Hello, I’ve posted some of the photos I took in New Mexico.
By the way, if anyone got a digital photo of the whole group would you
e-mail it to me directly — I’d like to add it into the collection.
It was so sublime and powerful to be there with you all — thanks to all
those who made it possible.
— Abdulshaffee
Dear friends and family,
Just a short note to acknowledge the wonderful people who celebrated with us at our 20th anniversary Jubilee at Haus Shneida (Germany). Alhamdulliah! We had a high energy and love filled gathering, with a number of Sufi Movement folks helping us honor the 20th year of bringing Murshid SAM's barakka to Germany.
We (Ananda, Aslan & myself) were joined by our God parents "Hidayat & Aziza" and all of the senior Ruhaniat and DHO leadership in Germany. What a powerhouse of Love and Light! Mashallah!
And, as promised a list of our senior leadership who have committed to participate in Lama Pilgrimage — 33 Beads:
Murshida Asha Greer - Shifayat DHO
Murshid Sauluddin - Kifayat DHO
Murshida Khadija Goforth
Shiekh Siddiq von Brissen - Shifayat DHO
Shiekh Murad Finkelstein - Shifayat DHO
Shiekh Jean Pierre David
Shieka Ananda Cronin
Shieka Sarfraz Knight - Shifayat DHO
Shiekh Firdousi Wirick
Shiekh Mansur Kreps
With Special Guests:
Shiekh Mansur Johnson
and
Zuleika
Jennifer Avian is still accepting reservations
Dates are: July 9th to 14th.
cost is $300 - and All Money goes to the Lama Foundation
All love and Blessings, and see you on the mountain.
hakim sauluddin
Wednesday, April 21, 2004 was the opening of the Federation Retreat in Katwijk aan Zee, Netherlands, close to Amsterdam. Wednesday and Thursday were supposed to be rainy days and we were pleasantly surprised to see the sun even with moderately cold temperature. Ominously, the sky stayed clear during that first day. Inside the Temple Murad Hassil, built in a place where Hazrat Inayat Khan had profound meditation experiences, old and new friends meet in a warm atmosphere of unity and sympathy, as brothers and sisters. All records of kissing and hugging must have been broken that day. This year was the Sufi Movement's turn to host the retreat.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan opened with prayers and a few words of welcome, and Karimbakhsh Witteveen added his welcome to everybody. Jami Klein (Sufi Order International), Michael Schouwenaar (Sufi Contact) with Hannah (Ruhaniat's mureed) whom he met at the Federation's meeting in Kansas City, Dahan Bakker (Sufi Way), Moinuddin Clarke (Fraternity of Light centered around Columbus, Ohio), and Shabda Kahn (Sufi Ruhaniat International) represented with many others the branches that sprouted from the message of Love, Harmony and Beauty of Hazrat Inayat Khan. They all gave messages of unity and peace.
Pir Shabda Khan quoted Hazrat Samuel Lewis: "I'd like to go to a peace demonstration where the demonstrators demonstrate peace." All of us are praying repeatedly "Toward the One". This makes it clear that we must endeavor ourselves to practice this prayer to move in the direction of towards the One and towards unity amongst all of us.
The Sufi Ruhaniat International had the honor of presenting the first program. Pir Shabda Khan, Murshid Saul Barodofsky (Virginia), Murshid Saadi Neil Douglas-Klotz & Kamae Miller (Scotland), Firdousi Wyrick, Vakil Forest Shomer, Abraham & Halima Sussman (Boston), Jean-Pierre & Monick David (New York City), Attar Boudewijn (Oregon), Farunnissa Rosa (North Carolina), Noor-un-Nisa Karyn Wyse (Florida & Colorado), Munir Peter Reynolds (Montana), Gita Onnen (Germany), Brita Kuegelgen and Hauke Sturm (Germany), Karin & Suleyman Fourier (Germany), Illona Vorslav and Natalia Safonova (Russia), etc… where among the many faces representing the Ruhaniat. Of course there were dances, Zikar and plenty of laughing. The Ruhaniat was compared to some "troubadour group" of the Federation of the Sufi Message.
The second day Hidayat remarked that "rules are made to be broken" during breakfast. He said it in jest and in French, referring to May 68 in Paris when the students wrote that phrase on government walls. Shabda told us that he expected an email confirming his meeting with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan retracting his 1978 edict that had caused the Ruhaniat and the Sufi Order to follow their own ways.
