Sufism Symposium History

Sufism Symposium History

The First Sufism Symposium
1994: A History of Sufism

An audience of about 500 came to share in presentations from over 30 Sufis, scholars and Orders, including Bawa Muhaiyadden Fellowship, Beshara Foundation, The Dances of the Universal Peace, Halveti-Jerrahi Order, Ibn ‘Arabi Society, Mevlevi Order, Naqshbandi Order, Qadiri Rifa’i, Sufi Order in the West, The Sufi Movement, The Sufi Islamia Ruhaniat Society, Tijaniyya Order, Uwaiysi Tarighat, John F. Kennedy University, and many others. Each presenter brought a unique gift to the gathering, enriching attendees with a special experience. From the opening prayer led by Sheikh Ahmed Tijani of the Tijaniyya Order of Ghana to the final presentation of turning, music, and Rumi’s poetry by the Mevlevi Order of America, the diverse talks and workshops offered something new for everyone.

Throughout the weekend, the history and growth of Sufism was explored, from its origins to the development of many orders in different parts of the world and its message for today. While no session was entitled “What is Sufism?,” this theme was emerged in the opening statements by Seyyedeh Dr. Nahid Angha, co-founder of the International Association of Sufism. Ahamed Muhaiyadden explained the fundamental teachings of Bawa Muhaiyadden, and Kamil Erdal introduced The Circle of Nur-al Jerrahi. Leili First spoke about the origins of Sufism during the time of the Prophet Mohammed, followed by Sheikh Hisham Al-Kabbani presentation on the Golden Chain of the Naqshbandi Order. Sheikh Taner Vargonen, originally from Tarsus, detailed the history of the Qadiri Rifa’i Order, a joining of the two oldest Sufi Orders, while Sheikh Vasheest Devenport of the Sami Mahal Sufi Center introduced the life and teachings of Inayat Khan.

Ellen Hammerle, a member of the International Association of Sufism, led a workshop on meditation, guiding participants into the deep inner silence necessary for spiritual travel. Nawab Pasnak, from the Sufi Movement of Canada, explored Sufism’s message for the world today, sharing examples from the teachings of Inayat Khan. John Mercer, Secretary of the Ibn ‘Arabi Society in the United States, gave an inspiring and scholarly talk on the life and writings of Ibn ‘Arabi, which also included an introduction to the Beshara Foundation by Nikos Yiangou. Michael Newman, of the International Association of Sufism, delved into the principles of Sufism, the foundation of the Sufi path.

The special turning practices of the Mevlevi Order were demonstrated by followers of Jelaluddin Loras. Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz showed how the combination of movement and music helps individuals find their center and from that point to reach beyond. Martha Burk, a photographer for the International Association of Sufism explored how the visual arts can elevate consciousness. Readings from Sufi poets were woven throughout many of the presentations, with a particularly moving performance of Rumi’s work by Dorothy Fadiman, accompanied by Jan Lovett-Keen on flute and Shams Kairys on violin. Dr. David Katz of the Bawa Muhaiyadden Fellowship shared how Sufi teachings influenced his understanding of medical practice, while Dr. Elson Haas discussed how fasting and a balanced diet contribute to spiritual well-being on the Sufi path.

Salman Baruti of the International Association of Sufism introduced the universal practice of prayer for the first time at the gathering. Three well-attended talks explored the relationship between the Sufi path and modern psychology: Leslie Davenport discussed transpersonal psychology, while Yannis Toussulis and Dr. Robert Frager examined the Jungian approach.

One of the weekend’s highlights was the Saturday night zikr, which included all participating Sufi Orders. Another was Dr. Nahid Angha’s groundbreaking role in paving the way for Muslim women to participate in the inner circle of traditionally male-oriented Muslim Sufi rituals when she sat in the center circle—historically reserved for male leaders—leading meditation. Dr. Angha has continued her work ever since, fostering peaceful global dialogue within Sufi communities and elevating the influence of women in traditional Sufi gatherings.

Saturday night, featured a special zikr led by Sheikh Tijani, with contributions from representatives of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order, Mevlevi Order, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship, Uwaiysi Tarighat, Circle of Nur-al Jerrahi, Sufi Order in the West, Dances of Universal Peace, Halveti-Jerrahi, Sufi Islamia Ruhaniat Society, and others. Symposium attendees All were accompanied by the moving participation of the Symposium attendees—both seasoned Sufis and novices—joined in the powerful experience, creating a moment that will be remembered by all.

The Symposium itself embodied the essence of the Sufi way of life, bringing together speakers from diverse backgrounds, united by a common thread. Just as we are all manifestations of the One, every presentation reflected a shared message. Throughout the weekend, there was a consistent invitation to transcend boundaries and receive the direct knowledge that is the birthright of every human being.

The International Association of Sufism thanks everyone who contributed their time, energy and dedication to make the first Sufism Symposium an extraordinary success.

Sufism Symposium History

1995: Practices and Principles of Sufism

On April 1, 1995, I found myself in San Francisco, surrounded by people from around the world who had come back together for the second Sufism Symposium. In that moment, I was transported back to the origins Sufism, to the time of the people of Suffa. Just as the people of Suffa had gathered from diverse cultures to hear the message of unity, so too had the participants of the Sufism Symposium assembled with the same purpose.

