
and Attributes of Gpd/ This is done either aloud or in silent thought, and the Sufi's only
duty in this regard is to simply hold the quality itself up so that his or her consciousness
can perceive it. Cherags, initiators and dance leaders must learn how to use wazifas as a
psychological prescription to meet the needs of the individual Sufis or groups of Sufis
who are their mureeds. Each mureed must learn to recognize divine attributes, both their
place in nature and their function in the self and in others.
The repeated phrases which follow some of the daily prayers are Wazifas.
Description of Wazifa Practice

The practice of Wazifa has a particular form and focus. Sitting cross legged on the floor
with straight back and eyes closed, the participant begins by reciting the Invocation of
Hazrat Inayat Khan:
Toward the One, The perfection of Love, Harmony and Beaty, The Only being, United
with all the Illuminated Souls who form the embodiment of the master, The Spirit of
Guidance.
If performed by a group, the participants are in a circle and join the Wazifa leader in the
Invocation. After a short pause, the music begins with an introduction of several
repetitions of the musical phrase. A bell cues the beginning of the chanted section which
is approximately 10 minutes long. The words of the sacred phrase are sung to a melody
that is different for each Wazifa. Some of the compositions have secondary melodies. As
long as there are sufficient voices in a group to maintain a strong primary melody, some
participants may choose to sing "Allah" or "Hu" to the secondary melody.
During the singing, the particpant may concentrate on a particular point and imagine a
colour at that point. Each Wazifa has its own focus and colour: the tip of the nose with the
colour yellow, the bridge of the nose, green, the centre of the forehead, red, the top of the
head, blue, and above the head, a smoky grey colour.
The end of the singing is cued with the sound of a bell after which the tempo gradually
slows to a stop. There follows a three minute meditation which ends with the sound of a
Tibetan Bowl being struck. When the sound of the bowl has died away, the group rises
with the Wazifa leader. Each participant then bows to the Divine Presence in the middle
of the circle. The bow is performed by placing the right hand on the left shoulder, the left
hand on the right shoulder and by bending (without exaggeration) toward the centre

[edit] Muraqaba
Muraqaba is the Sufi word for meditation. Literally it means "to watch over", "to take
care of", or "to keep an eye". Metaphorically, it implies that with meditation, a person
watches over or takes care of his spiritual heart (or soul), and acquires knowledge about
it, its surroundings, and its creator.
Types of Muraqaba
Beginner level muraqabas
1. Muraqaba of light
These are usually used for beginners, or for cure of various diseases.

Violet
Indigo
Blue

Torquise
Green
Yellow
Orange
Pink
Red

1. Excellence
2. Invisible Light
3. Word - the Logos or Christ, the unheard sound of the universe.
4. Names of God -- For getting acquaintance with attributes of God
5. The Unity of the Divine, the Universal Intelligence.
Middle Level Muraqabas
1. Death-- For getting acquaintance with life after Death
2. Heart-- For getting acquaintance with the Spiritual Heart
3. Unity-- For getting acquaintance with the reason behind cosmic unity i.e. God's will
4. Nothingness-- For getting acquaintance with material lessness, or the immaterial
universe (Pre-existence-- Next level of Muraqaba of Nothingness)
5. Annihilation-- Annihilation of Self, getting acquaintance with the alpha and omega of
the universe.
High Level Muraqabas
1. Focusing the mind on the Spirit of Guidance-- To facilitate the transfer of spiritual
knowledge from our inner guide.
2. Focusing the mind on the prophets-- To facilitate the transfer of arcane spiritual
knowledge from prophet to student. For Muslims, this focussing of mind is done on
Muhammad. For people following other religions, their particular holy figures are used to
focus mind upon.
3. Focusing the Mind on God-- With the help of this Muraqaba, the student experiences
the interconnectedness of all beings in God.