The small group meetings of the morning allowed personal networking among attendees and presented a great venue to deepen bonds among members of the different branches of the Federation. The order of the day was to attempt to put abstract ideas into symbols. We all did it and all responded with great creativity to the challenge. This is a great group practice to exemplify concentration, meditation and creativity as a team.
The Sufi Way and the Fraternity of Light shared the afternoon presentations. The Sufi Way, followers of Murshid Fazl Inayat Khan, had a beautiful program with little talk but with singing practices, which created a deepening atmosphere. The Fraternity of Light showed their way of devotion in integrating Murshid's message into their lives and community.
The evening was reserved for the dances of universal peace that made people move, sing and be joyful with deep focus and concentration on the presence of the One. That day the sky stayed clear and the sun warmed us of his presence and compassion.
Friday was the most beautiful and warm day of all. After prayers the small groups had to create stories from sentences given them. Sufis are known for story telling, so we were asked to step in line with this tradition and compose our own stories. We heard stories about monkeys and a bird with blue wings, an elephant who adored roses, white bicycles (trust in God and do not forget to attach your camel "in this case bicycle that is appropriate to Holland"), etc...
Sufi Contact showed their way of following the path, with a strong concentration on Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, single-minded and deep.
Then, the Sufi Order International turn came on. They had a message from Pir Vilayat for the Sufi Ruhaniat which confirmed that the 1978 edict was rescinded and that opened the way for reconciliation of differing point of views. Most importantly it will facilitate the work of unity to happen wholeheartedly at the local level among people of different branches. Pir Zia sent a message wishing all of us good luck and mentioning what had befallen at the Sanctuary that is at The Abode in New York State. It was an afternoon of sharing the deep sorrow expressed by Taj now that the Sufi Order Pir is so ill.
Krishna de Caluwé's "Noorunissa" was played in the evening by a fantastic cast including Nawab, Saul, Monick and Rani Katleen (who is a shaika in the International Sufi Movement). Noor's story is well documented in many books; however, this show gave such human poignant dimension to it that many could only let some tears go by.It is a moving presentation that was played in front of a deeply appreciative and impressed audience.
Pir Shabda concluded the evening with ragas and classical Indian music.
The morning sky was cloudy that Saturday but the afternoon was gorgeous again. It seemed that all the elements were conspiring in the celebration of our coming together in harmony. The walk from the Savoy hotel to the Temple takes thirty minutes along the beach and presents the best opportunity for physical exercise in the day.
The morning was spent with small groups again sharing our own practices. The afternoon was reserved for the presentation by the International Sufi Movement. The Sufi Movement showed some practices including the chromatic Zikar and the Universal Worship.
In the evening was a presentation of the new CD with the voice of Hazrat Inayat Khan (re-edited in close cooperation with Pir-O-Murshid Hidayat Inayat Khan) and memories and reminiscences of the times of Hazrat Inayat Khan and his Companions, his brothers, who for years have led the Sufi Movement as Representative General: Maheboob Khan, Mohammed Ali Khan, Musharaff Khan, all of them a great inspiration because of their deep devotion to Hazrat Inayat Khan and also their deep spirituality.
A dance led all the participants into farewell until next year at The Abode of the Message in New York State.
Sunday morning saw the meeting of the Federation Council, which ended in harmony and with many "till next times". Present were representatives of the organizations: Sufi Way, Sufi Contact, Sufi Order International, Sufi Ruhaniat International and International Sufi Movement. Hidayat insisted to keep the name of "Federation of the Sufi Message". Shabda noted that the Ruhaniat would maintain its noted style of practices.
As we left at the airport to go back to New York, Pir Shabda on his way to Dulles, DC and Natalia Safovona on her way to Moscow, Russia, showed up at the same time. Pir Shabda shared his account of the meeting with Pir Vilayat Khan in Paris and we are most happy of such resolution after so many years that caused so much confusion for many. He can only remind one of the words of our godmother Reverend Master Jiyu-Kennett "to always place harmony and love before principles," when she accepted a glass of wine at Saul's house at the dismay of the six contemplatives Buddhist student monks present. Murshid Wali Ali had expressed our dilemma so beautifully in his letter published in the Ruhaniat mureed's manual: "how can a teacher after taking hand reject a mureed in the name of rules?" That bond, that love, that friendship between a teacher and the mureed is forever, does not matter what, as Hazrat Inayat Khan said and Hazrat Samuel Lewis remarked in his commentary on the Path of Initiation and Discipleship (Chapter IV, page 64).
