All Hail the Light Bearer! For the Light returns to earth. Prayers are especially potent now. It’s a great time to do some zikr, and remember who we are and why we are here. Happy Solstice, and a Happy Chanukah.
sauluddin
Category Archives: Saul Posts
Happy Birthday Murshid
Dear ones,
let’s make sure we celebrate by eating some ice cream in his honor.
I remember after after one of his weekly Marin meetings, he would take out his mureeds to Baskin Robbins for an ice cream.
when I was initiated, it was the sweetest ice cream I ever ate.
Happy Birthday Murshid.
it’s been amazing to watch the small sprout of his transmission grow and send out seeds, which also grew, and sent out it’s own seeds.
Alhamdulliah.
all blessings
sauluddin
May the Message of God reach far and wide.
Peter Berg’s Celebration
Dear family,
am just back from Peter Berg’s Celebration of Life in San Francisco, and wanted to share a bit of the experience with you.
Firstly, many thanks to Michael and Susan, who sheltered me, fed me and drove me around. Ya Shakur!
The Saturday evening Celebration was at a small private museum in the midst of the city. Created to teach the local children just how the Bay Area was before human alteration, it was a perfect place for the event.
The event was filmed, so Inshallah! we’ll have some record of the proceedings.
What I learned:
One speaker gave a most interesting contribution: He said that the philosophy of Anarchy has always been built around systems, and that Peter’s contribution has been to add two very important (and non system) components – one was the addition of ‘place specific’ – and the other was to include all the other native life in the area as a part of the community. This, of course, goes hand in hand with Bioregionalism.
Sunday night, we gathered at the beach to build fire and watch the sun set.
Somehow, I felt Peter’s approval.
all blessings
sauluddin
p.s. as if by magic, today’s mail included a thank you letter from the Mount Shasta Bioregional Ecology Center, acknowledging and thanking us for our financial gift. We already had a thank you from Meals on Wheels. Many thanks to all who helped make this possible – especially our ‘woman on the ground’ Mary Beth Granberry, and our ‘beloved recorder of pertinent data’ Jude Sargent.
DHO Dates for the Next 3 Years
Dear family:
Ramadan Mu Barrak!
Firstly, many thanks for all those who participated in our survey. It was very helpful in shaping our future events. So, here’s the decision: We’ll plan on TWO meetings in 2012:
2012 – June 17-22 – Portland. It will be cooler than Virginia, and the ground will be easier to maneuver around on. Also, we did have a great gathering there a couple of years back. Costs – double rooms-$92, singles-$115, triples-$73 — per night.
2012 – September 6-9 – Charlottesville – a long weekend amidst the Fall foliage and cool weather…this will be at the Bon Retreat Center – Serenity Ridge. (Approx PRICE DATA) Costs – $70-$100 per day for residential, and $45 per day for commuters. We’re in negotiations for adding desserts, so there may be a slight increase in the fee.
2013 – June (dates-to be arranged). Lama – start your strengthening exercises, and your chlorophyll supplements now.
2014 – June (dates-to be arranged). Mt Shasta. Our work there is not yet finished, and we hope to go a few days later, so that we can have Panther Meadows snow free.
More data as time and information flow permits.
For reservations: Jude Sargent
We’ll need down payments for Portland and Charlottesville, so any deposits will be helpful – I’ve already sent mine in.
Looking forwards to seeing you amidst the tall trees…
all blessings
sauluddin
Report: DHO Mt. Shasta – 2011
Dear Family,
Our pilgrimage to Mt. Shasta was spectacular. Not only did we have the blessing of Pir Shabda’s company, but also the presence and blessings of Murshid Saadi and Murshida Mariam. All told, about 70 of us participated.
Once again our ‘field trips’ took us to places of great import: Shasta Abbey, Mother Mary’s old hotel, and Widow Springs on the Mountain. The snow was still in place on both Panther Meadows and Bunny Flats, so our time on the mountain was limited to drinking the ‘Healing Waters’ from Widow Springs.
Our ‘special guest’ was Jeff Whittier, who spent hours regaling us with stories of Mother Mary, and the ‘White Brotherhood.’ His book is finished, but not yet printed. Jeff brought some ‘final edition’ spiral bound copies for distribution. He told me he would inform us when it is printed, so we can order if we wish to.
The sound of the rushing river became our ‘leit motif’ for the week, and our homework was all water based. It was a time of letting go, and allowing the river to carry away all of our stress, pain, sorrow and troubles.
At least 4 people came to me after camp and said what a healing time it had been for them. Their anxiety and depression had abated, and they felt centered enough to resume their lives – Inshallah! on a new and clearer note.