[edit] Dances of Universal Peace

The Dances of Universal Peace are a form of spiritual meditative dance conducted in the
company of a number of other dancers in a circle. The dances draw on all the worlds
spiritual traditions and are led by a teacher who plays guitar or drum accompaniment.
Each dance usually has a chant which is sung as the dance is performed.
The emphasis is on participation regardless of ability, the dances are almost never
performed before an audience. Dancers of all levels of ability dance together and each
dance it usually taught afresh at each performance.
The practise of the dance is intended to develop the participants' spiritual awareness,
awareness of their own body and awareness of the presence of others.
They were originally performed at camps and meetings in a distinctly New Age and
countercultural context, but in the 21st century, they have increasingly come to be offered
in schools, colleges, prisons, hospices, residential homes for those with special needs, and
holistic health centres.
The Dances of Universal Peace were first formulated in the late 1960s by Samuel L.
Lewis (1896-1971). They were first performed in California, but have developed into a
global movement.
Lewis' original dances were strongly influenced by the Sema of the Whirling Dervishes
and Alevis, as well as by Zen Buddhist traditions. Since then, dances have been added
which draw on the teachings and histories of many religious and spiritual traditions,
including most of the major world religions and Native American religion.

[edit] Ryazat (breathing practice)

Ryazat incorproates the elements of Sufi breathing practice include Healing Breaths,
forms of kasab, shaghal, and amal. A Sufi learns the difference between refined and
coarse breathing and how that affects their body, as well as the difference between a
breath which emphasizes the right or left nostril, inhalation or exhalation. Breath is
learned as darood (mindfulness) for walking, as an aid for various physical and mental
activities, as an aid for vision, as a doorway for deep meditation, as a source of prana(life
force), and as an oracle.

[edit] Ziraat
Inaugurated in 1926 by Hazrat Inayat Khan, Ziraat uses the symbols and dynamic
processes of agriculture as ways of describing the inner life, and as ways of finding a
bridge between the spiritual and material worlds.
Ziraat is a heart-based approach to gardening and food production outwardly, and to
spiritual growth inwardly. The heart, like the earth, is regarded as sacred soil to be
prepared for planting. Rocks and roots are removed; last year's stubble is plowed under.

New seed is placed in the furrow. Sunshine and rain attend the turning of the seasons, and
the ancient cycles of sowing, growth, fruition and harvest are realized in ourselves and in
our gardens and farms.
Ziraat is an initiatic school, open to all who feel a commitment to spiritual awakening and
to the protection of this sacred world. It is an activity of the Sufi Order International, but
one need not be a member of the Sufi Order to join. Initiation in Ziraat confirms a pledge
to affirm and cultivate the divine seed within our being, and thereby to help in the
preservation and restoration of our world.
To a little band of sowers has been given a handful of living grain. Faithfully it must be
sown; surely, it will be reaped; and the harvest shall be for the sustenance of all. ...
.Hazrat Inayat Khan.
Although in essence, even after touching the deepest depths of the earth, the soul is
divine, in order to realize for itself that Divine Element it has a task waiting even after
being human. It is the manner in which that task is accomplished, and the object gained
which is called Ziraat......... Hazrat Inayat Khan.

[edit] Initiation
Initiation on a spiritual path signifies ones desire to undergo a spiritual training. Those
who do not elect to make this formal commitment, however, are fully welcome to
participate in the teachings and programs offered by the Universal Sufi Orders. Those
who choose to mark their commitment by initiation are known as mureeds (students).
Initiation only means a step forward, a step which should be taken with hope and
courage, for without courage and hope it would be most difficult to take any forward step.
- Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan
Initiation into a Universal Sufi order demonstrates ones sincerity in entering the Sufi
path, strengthens ones powers to do so, and confers a blessing upon the pupil which
enables progress. This initiation is the linking of the individual Sufi student with the
chain of masters and teachers stretching back through the ages. The link so formed is of
lifetime duration and forges a solemn bond, similar to the practice of baptism.
One may be initiated into a Universal Sufi Order by one of its Representatives. Those
interested in initiation are encouraged to select a Representative with whom they feel a
deep trust and respect, for those qualities are necessary to facilitate the training offered.
The Initiate receives spiritual practices from her/his initiator which are designed to
promote spiritual realization, facilitate the unfoldment of his/her being and assist in
meeting lifes challenges and demands. The practices are not compulsory, but are given
as a gift.