That Saturday and Sunday, April 1 and 2, attendees—full of warm gestures and admirable discipline—began arriving early in the morning to secure their places in the grand ballroom of the Cathedral Hill Hotel, where the Symposium was held. For the first time in my life, I witnessed so many people from different lands and diverse schools of Sufism gathered in one place. These seekers of the inner knowledge of Islam were deeply respectful, graceful, and honorable. Their politeness, generosity, discipline, friendship, and reverence were astonishing. It reminded me of the saying, “Only the knowledgeable are truly humble.”

This was truly a Symposium, a gathering of the “Wine Drinkers” —spiritual seekers enraptured by the pure wine of the Divine. As the scripture says, “Their Lord will give them to drink of a pure wine.” These were the lovers of the Divine, the Faqirs, the enchanted ones, intoxicated by the overwhelming love of the Divine. In the winery of their hearts, where the Divine serves as both the Wine Bearer and the Source of the wine, the Sufi becomes the one who is joyously drunk on this sacred love.

Khayam said:
Bring to me Wine, the life-giving Wine;
Pour ecstasy into my cup, excuse my desire.

Hafez sang:
Oh Wine bearer bring the Wine,
Come and offer it to all.

And Shah Maghsoud Sadiq Angha proclaimed:
Those ruined drunkards with the eternal Wine,
All drunk to the end of all through their own gaze.
These Sufis drink the vintage of Unity.

Released from the duality through the realization of their Unity, these Sufis brought forth their gifts of rapture and oneness, offering them to all. It was truly a Symposium of Divine Beauty.

As the Symposium began, eager and open-hearted attendees filled the ballroom. A profound silence settled over the audience, as though everyone was in the state of meditation. Then, suddenly, a beautiful voice echoed through the room, reciting: La ilaha illa Allah, Mohammedan rasul Allah—”There is no god except Allah and Mohammed is His Messenger.” This powerful voice swept the audience into the state of ecstasy, uniting seekers of the Divine, searchers of truth, lovers of the eternal Beloved, the faithful, believer, scholar, and artists to the state of unity and ecstasy.

Sheikh Tijani, a Sufi from Africa—where the first pillar of civilization was laid— delivered this sacred message in the most captivating way. His outer appearance was striking in clothing beautiful, but it was his inner beauty that left the deepest impression on all who were present. Majestic before the crowd, he invited everyone to contemplate Divine unity and witness Divine beauty. Like the voices of the people of Suffa, he words will find their true listeners over time and his message will become eternal in the hearts of those who are deserving.

I witnessed that, even after fourteen centuries, the hearts of the pure from within the inner circle of the Prophet still beat with longing for unity. For the first time in the history of Sufism, an organization has been established that transcends the confines of prejudice, bringing together Sufis from diverse schools to celebrate the profound beauty and remarkable legacy of Sufism. As Sheikh Vasheest so eloquently wrote in The Sound, “This conference series is a major contribution to Sufism, and the International Association of Sufism directors and staff must be remembered in our hearts and in our prayers for their vision and hard work in preparing this incomparable gift to us all” (The Sound, April Issue, p. 7).

This is the first time this most noble association has come together to bring the spirit of religion to one of the most technologically advanced societies. The peaceful messages and soothing insights offered here transcend the material world’s attachments.

The hard work of the Association culminated in a remarkable gathering, bringing masters of various Sufi orders from distant and nearby lands to share their knowledge of tasawouf, and express their experience and wisdom. Attendees ranged from those familiar with Sufism to those new to its teachings, yet these teachers and organizers made everyone feel at home. One attendee shared a note written to him about the Symposium:

“I came to this conference and spent the whole day among many Sufi members and teachers and listened to them. At first, I felt out of place, surrounded by people who looked foreign to me, with their accents, their clothing, etc. But their words, warmth, and smiles resonated deeply within my soul, making me feel at home in what once felt like a strange land….In one of the lectures, I was so moved by a speaker that I wept, my soul profoundly touched.”

We all wept; we all became enlightened by the beauty and knowledge of Sufism. These significant, free-spirited teachers brought their knowledge, wealth, and richness and shared it with everyone. In return, they were honored to be among the servants of the Divine. The knowledge of religion is not a commodity to be sold, nor is it meant to satisfy the ego’s desire. It is a divine gift, bestowed upon to the deserving. The fortunate are those honored to receive this gift, to share it, and to dedicate their lives to serving humanity.

I have learned that this is the path of the Divine, and the Divine desires what He wills. All who have attended had a divine mission. They brought messages of peace, ethics, morality, and self-knowledge to promote the spiritual and moral advancement of humanity. The spirit of cooperation, communication, devotion, and friendship I witnessed left a profound impression. If this is truly the meaning of Sufism, then the world would indeed be a beautiful place if we were all able to practice and come together in such ways.

I have also learned that the people who organized and attended this event will be remembered as the founders of Sufism in America. They will be remembered for their dedication, devotion, and vision. They too will find those who who are ready to receive and understand their message. This Symposium marks the beginning of a new era, and it will be recorded in the pages of history so that it too will find its suitable place.

(The proceeding was adapted and excerpted from an article that appeared in the journal Sufism: An Inquiry (Vol V, No. 2), written by Seyyedeh Hamaseh Kianfar.)

Songs of the Soul

The International Association of Sufism’s production of the Songs of the Soul Poetry and Sacred Music Festival, began in 2012 and has continued to the present time, and has quickly established itself as one of the premier gatherings in the world for artists, religious scholars, and enthusiasts from many faith traditions, cultures and generations to come together in celebration and exploration of our humanity. The Festival was designed for people of all backgrounds and spiritual traditions to share appreciation for aesthetic beauty and wonder, especially through poetry and sacred music.