Kudos to Mary Beth (who held the post of ‘road woman’ and local guide, making sure all was in readiness for us), Jude (who handled registration and finances), and Murad (who acted as our liaison with the camp, and the kitchen)…by the by, Murad’s daughter went into labor just at camp’s start, and he was needed at the birth, so he missed the first few days, but caught up with us at the end, and had time to give me an acupuncture treatment, plus leading a session of Sufi Chi Gong. Yeah!
Although our gathering was very full with practices and events, there was still time for reflection and repose. And what a fabulous place to do it in.
Special thanks to Solomon for helping me decorate the meeting space with his beautiful Bali textiles.
Some highlights: Najat started each morning with a kilvat practice and focus for the day, Rabbi Pam Frydman read some stories and practices from a new paper she is writing, and led us in a Hebrew zikr – Wow! – Jean Pierre shared how he balances his spiritual practice and his work – Fadilla accepted the title of Shafayat & Nur Un Nisa was initiated as an Initiator – early morning Japanese Tea (thanks to Siddiq & Sakina) – Richard Mann’s early morning yoga – Aslan’s evening dances, and choral graces – Sarfraz’s walks of the Masters – our daily healing ritual (with 4 new conductors initiated) – the Europeans who attended – (Natalia {who finally got her visa!}, Simone from Germany & Zubin from Holland) – the mineral baths and sauna – the all pervading river – plus a number of ‘former’ priests from the Holy Order of Mans {one could feel their energy and devotion during the Walk of the Master Jesus} – once again, Noel brought through Hanuman, Mashallah! and we all followed him in the walk – Mansur shared some memories of Shamsher Beorse and his alternative energy projects – Nassruddin enlivened our gathering with fabulous humor, Michael Endlich made a short presentation on amulets, and, onwards and upwards.
Our visit to Shasta Abbey was much anticipated by the monks. They even requested that we sing the Gate Gate melody we did last time we were at Kennett Roshi’s grave site. In addition we recited the Heart Sutra, and lit incense, over her memorial, and sang Allahuddins “Till we meet again Bodhisatva.” We shared our box’d lunches with our hosts, and ate looking upon the most perfect view of Mt Shasta. Wonderful visuals! Fabulous energy!
If you haven’t visited their meditation hall you are missing something sublime. I found myself, moving into meditation with a single breath. Murshid Saadi remarked that it was the most powerful space he has felt since he spent 3 days meditating under the Bodhi Tree.
They have a new Abbess, from England, and although they were amidst a retreat, she took time to greet and welcome us. A strong and loving presence. May she do well.
A number of folks took pictures: Thanks to Ayshia who has already posted hers on the DHO Facebook page, and to Mansur who took a short video at the Abbey. These are wonderful, and bring it all back in spades.
So many folks made this happen. I hope I have acknowledged all of them. We couldn’t have done it without you.
We raised enough money to send almost $2,000.00 to the local “Meals on Wheels” – Shasta area is very economically depressed, and there is not enough money to feed the elderly and stay-at-homes.
In addition, there is a project to help save the Mountain from development and commercial fracking. Please contact Mary Beth if you feel called to donate, at globalhealing@mannapages.com , or +++Mary Beth Granberry – P.O. Box 153 – Mt Shasta, California – 96067.++++I sent my check today for $101.00…
We are still working on next year’s location. More on that soonish.
All blessings and love and many, many thanks
hakim sauluddin
June 30, 2011
Report: DHO Haus Schneda, Germany – 2011
Dear ones,
am back home, in between gatherings, and wanted to give a short report on our 27th annual meeting at Haus Schneda in the North of Germany.
The house itself is over 100 years old, and was stylishly built to be durable, beautiful, and inspiring…with much carved wood paneling and glass, creating a beautiful inner space. The grounds are wonderful, with old forests, and fish ponds, spacious lawns and a magnificent array of rhododendrons.
The house and grounds are currently owned by a Sudanese Sufi Order, and we have been made welcome guests since 1984.
Our new cook is a fantastic ayurvedic chief, and cooks lamb and chicken for us in addition to her wonderful vegetarian cuisine. May-June is Spargle season, and we had fresh, local white asparagus in a Hollandaise sauce. yummy.
The big news is that we had 28 young people and children with us this time. Mostly they have grown up coming to Shneda each summer, and now that they are grown up, they still do. Some even bring their girl or boy friends. It’s so wonderful to see the future walking alongside us.
Aslan joined us to lead evening dances and choir, Baraka acted as my translator, and Subhan once again took a ton of pictures.
I must say the meetings are growing higher and higher every year. Alhamdulliah! When one looks at the pictures of the same people only 7 or 8 years ago, one can hardly believe the growth in their light and love and laughter.
next stop Mt Shasta.
all love and blessings and see you on the Mountain next week
sauluddin
Report: Federation Meeting – 2011
Dear family,
just a short report on the Federation gathering which is happening now on the North Sea of Holland.