The only regulation which initiates are asked to observe is a restriction on the use of nonmedical drugs. It is Pir Vilayats belief that drugs can interfere with the practices and
spiritual training offered to a student.
An initiate in a Universal Sufi order is called a Mureed. A 'mureed' is welcome to be
initiated into or to participate in other traditions, however, it is advised that a student
receive his/her daily practices from only one guide and consult their Universal Sufi guide
about practices he/she is doing from other Orders or traditions. The intention is to
safeguard the well being of the student, so he/she is not confused by mixing practices that
may not be complementary.[7]

[edit] The Temple

The Central Temple of Universal Sufism is Universel Murad Hassil in Katwijk District,
The Netherlands. The building was devised by the Dutch architect S.J. of Embden.
The temple is an international centre where universal worship, brotherhood days and
other meetings take place. Also several (traditional) concerts are given and take place
here as well as the annual summer schools. Construction of the temple was started in
1969. The building is a simple square in basis and the cupola is gold. The cupola has a
typically oriental form.

[edit] Festivals
For Universal Sufis all days are holy, and the local culture and personal taste determines
which festivals are celebrated at home. Universal Sufis communally celebrate several
festivals:

February 5th: Urs of Hazrat Inayat Khan.

July 5th: Viladat Day, Hazrat Inayat Khan's birthday.
13 September: Hejirat Day, the date Hazrat Inayat Khan left his native India to
bring Sufism to the West.
June 17th: Urs of Vilayat Inayat Khan.

[edit] Sacred texts

Universal Sufis accept as sacred all the world scriptures, seeing them as steps that guide
toward the Ocean of Being. The scriptures are read in the Universal Worship Service,
with accompanying meditations. The scriptures of the world religions are not viewed as
directly the "word of God" but are seen as "inspired" by the Spirit of Guidance.
Universal Sufis do have several volumes, written by Inayat Khan, which are used in
services, the Universal Sufi Prayers are drawn from them, and they are used in personal
reflection. They include: (books within volumes listed below volume titles in bullets)

THE WAY OF ILLUMINATION

The Way of Illumination

The Inner Life
The Soul Whence and Whither?
The Purpose of Life

THE MYSTICISM OF SOUND AND MUSIC

Music
Aphorisms
The Mysticism of Sound
Cosmic Language
The Power of the Word

THE ART OF PERSONALITY

Education
Life's Creative Forces: Rasa Shastra
Character and Personality
Moral Culture

HEALING AND THE MIND WORLD

Health
Healing
Mental Purification
The Mind World

SPIRITUAL LIBERTY

A Sufi Message of Spiritual Liberty

Aquibat, Life After Death
Love, Human and Divine
Pearls from the Ocean Unseen
Metaphysics

THE ALCHEMY OF HAPPINESS

IN AN EASTER ROSE GARDEN
SUFI TEACHINGS

Healing and Order of Body and Mind

The Privilage of Being Human

THE UNITY OF RELIGIOS IDEALS

Religion
The Spiritual Hierarchy
Prophets and Religions
The Message and the Messenger
The Sufi Movement

THE PATH OF INITIATION

Sufi Mysticism
The Path of Initiation and Discipleship
Sufi Poetry
Art: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
The Problem of the Day

PHILOSOPHY, PSYCHOLOGY, MYSTICISM

Philosophy
Psychology
Mysticism in Life

THE VISION OF GOD AND MAN

The Vision of God and Man

Confessions: Autobiographical Essays of Hazat Inayat Khan

THE GATHAS
THE SMILING FOREHEAD
SAYINGS OF HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN

Gayan
Vadan
Nirtan
Aphorisms
Bowl of Saki

[edit] Quote from magazine

Universal Sufism is described in an article in the magazine Rays from the Rose Cross, in
November 1917, entitled The Sufi Mystics. The author introduces this article by saying
that the reports of those who have studied them [the Sufis] all laud their transcendent
spirituality. "They are not Rosicrucian, but they have Wisdom, for all that", and he states
the reader will undoubtedly profit from reading about these wise men. He adds: There is a
striking analogy between the Sufis in their relation to Mohammedanism and the medieval
Alchemists in their relation to the then dominant church. Both Sufis and the Alchemists
had the leaven of truth and both were forced to hide it under symbols and signs.