Love and blessings
Jean-Pierre
One of the wonderful things about being in the presence of a great teacher is how they can turn each and every interaction into an opportunity for the student to “catch the teaching.”
Of course, the lesson the student “needs” will vary with the student. In my case, I was needful of humility. Read on:
It was the late spring of 1970, as I recall. Murshid had been complaining about needing help around his San Francisco house on Precita, so as a willing mureed I showed up early to help.
“What do you want me to do?” I asked him. “Well,” he answered, “you’re the first here. There is dust everywhere. Start cleaning it up.”
So, I started in his bedroom, and somehow I was like a whirlwind — only very careful and very well organized. After a half hour, not only was his bedroom done, but I had finished the front room, and the dining room-library. I was just starting in the kitchen, when he came in from the backyard, and saw how much I had done (and how well). I was very proud of my self and my efforts.
“Stop!” he said. “You won’t leave anything to do for those who are still coming.”
“Yes Murshid,” I answered. And, as a “good boy,” I didn’t offer to mess things up again.
Happy 33rd Urs day Murshid. So many thanks for all the blessings and the greatness of spirit you shared with us so freely.
Ya Shakur Allah!
yours in service to the real,
hakim saul
Beloved Ones of God,
A few thoughts for the starting of 2004.
As we begin something, it tends to be less fixed, and more open to our influence. Thus, the beginning of a year offers us a unique opportunity to shape our interaction with it.
I suggest that we begin with focusing clearly on just what we wish this year to offer us: Inner Peace, Health, Happiness, Prosperity of Spirit, an End to War and Hostility, etc.
Take this concentration into your daily practice, and reinforce it with prayers, wazifas, visualizations and “seed thoughts.” Connect your own daily practice with this concentration, so that you do not view it as separate, but rather, as an integral part of your spiritual regimen.
Begin your practice by asking for help. Remember that we are not alone, and that our initiation links us with all the Illuminated Souls — especially our Founders — Hazrat Inayat Khan and Murshid Samuel L. Lewis.
And, speaking of Murshid S.A.M. — 2004 is his 33rd Urs Year. In other words, it has been 33 years since he danced away from his body. This year is a perfect time to renew our initiation, and to honor his many gifts to us.
33 Beads: A Pilgrimage to Murshid S.A.M.
Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of his passing.
Friday July 9th to Wednesday July 14th 2004
Dear friends, family, and Lovers of Remembrance.
This year the Dervish Healing Order will host an OPEN GATHERING at the Lama Foundation. It has been 33 years since Murshid S.A.M. danced out of his body, and it is a fitting time and place to honor and remember the many blessings which flowed through him.
We shall offer a heart-felt spectrum of the many transmissions he so freely gave to us:
From “Sufi Dancing” and the Walks of the Prophets, to the “Zikr” of Swami Papa Ramdas, and the Heart Sutra (through Roshi Nyogen Senzaki).
There shall be Healing Rituals, the formal prayers of Hazrat Inayat Khan, and the singing of the Zikr of the heart by Sam’s grave site (the Maqbara). There will be fabulous vegetarian feasting, and, of course, our usual frolicking amongst the new trees. All Lovers of God are welcome to join with us.
Teaching Staff are all senior teachers in both the Dervish Healing Order, and the Sufi Ruhaniat International. Many teach and have students world wide.
This is an Open Pilgrimage, and all are welcome. Fees are only $300. (5 days at $60. per day.) And, all monies will go to the Lama Foundation — staff receive neither reimbursement nor honorariums.
Lama Foundation is an intentional spiritual community, which Murshid S.A.M. supported, and where he is buried.
For registration and more information, please contact: Jennifer
In addition to the Lama Pilgrimage, 2004 also marks our 20th consecutive year of bringing Murshid to Germany, and our 10th year in St. Petersburg, Russia. WOW!
I send you all my love and blessings and prayers for the continued health and growth of our spiritual family.
Yours in Service to the Real,
See you on the Mountain.
Hakim Sauluddin
January 7, 2004
Celebrating the 33rd Anniversary of his passing
Friday July, 9th — Wednesday July, 14th 2004
Dear friends, family, and Lovers of Remembrance.
This years Gathering of the Dervish Healing Order will be at the Lama Foundation. It has been 33 years since Murshid SAM danced out of his body, and it is a fitting time and place to honor and remember the many blessings which flowed through him.