Firstly, the Federation is alive and well, and everyone is on the best behavior. The Spirit of Love, Harmony & Beauty permeates the atmosphere, and Joy is omnipresent.
Our God Parents {Hidayat & Aziza} are well, but aging – he is 93, and she is 88. Mashallah! Hidayat is still powerful and clear, and they both send their love.
Of the 6 families which hold the lineage of Hazrat Inayat Khan, all but the Fraternity of Light are present, and they plan on being with us next year.
The Ruhaniat is well represented. Many thanks to our Schnede family for making such a strong showing.
Shabda is perfectly in his element. His strengths of great love and harmonious interaction are perfect for this time and place.
Today (Friday) is also Kamae’s funeral in Scotland, and we shall also acknowledge her life and work tomorrow. Many thanks to the family who traveled to Scotland to honor her.
In addition, I have sent out Mansur’s Letters From Moineddin, which I strongly suggest you read. This group is from the time of our separation from The Sufi Order. I feel it is important to always remember the past – neither forgetting it’s pain, nor attempting to fictionalize it. But, rather, rising above the pain, and dealing with the present from a clear heart.
Inshallah! there will be more to report later.
I send all my love and blessings
yours in Service to the Real
sauluddin
The World Today
Dear family,
As we hear of the tremendous suffering which is affecting so much of humanity – from North Africa to Japan, and from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C. – please let us remember that we have been given tools to help alleviate and lessen such natural and human catastrophes.
To all Center Leaders: Please support the performance of the Absent Healing Ritual in your area. We have found that a regular Absent Healing Service adds baraka to the area, as well as to the people who are participating. It can also create zones of ‘peace’ and ‘tranquility’ where it is performed.
If there is no one initiated to lead it, than please consider sending a representative from your center to our DHO gatherings for training. The meetings do cost, but the training and initiations are without cost. If money for our meetings is a problem, then perhaps your local center can raise funds to send a representative to be trained and initiated as a healing conductor. Remember, that our staff receives neither payment nor reimbursement, and pays full fees and transportation. Our next gathering will be on Mt. Shasta (Northern California) from June 19 to 24. Please contact Jude Sargent for registration information. (judesargent@yahoo.com)
Once again, in all that we do, let us not forget our “root transmission,” which has highly spiritualized tools for us to use. Just to mention a few of these ‘tools,’ in addition to the Absent Healing Ritual:
1) the wonderful Buddhist practice of dedicating the ‘benifit’ of one’s practice to all sentient beings, with a special focus on Japan (for example).
2) holding one’s concentration on “Cancel” while watching (or listening) to the ‘news’ about horrific situations, and feeling the impact the negativity has on regular folks being lessened. This one was thru Ray Fetterman.
3) holding the suffering humanity in one’s heart during the “known and unknown” portion of the Absent Healing Ritual, as well as doing the Ritual specifically for those suffering in North Africa (as an example).
4) doing your healing-purification breaths for an area or situation.
There is no reason to feel helpless in these terrible times. We can interface with others of ‘good will’ on the inner planes, and Inshallah! make a difference.
Yours in Service to the Real
Hakim Sauluddin
Mother Mary and Murshid SAM
Dear family,
Murshid Sam made the most incredible statement to me about Mother Mary (of Mount Shasta): “I will take any of her students as my mureeds.” (He wound up with 4 or 5, that I recall.)
I never heard him make such a statement about any other spiritual teacher and their students. He also attempted to meet with her, when Mansur (and myself) drove through Mt Shasta en route to Vancouver, to see Sam’s uncle Harry. We missed her, but did get to hang out with Helen Fetterman (Mary’s Lieutenant) and visit Crater Lake.
Helen later drove down to San Francisco when Murshid passed and helped console us, as she “witnessed” the funeral arrangements, and the court battle to fight his autopsy. (We didn’t want his body cut, and Pir Vilayat showed up to assist us in this. He actually called Sam a Sufi Saint – under oath – in Marin County Court.)
Basira (then called Gypsy) first told SAM about Mother Mary, and he sent her and Shirin up to Mt. Shasta to meet her, and for Shirin to see a living High Priestess in action. Shirin later said she was a real one. It was this duo (Shirin and Basira) who brought me to meet Murshid, and I was hooked from the very beginning.
I share these stories, as I believe that a direct spiritual connection exists between these two lights. And, am deeply touched, that I was blessed to be able to “walk with her” and “take hands” with Murshid. Murshid once remarked to me: “You call her Mother,” he said. “But I’m really your Mother. She’s your Father.” I got it, and it’s true – the Father directs, and the Mother nurtures. Mary started me out, and Sam nurtured my path.
So, our gathering on Mt Shasta will bring forth these joint blessings: From Hazrat Inayat Khan (whom Mother claimed to have met in vision – she was also good friends with Murshida Bkati Engle, and of course knew all about Bakti’s teacher), to The Great White Brotherhood, the Order of Melchizadeck, and the Space Brotherhoods.