[edit] References
1. ^ Wahhab David Sheets, http://www.cheraglibrary.org/lamp/lamp3-1-1.htm
2. ^ Hidayat Inayat Khan, The Meaning of the Flying Heart,
http://www.sufimovement.org/
3. ^ http://www.centrum-universel.com/silsilae.htm
4. ^ According to The Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Volume 9:
5. ^ http://sufimessage.com/the-way-of-illumination/nur-zahur.html
6. ^ http://www.centrum-universel.com/silsilae.htm
7. ^ Pir Zia Inayat-Khanhttp://www.centrum-universel.com/Home2.htm
^Universal Sufism, H.J. Witteveen ISBN 1-86204-093-1, Element Books Ltd (September
1997)
Biography of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan, East-West Publications, 1979
A Pearl in Wine: Essays on the Life, Music and Sufism of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Omega,
2001
^http://wahiduddin.net/hik/hik_origins.htm, a brief biography of Hazrat Inayat Khan
^ The Mysticism of Sound and Music, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Shambhala Dragon Editions.
ISBN 1-57062-231-0, Revised September 3, 1996
^Wisdom of Sufism - Sacred Readings from the Gathas, Hazrat Inayat Khan, Houghton
Mifflin (P); Revised edition, ISBN 1-86204-700-6, May 2000
^http://www.iis.ac.uk/glossary_list.asp?f=a&t=c&l=en
^Murshid Samuel Lewis's' commentaries on the Gathas: Pasi Anfas Series

[edit] Notes
1. ^ Wahhab David Sheets, http://www.cheraglibrary.org/lamp/lamp3-1-1.htm

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

^ Hidayat Inayat Khan, The Meaning of the Flying Heart, http://www.sufimovement.org/

^ http://www.centrum-universel.com/silsilae.htm
^ According to The Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan, Volume 9:
^ http://sufimessage.com/the-way-of-illumination/nur-zahur.html
^ http://www.centrum-universel.com/silsilae.htm
^ Pir Zia Inayat-Khanhttp://www.centrum-universel.com/Home2.htm

^ Biography of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan, p.221-222. Online reference found at: The
Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan: Part III - Journal and Anecdotes ^ Carl Ernst and
Bruce Lawrence, Sufi Martyrs of Love, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2002, p.142.
ISBN 1-4039-6027-5.