We shall offer a heart-felt spectrum of the many transmissions he so freely gave to us: From “Sufi Dancing” and the Walks of the Prophets, to the “Zikr” of Swami Papa Ramdas, and the Heart Sutra (through Roshi Nogen Sanzaki). There shall be Healing Rituals, the formal prayers of Hazrat Inayat Khan, and the singing of the Zikr of the heart by Sam’s grave site (the Maqbarra). There will be fabulous vegetarian feasting, and, of course, our usual frolicking amongst the new trees.
Teaching Staff are all senior teachers in both the Dervish Healing Order, and the Sufi Ruhaniat International. Many teach and have students world wide.
The fees for this Pilgrimage are only $300. (5 days at $60. per day) — Staff receive neither reimbursement nor honorariums, and, all monies will go to the Lama Foundation. Lama Foundation is an intentional spiritual community, which Murshid SAM visited twice and where he is buried.
For registration and more information, please contact: Jennifer Avian
See you on the Mountain.
(please mark your calendar)
Friday, December 19, 2003 7 PM
Towards The One A Sufi Evening of Renewal
Come again and Join Hakim Sauluddin, one of Murshid Sam's original students, for an evening of Praise & Renewal. He will share the illuminated practices of his lineage. Including stories, wazifa, instruction in spiritual healing, and the Zikr ceremony of remembrance.
Murshid Hakim Sauluddin was initiated as a Hakim (spiritual jurist & physician) over 30 years ago. He is a Murshid (senior teacher) in both the Sufi Ruhaniat International, and the International Sufi Movement, and is the Kafayette (Director) of the Dervish Healing Order. He teaches worldwide.
Friday December 19th, 2003. 7 p.m. - There is no charge for admission.
Representing the spiritual lineage of Hazrat Inayat Khan, a Sufi Master from Baroda, India, who in 1910 brought the Sufi Message of Love, Harmony & Beauty to -the West. One of his early American students was Murshid Samuel Lewis, who in the 1960's became the "Spiritual Leader of the Hippies" in San Francisco. Murshid Sam brought forth Sufi Dancing (The Dances of Universal Peace) amongst his vast spiritual offerings and teachings of Universality.
(Donations are welcomed towards rental of the space at the Sufi Books, suggested amount $5)
— Jean-Pierre
Most beloved of God,
This was the first time that the majority of the Ruhaniate’s “Most Senior Teachers” participated as teaching staff at a European Camp. Even better, we were joined by our Pir, Shabda Kahn. And, most of the Shiekhs/Shiekhas and Kaliphs/Kaliphas from Europe. A very powerful teaching crew indeed.
The scene was very lovely, with good food (too much pork), great cheeses, fine weather, and a wonderful extra large main hall for dancing and our All Camp Classes.
A note of acknowledgment to Saadi for being a masterful “Master of Ceremonies,” to Shabda for holding the post so well, to Fatima for her Darshan (ala Murshid) to the whole assemblage, to Mariam for presenting Frieda’s (and Moineddin’s) work so effortlessly, and to Kamae for her strength and presence. Ya Shakur Allah.
It was wonderful to be with our German and Russian families again (so soon) and, to meet our family from the British Isles. Inshallah! There shall be more interactions.
The one scene that stands out in my heart is the “Russian Room”: Seems that the folks from the former Soviet Union all decided to bunk together – one large room, and about 25 plus folks. A raucous party. It grew so loud one night I went over to ask them to tone it down. I knocked and was pulled into their circle. I immediately had Russian’s all over me, hugging and sitting on me and bathing me is so much love I could only stay and drink it in. Alhamdulliah! Or, as Murshid would have said – “That’ll teach you.”
What with the “high” I experienced from Shneda in May, the juice from this camp put me over the top, and I remained exalted and heart centered all through Turkey. Naturally I bought too many rugs.
I look forwards to seeing you all at next years (2004) DHO Gathering at Mt Home Resort in the No. California Wine Country – June 22 to 27.
2 Swimming pools, great food & frivolity amidst the trees.
Contact: Jennifer Avian
And, Don’t Forget Our Upcoming Events:
2003:
September in Prague – DHO Europe – September 12-14
October in Seattle – Murshids Meeting and JAM – October 20-26
2004:
February in Shneda – DHO in Europe – February 27-29
May in Shneda – our Jubilee Gathering – Celebrating 20 Years – May 17-23
April in Europe – Ruhaniate JAM (April 9-11) Federation (April 15-17)
June at Mt. Home in Northern California – June 22-27
I send you all my love and blessings –
Yours in service to the real
– hakim saul
Beloved ones of God,
This past month we celebrated our 19th annual gathering in Germany. Alhamdulliah!