We will be joined by Jeffrey Whittier (whose book on Mother Mary should be bound and ready for distribution), and Linden Carlton (Mother’s driver on our trip to meet the Hopis in 1968) as well as a goodly number of senior teachers in the Ruhaniat. So far we have commitments from: Murshid Saadi Klotz, Murshida Mariam Baker, Shiekhs Jean Pierre David, Aslan Sattler, Murad Finkelstein, Siddiq von Brissen, Mansur Johnson, Sarfaraz Knight & Najat Roberts – and of course myself. Plus our own Michael Endlich, Fadhilla Bradly, and Nazruddin Greenberg; and Special Guests from the Mountain.
We’re looking forwards to a great time, with gourmet food, many presentations, and visits to the Mountain, Shasta Abbey (Jiu Kennett Roshi) and Widow Healing Springs. All this plus Flying Saucers.
JUNE 19th (dinner) to JUNE 24th (lunch) – 5 Full Days.
Stewart Mineral Springs, Mt Shasta, California: www.stewartmineralsprings.com
Looks like costs will be between $117 per night to $171 per night – all inclusive.
For specific costs and reservations, contact: Jude Sargent
Please note: Staff receives neither reimbursement, nor honorarium, and pays full fees.
See you on the Mountain:
All Blessings
Hakim Sauluddin
Report: DHO at Lama — June 20-26, 2010
Dear family,
It’s been almost 40 years since Murshid Sam danced off to glory, and last month we celebrated his life and teachings at Lama (where he is buried).
37 of us (the I Ching’s number for Family) walked, danced, processed, laughed and enjoyed the warm days and cool nights on the Mountain.
It was a harmonious and loving gathering, with our usual home-work, bed time stories, practices and zikrs, and rituals. We even had a couple of new practices come through:
We added the Gulf to our concentration, and created a HU Circle, where-in each of us could place our prayer or wish for God’s highest plan to manifest for specific areas and events (like the Middle East, the Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, etc.).
Lama family treated us wonderfully, the food was lovingly prepared, the land sparkled, and our hearts were full of the Divine Love.
Please note: Lama residents are young, heart filled and dedicated – but Lama is woefully understaffed. If we know of any young’ens who you feel will benefit by a Lama experience – have them contact Lama. Their continued ease is our continued happiness.
Special – Special – Special Thanks to Nathan Freewind for designing, manifesting and installing the sun shade (a DHO funded project) over Murshid’s grave site. Not only is it beautiful, well constructed, and fabulously harmonious with it’s surroundings, but it works perfectly. We were able to sit by the grave and commune under the noon day sun. Yeah Shade! Yeah Nathan!
with additional thanks to Michael Endlich for the picture.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
So many people helped to make this a successful pilgrimage:
Many thanks
- to Mansur Johnson who led our procession up to Murshid’s grave site. He led us with the walk of Murshid doing Mian Mir, which Murshid had given him. It was very Saturn, and filled with power and dignity. No one was winded when we reached the top. Alhamdulliah!
- and to Aslan, who led us in both choir and evening dances –
- to Murad, who led us in Sufi Chi Gong, and an evening Zikr at the I.S.C. under the moon and stars –
- to Siddiq and Sakina who served tea in the secret garden –
- to Michael Endlich who presented Amulet making –
- To Noel, who brought through Hanuman and regaled us with his story of the Ramayana –
- to Mariam Baker, who brought her 1,001 extra large prayer beads from Turkey for a group zikr at the grave –
- to Nasruddin, who was our ‘rabbi’ for Shabbos, was our retreat co-ordinator, and did a very funny stand up routine –
- to Elaine Sutton who led a writing workshop, and made a fantastic Thai lunch –
- to Azima who introduced us to ‘the indigenous 13 Grandmothers and their web of light – –
- to Sarafraz, who shared Frida’s transmission with us, and brought her sweetheart to the Mountain,
- to Ayesha for taking and sharing her wonderful pictures –
- to Khadija Goforth for shipping a selection of Jewish pastries from New York to Lama (just in time for Shabbos),
- to Jude Sargent for holding our ground, keeping us connected & manifesting her powerful love all these many years.
- and to all our beloveds. Thank you all so much. I hope I didn’t forget anyone.
- A very special thanks to Murad, who picked up the registration and Lama co-ordination in mid stream, and did a dynamite job.
Next year on Mount Shasta – (probably June 19 – 24 or 25) more data and information to follow soon.
Sending all blessings and prayers that Allah grant you all the peace and health and happiness that Allah has in store for you.
Yours in service to the real,
hakim sauluddin
Charlottesville, Virginia — July 3, 2010
Happy Birthday America!