[edit] Gallery
[edit] Notable Figures

Hazrat Inayat Khan, Founder of

Pir Musharaff
Pir Maheboob Khan
Universal Sufism
Khan

Pir Mohammed Ali

Khan

Pir Samuel Lewis

Pir Zia InayatKhan

Pir Elias Amidon

Pir Vilayat Inayat

Pir Fazal Khan

Pir Hidayat Inayat Khan

Khan

[edit] Notable Places

View of Hazrat
Outside view of
Inayat Khan's Dargah Inayat Khan's Tomb

The Universal Sufi

Altar in Katwijk
Temple

Inside the Universal thumb|Murad Hassil,

Universal Sufi Temple
Sufi Temple

170px|Sufi temple

[edit] Random Pictures

Members of one of the Universal Sufi orders doing SemahUniversal Worship Altar

[edit] Video Clips

An Introduction to Universal Sufism by Martin Williams DiMaggio

http://www.youtube.com/v/zxQ0oDBrEYY
Memories of Hazrat Inayat Khan: http://www.youtube.com/v/auPrLx3gCRI
HuDost Sweet Kind Sublime Live: http://www.youtube.com/v/Vbvuil2M0IM
Zikr at the Dargah of Hazrat Inayat Khan: http://www.youtube.com/v/UA3ELvGJuvA
Night Zikr at the Dargah of Hazrat Inayat Khan: http://www.youtube.com/v/Ejgd0EBJ8rg
MALE FEMALE ZIKR: http://www.youtube.com/v/XWKaWcsL7Sw
Ways of devotion by Allaudin Ottinger: http://www.youtube.com/v/8Vrc4bvQXRU
Ya Salaam Ya Hadi Lava dance Camp: http://www.youtube.com/v/7sZpvv5eVls
Dances of Universal Peace: http://www.youtube.com/v/mqgKRzdLdh4
Ozark Sufi camp 2006: http://www.youtube.com/v/Ec10AFGESKA
The Sufi Prayer "Khatum:" http://www.youtube.com/v/2zJ9X-Z4ngI
End of Sufi Camp Prayer: http://www.youtube.com/v/VvE_abVH6zE
Ar Rahman Ar Rahim Allah Allah Zikr: http://www.youtube.com/v/M4Xd373BZPk
What is Sacred ~ What We Find Beautiful Wali Ali:
http://www.youtube.com/v/Mzv5mSGeZUI
Zahir, The theory of music: http://www.youtube.com/v/eC57KpEsr5c
Shahabuddin David Less Shares his thoughts about Words & Sounds:
http://www.youtube.com/v/N2aPH4k03I8

[edit] External links

Sufi Order International

Sufi Ruhaniat International
Sufi Movement International
[1] Audio Qawwali in honour of Inayat Khan, with lyrics.
The Cherag Library - A central website for the Cherags (ministers) and religious
community
Biography and selected Writings
The Abode of the Message
Toward The One

Wahiduddin.Net
[2] Nice video in honour of Hazrat Inayat Khan
[3]
The Sufi Message of Hazrat Inayat Khan online
Triangle Sufi Center
Toward The One
The Chishti Website
Biography and selected Writings
The Abode of the Message
A Short Biography of Hazrat Inayat Khan
[4] Example of a Universal Worship Service.
[5]

Universalism

[hide]
vde

Topics in Islamic Sufism

Ihsan Lataif Cosmology Tajalli Noor Maqaam Haal Manzil
Yaqeen Fanaa Baqaa Haqiqah Marifah Wahdat-ul-Wujood
Practices Dhikr Muraqaba Sema Qawwali Sufi whirling Hadhra
Qadri Chishti Ashrafi Malamati Mevlevi Naqshbandi Oveyssi
Sufi orders
Rifa'i Shadhili Suhrawardi Tijani Universal Sufism List of tariqas
Oveys Qarni Hasan Basri Bayazid Jazouli Junayd Abulkhair
Dhul Nun Ghazali Jilani Ibn Arabi Hallaj Rumi Saadi Attar
Famous Jami Sanai Shabistari Suhrawardi Nizamudin Data Gunj Gharib
medieval Sufis Nawaz Khusro Bakhtiar Kaki Rabia Baba Farid Kabir Alf Sani
Shah Waliullah Bhittai Ata Allah Zarruq Gajadwani Hamdani
Yesevi Kubra Emre Semnani Haddad
Salaheddin Ali Nader Shah Angha Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri Hisham
Kabbani Muhammad Maliki Keller Abdalqadir as-Sufi Idries
Famous
Shah Inayat Khan Kabir Helminski Sadegh Angha Shamsuddin
modern Sufis
Azeemi Reshad Feild Ahmad al-Alawi Muzaffer Ozak Bawa
Muhaiyaddeen Kuscuoglu Omar Shah Haeri
Chittick Ernst Sells Corbin Schimmel Gunon Nasr
Sufi studies
Burckhardt Schuon Lings
Sufi texts History Sufi poetry Sufi art Sufi Music Sufi Fiction
Miscellaneous
Shrines
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universal_Sufism"
Sufi philosophy

Categories: Sufi orders | Religious faiths, traditions, and movements | Universal Sufism

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