There were over 100 of us: 80 plus adults, and over 20 children. We came from Germany, Russia, the Czech Republic, Greece, Holland, Switzerland, and of course the USA.
Kaliph David Dalley (celebrating his 10th year of teaching in Germany) led us in ecstatic dances, Sheikh Aslan Scott Sattler directed the choir, Sheikha Ananda Cronin offered heart sung zikr, and yours truly led us in the spiritual walks. The Healing Ritual was shared daily amongst the local conductors. It is heart warming to see the ritual so well established in Germany. Ya Kalbi!
This was a family camp, with mostly returning participants, but there were some new comers. Its always amazing to me how quickly they adapt to our energy stream.
Each day we had the absent healing ritual, sung zikr, choir, spiritual walks, dancing and a bedtime story. The response to our evening homework was powerful and very moving.
For the first time we had a woman’s and a men’s meeting. This was well received and seemingly very needed. Speaking for the men, more than one adult male expressed deep gratitude in feeling, for the first time, their place as a man amidst the company of other men. The women created a chalice of energy to sing the zikr of the prophetesses, and then did their walks. Ya Shakur Allah! Truly, Murshid Sam’s spiritual walks have found a responsive home in Europe.
One of the many highlights of the gathering was a group phone call to our Godparents Hidayat & Aziza. (With thanks to Puran for the use of his cell phone.) We sang “Happy Shneda Day to You”. It was very sweet and very moving. Hidayat is recovering from an operation to his hand, and is doing very well. Ya Shaffee. Ya Kaffee.
The food, of course, was fabulous. May is white asparagus season in North Germany, and our fantastic cook (Siggy) outdid himself. (It’s a lot of work to hand peal asparagus) And the breads, and fresh baked rolls, and the great local cheeses. Too bad we had to come home.
Inshallah! When Subhan Michael Spencer photos come out, we look forwards to another great
exhibition on our web site.
And, a very special thanks to our translating staff: Shemsuddin Jukoff, Kalipha Brita Anapurna, and Ram Dass. And, very special thanks to our registrar and camp organizers Martin and Bakti Kuchler. Ya Shakur. Ya Shakur. Ya Shakur. To you all. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Alhamdulliah! Next year is our 20th year of bringing Murshid Sam to Europe. Our Jubilee Gathering will be in May 2004. And, don’t forget Prague in September of this year (2003).
I send you all my love and blessings, and my prayer that God grants you the highest manifestation of Gods Plan for you. May it come soon.
Yours in Service to the Real,
Hakim Sauluddin
June 7, 2003 Charlottesville, Virginia
Beloved one of God,
Like in the Conference of the Birds by Farid ud-Din Attar, this story begins with birds-beings of many worlds gathering to search for the unity taught by their great master Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, the Ideal for which they came together. The (hoopoe) hope and source of Inspiration of this story, who probed them all for the quest many moons ago, is known as Pir-O-Murshid Hidayat Inayat Khan, the younger son of Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan.
For a couple of years the Harmony Council met with representatives of three branches (Sufi Movement, Sufi Order and Sufi Ruhaniat International). Moineddin Jablonski arose to the occasion and joined wholeheartedly after Pir-O-Murshid Hidayat Inayat Khan opened his heart and offered the healing olive branch publicly at the tomb of Murshid Samuel Lewis at Lama. In turn Moineddin wrote a beautiful letter to the members of the Sufi Order which touched their hearts and they then joined in. Thanks the Sufi Order who participated from the beginning in the Harmony Council, to Pir Vilayat Khan who
attended the Federation meeting in Katwijk and his son Pir Zia Inayat Khan who attended the Federation meetings in Katwijk and The Abode of the Message. Thanks to all of them, this was the fourth annual conference of the “birds” of the Federation of the Sufi Message.
It was late in Kansas City when they arrived on a cool night of April 2003. Hazrat Inayat Khan left this image of unity buried deeply in the trunk of the tree of his lineage. Many branches sprouted out in the years that followed and many more branches sprouted from the initial one. In the years past, birds who flew from the branches representing this beautiful lineage came together in Charlottesville, Virginia; then Katwijk, Holland; the Abode of the Message, New York and now in Kansas City.
One great branch is called the Sufi Movement headed by Pir-O-Murshid Hidayat Inayat Khan. A second one is the Sufi Order headed by Pir Vilayat Khan who will be succeeded by his son Pir Zia Inayat Khan. A third one is called Sufi Ruhaniat International headed by Pir Shabda Khan who succeeded Pir Moineddin Jablonski and Murshid Samuel Lewis.
