Sufism Symposium
From the very beginning, in March of 1994, it was clear that something special was happening. By the end of the peaceful and enlightening weekend of the First Annual Sufism Symposium, the strength of the common bond uniting all Sufis was apparent. It was clear, too, that the combined energy of Sufis can revitalize society with the breath of life – in the words of one participant, the Symposium marked “… the beginning of the healing of this world.”
Presenters and audiences alike came from across the United States and around the world – the first time ever so many different groups have gathered to introduce Sufism in all its varied forms and practices. An audience of about 500 came to share in the presentations of more than 39 Sufis and scholars. Also for the first time, all participating Sufi Orders shared their sacred zikr in a circle in which Dr. Nahid Angha became the first woman ever to sit in the inner circle with Muslim leaders from around the world.
Symposia have included talks, panel discussions, workshops, sacred music and poetry, centered on themes such as: The History of Sufism, Principles and Practices of Sufism, Sufism and Self-Discovery, Expressions of Beauty, Global Ethics, and Old Traditions for a New World. An extraordinary diversity of Sufi schools and orders have been represented, some of whom have attended nearly every year since the beginning, while each year has witnessed new members in the ever-growing family of friendship among Sufis, interfaith leaders, artists, writers, poets, scientists, and many more.
Alongside the presentations, the exhibit area has provided a spiritual marketplace for such items as books, music, artwork, calligraphy, jewelry, clothing, handcrafts and more. Its festive atmosphere, colorful traditional dress, and many cultures and languages were fertile ground for exchange and conversation, and enduring friendships have developed.
For more than 25 years, IAS members have volunteered to work tirelessly under the guidance and direction of Dr. Angha and Dr. Kianfar to provide this service for humanity. Scores of presenters have volunteered their time and knowledge, and hundreds of attendees have shared in the richness of these offerings. In 2015, IAS published Caravan: Biographies from the Sufism Symposia, 1994-2014, a compilation of biographies of most of the presenters who participated in the first 20 years of Sufism Symposia, preserving this precious history for the benefit of humankind.
Sufism Symposia have introduced Sufism as a path of direct connection with the Divine, beyond labels, and open to all who seek wisdom and achieving self-knowledge. It is a practical path to living as a reflection of the Divine wisdom that is contained in each one of us.
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.
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.