“By recalling God, hearts become peaceful.” The Qur’an 13:28
SUFI (ISLAMIC) MEDITATION
Sufi is a mystical tradition of Islam that is difficult to define. Carl Ernst writes: “In Arabic and Persian, there are dozens of terms for Muslim mystics with distinct and sometimes conflicting meanings, all of which are subsumed by the English word 'Sufism'. In the Muslim world, there are multiple vocations, experiences and attitudes that underlie the word. Consequently, there is some tension between the insider’s and outsider’s use of the term.”
Islamic ‘insiders’ are also aware of differences between Sufi groups that beginners might not immediately understand. Earnst writes: “Some Sufi groups are rigorous in following Islamic law and ritual, and this insistence is often combined with adoption of the clothing and manners of the group’s country of origin. Other groups are flexible about their relation to Islam. And others frankly relinquish Islamic law and symbolism, defining Sufism as the universal aspect of all religions.”
Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan is a leading example of the universalist Sufi tradition. In his book, Awakening: A Sufi Experience, he offers an overview and specific meditation instructions, saying: “The secret of Sufism is to shift from our personal viewpoint to the Divine. The lost knowledge of the Universe – from which we are created – still resides within our consciousness. We can retrieve it by deepening and expanding our consciousness through meditation, prayer, and glorification. The goal in meditation is to reconnect our personal self to the transpersonal dimensions of our being.”
There is a social role to Sufi meditation as well as a personal one: the Universe itself awakens and evolves when we do. Inayat Khan writes: “The future is taking shape here and now in the attitudes we hold, the choices we make, and the values we cherish. In the flash of time between the past and the future, it is possible to begin a new chapter in the evolving story of mankind.”
"We are knee-deep in a river searching for water," writes Kabir Edmund Helminski. "Distracted by outer things and what we imagine they could mean to us, we lose contact with the source of our own Being. The well-being, the beauty and the love we seek outside if ourselves is truly within."
Helminski teaches 'voluntary attention' as a meditation practice, and says, "The training of the attention is a necessary part of our spiritual training. And meditation is the tool for training attention."
In her book, Come and Sit, journalist Marcia Nelson describes a group Sufi meditation practice, the Dhikr. Her book also gives advice about finding Sufi groups to study with. “Dhikr is remembrance of God and often consists of the repetition of God’s name. It can be silent or vocal, private or shared by a group, and is sometimes done in conjunction with breathing exercises or a movement designed to disrupt normal consciousness.” Her advice for beginner meditators: “Sufism is esoteric and it is best learned through a teacher and in the context of a group. Many Sufi groups now have websites and are relatively easy to find.”
Writer Patricia Monaghan adds: “Sufi rituals, prayers and even meditation practices may be learned from books, but real learning comes only from teachers.” She describes Sufi breathing meditations and dancing, but also lists many resources for finding a teacher.
Books Available from Amazon
The Shambhala Guide to Sufism, by Carl W. Ernst ($13). Written by an academic rather than a meditation instructor, this book gives a thorough and accessible introduction to the history, philosophy and practices of Sufism.
Awakening: A Sufi Experience, by Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan ($10). A Sufi master writes about the meditation practices of Sufi for beginners as well as experienced practitioners.
Living Presence: A Sufi Way to Mindfulness and The Essential Self, by Kabir Edmund Helminski ($11). describes Sufi psychology in practical terms. A helpful answer to the question, 'why meditate?"
Come and Sit: A Week Inside Meditation Centers, by Marcia Nelson ($12) Nelson profiles seven different religious meditation practices, from contemplative prayer to Hindu meditation. She interviews practitioners and describes meditation sessions so that you can get a complete flavor.
Meditation: The Complete Guide, by Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor Viereck ($12) This book covers more than 35 different meditation practices, from journaling and Shamanism to Zen. It’s the most thorough survey you can find.
Links
Until his recent death, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan was the spiritual leader of the Sufi Order International. Their site provides information about his teachings and their meditation practices. www.sufiorder.org.
The Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship is a mosque in Philadelphia. Their site offers information at www.bmf.org.
The Golden Sufi Center is the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya Order of Sufism who are known as the "silent Sufis" because they practice the silent meditation of the heart. They have meditation groups around the country. www.goldensufi.org.
The International Association of Sufism was formed to enable Sufis and scholars from around the world, from many nations and traditions to establish relations and come together in the spirit of unity and harmony. The group sponsors publications, conferences, and mutual aid programs for many different Sufi groups. www.ias.org