More birds from other branches were invited as guests and observers. Michael Schouwenar represented Sufi Contact in Harlem, Holland, which has around 150 members. This branch came through the inspiration of Gauwery Voute who passed away at the age of 101. She had been initiated by Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1924. Murshid Elias Amidon represented The Sufi Way in England. This branch came about under the leadership of Murshid Fazal who passed away in his 50’s.
“Throughout the world men separately conceived
an image of its shape, and all believed
their private fantasies uniquely true!”
— Farid ud-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds
This was their fourth meeting reaching the valley of Unity. They flew back again from everywhere. Shaikha Hamida and Murshid Ameen Carp came from the far away Netherlands. Murshid Nawab braved snowstorms and cancelled flights but he made it anyway, one day late. Others were from California, Virginia and New York, and some from New England and as far away as some island in Washington State. They are all exceptional kind of birds. Zuleikha just coming back from a trip to India and Sri Lanka, gave an outstanding performance of dances and poetry. The next day she led a most beautiful Zikar of remembrance.
“It is a sign of Him, and in each heart.
There lies this feather’s hidden counterpart.
But since no words suffice, what uses are mine
To represent or to describe this sign?”
— Farid ud-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds
Saturday, April 5 was the first day. After Pir Shabda’s welcoming vision for this meeting, particular attention emphasized networking among small groups to get to know each other and deepen the ties of the one heart. Murshid Wali Ali, one of our great “hoopoe” leaders in the Ruhaniat, a symbol of inspiration, persuaded us to continue our search despite any hardship. Small group meetings focused on recognizing that we all come from the same parent, Hazrat Inayat Khan and on what are the special jewels of our lineage. The Sufi Order guided by the beautiful Devi Tide shared some insight on their work for the message. Devi read a letter by Pir Zia sharing that he was among us in spirit if not in form. That night, Tamam Khan blessed us with her original poetry giving voice to the original women of Islam, wives and daughters of Prophet Mohammed.
The second day we all enjoyed Murshid Nawab’s good humor that led us in contemplation and practices. Small group focused on each person leading the rest of the group in a favorite personal practice. Murshid Amen Carp and International Sufi Movement members led us in an uplifting Universal Worship ceremony. Zuleikha, who danced that evening, also shared stories and poetry with great grace.
The third day celebrated the Urs of Murshida Vera Corda. She was remembered for her focus on youth and she blessed us with the presence of her Great Spirit. Ben Burdick and Karim Baer from California and Daulat Rosdorff from Holland, besides also others, spoke of youth and the need of the day for young people to be attracted on the path. A lively discussion ensued on how we find a balance between getting out the teachings and making Sufi mysticism available without seeming like missionaries. Murshid Saul Barodofsky shared his powerful Allah practice and some great stories including the one when Samuel Lewis taught him to slow down and Murshid Wali Ali led us in the walks of the elements.
“A girl fell in a river – in a flash.
Her lover dived in with a mighty splash,
And fought the current till he reached her side.
When they were safe again, the poor girl cried:
“By chance I tumbled in, but why should you.
Come after me and hazard your life too?”
He said: “I dived because the difference.
Of ‘I’ and ‘you’ to lovers makes no sense –
A long time passed when we were separate,
But now that we have reached this single state.
When you are me and I am wholly you,
What use is it to talk of us as two?”
All talk of two implies plurality –
When two has gone there will be Unity.”
— Farid ud-Din Attar, The Conference of the Birds
In this conference we realized that we need many more coming together to reach Unity. We thought three, now five, may be we need thirty like the simorgh (si means thirty and morgh bird in Persian).
Demonstrating Peace in our family and in ourselves during this fourth conference, we exemplified the word of Murad Samuel Lewis: “I would like to see a peace demonstration where the demonstrators demonstrate Peace.”
Pir Shabda must be commended to have orchestrated getting all these branches and all these birds to sing and dance together, to exemplify love, harmony and beauty in the spirit of unity. True free bird-being longing for the one, are we not all? Everywhere I turn, I see the face of my beloved.
Thanks to all the hawks, sparrows, nightingales, eagles, including one named Allaudin and many others of Kansas City that did such a beautiful job hosting this conference in this very accommodating center.
Next year we shall fly to Holland, the home of the Universal Temple born of the vision of Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan for the Unity of the Religious Ideals.
Yâ Fattâh!!!!! May the power of the one open the doors of the heart.
Peace is power.
Love and blessings,
Jean-Pierre David