Category Archives: Saul Posts

DHO 2010 at Lama Foundation

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Dear family,

Lama in June is upcoming (June 20-26), and although the DHO (Dervish Healing Order) is noted for being last minute – I do encourage you to get your registration in to Lama early.

As for money, even if you can only send in a deposit, than please do so.

($375 for all 6 days or $70 per day)

“Remember” is one of the most wonderful teachings that Lama has given us.

So, I encourage you all to “Remember”!

And do remember to send in your registration…
http://lamafoundation.org/form_registration.php
reg@lamafoundation.org
(575) 586-1269

We shall have our usual fun and frolicking amidst the new trees, all our usual joy; Plus the Maqbara!

A fabulous place to process to, and to pray and walk and dance around. Remember Zikr at the Maqbara!

Elaine has said she will again do Shabbos. Plus juice and transmission from Mansur Johnson, Mariam Baker, Siddiq von Brissen, Murad Finkelstein, Sarfaraz Knight, Aslan Sattler, Azima Lila Forest, Eddie Greenberg & Michael Endlich (amongst others).

I look forwards to seeing you on the Mountain again.

More instructions and news will be sent to those who are registered.

Sending all love and blessings.

Remember!

Yours in Service to the Real,
Hakim Sauluddin

Three Reports

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Dear family,

It’s certainly been a busy summer for us all. There was our 26th yearly meeting at Haus Shneida (North Germany), followed by the Federation meeting in The Netherlands, and then our annual DHO gathering for the USA – this time just outside of Portland, Oregon.

It feels right to share some impressions from 3 of these meetings. I hope the flavor transmits.

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This years meeting at Shneida was well attended and very powerful. They just keep getting better. In addition to all our usual fun and frolicking, we had a new bed time story, and a new series of ‘home work’ assignments using the jewels in the centers. The walks continue to develop and grow, as do our German family. Aslan did great job with the dances and the choir (of course) was inspired. Subhan brought a book of his photos from last year’s gathering – how we have all grown and deepened over the past many years. Wonderful to see the teachings take hold in Germany. May the Message of God reach far and wide!

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As you have already heard , the Federation Meeting was a loving festival of friends and family. The Sufi Movement (and Sufi Way) were our hosts, and they did a wonderful job of making everyone feel welcome and included into our larger Inayati family.

Our Pir, Shabda Khan, did a fabulous job of holding the energy, and we honored our living ‘elders’ during the meeting. It was very sweet (and long over due) to see the whole group acknowledge and honor Hidayat, Aziza and Karimbaksch. The American contingent included Shabda, myself, Jean Pierre, Aslan and Subhan. It was inspiring to feel our combined Ruhaniat energy within the group.

Inshallah! Next meeting we hope to have our “Lineage Board” operational again –
and show all the leaders of all the orders surrounding Hazrat Inayat Khan.

There was more dancing then usual (which was a treat) and in addition, we had zikrs, walks, morning ragas, reading from the Gathas, commentaries, and an adaptation of one of Hazrat Inayat Khans plays. {I got to play the ‘evil’ magician who attempts to lead the multitudes astray with his magnetism, and his promises of wealth, power, sex, etc.}

Next year (2010) is the 100 year anniversary of Hazrat Inayat Khans coming to the West. All our many activities in all orders will be dedicated to this seminal event, with multi-order activities all over the world – including the Urse in Delhi, and20our 2010 Federation Gathering – which will be hosted by the Ruhaniat just outside of San Francisco – April 28th to May 2nd.

This 2010 meeting of the Federation is being planned to be a Teaching Meeting -open to all of the family, and will feature teachings by the heads of the various Inayati Orders. What a great idea! I can’t wait.

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Our Portland meeting was full…Mashallah! It was a treat to see all our American family again, and to join together in prayer and celebration. Folks were there from all over the USA – from west coast to east coast – north and south – The chapel where we met was filled with high energy, and the grounds spoke of loving care. It was a great place to meet and pray together.

I would like to share an extended sample of the meeting:

Najat opened our mornings with a retreat concentration for the day, using the concentrations from the 5 points of the star; Heather Hoppe did an afternoon program of detailing one’s Karma and Dharma walks which was well received. Mansur Johnson led us in morning prayers and made a presentation on the new book he is working on. Fadilla led a class in Meta Meditation, Sarafraz led a gathering on working with what nourishes one, Nasruddin graced us with a comedy break, Mansur & Khadija led us in an evening zikr (with help from Murad). Aslan led us in dances and choir, Michael Endlich brought samples of different jewels for his offering on amulets and amulet making, Azima Lila Forrest led a dream meeting, and helped me with the dream work. Murad led his class on Sufi Qi Gong, and we attempted a general sohbet after the healing ritual…I felt this sohbet went very well, and allowed everyone who wished to, be heard and participate.

We also did the tassawuri walks, and although Noel and Carol were not with us physically, his walk of Hanuman was chosen by a number of folks to do as an offering…sometimes ones presence transends the physical. Alhamdulliah!

There were also a number of young folks who joined us – including Jeniffer Avians 2 daughters and their young men, and Heathers 2 daughters and their young men. It was great to see them again. Laura Avian made the comment that she has never missed one of our meetings. What a sweetheart. All in all a great time was had by all. We also raised over $1,000. To be donated to Lama…am still awaiting the final figures.

Next year at Lama (2010) & the following year on Mt Shasta (2011):

we are awaiting conformation from Lama on the dates – it will be the latter part of June, and in addition, how our 2008 donation for a removable sun roof over the Maqbara is doing.

AND, to those who wish a more comfortable sleeping envir onment at Lama, there are a couple of motels in near-by Questa which are not expensive, clean and can be used as sleeping quarters.

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Upcoming:

This September, Mark (Muj) Havel and myself are planning on being in Russia. Inshallah! And Khadija Goforth has suggested a DHO meeting in Seattle just prior to the Jamiat Khas in November.

I send all my love and blessings and my prayers that Allah gives us all the ‘Basir’ we need to see our path clearly, and the ‘Aziz’ to follow it with joy – Alhamdulliah!

Yours in service to the real

hakim sauluddin
Charlottesville, Virginia
July 22, 2009

A few thoughts on adab

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Dear hearts,

I would like to make a few comments about adab, fana and our Ruhaniat.

Firstly, our Ruhaniat family has always been a raucous group of ‘dissidents’.  Starting with Murshid Sam, and all those he attracted.  Ram Dass called Murshid the ‘pied piper of the hippies’ and this may have been factual.

Our lack of respect of authority for it’s own sake was very unsettling to more “established” and more “traditional” sufi orders – like our brothers and sisters in the Sufi Order, and the Sufi Movement at the time (1960’s and 70’s).

But I do also recall, that we always gave proper respect to those we felt worthy of our respect: Not based upon their title or rank, but rather on their manifestation of a higher maquam. Like Joe & Guin Miller, and Frida Waterhouse who held no titles (didn’t want them) but accepted “Honorary Murshid” titles from Moineddin.

Fana is at the very heart of Sufi practice.  How else, save for Divine Grace, can we be in a position to receive the baraka. To manifest fana is to manifest mureedship.  All else is but the dance of the nefs.

Of course, some are much better dancers than others, but this does not necessarily indicate their rightness, nor their advanced state.

As we were all taught “and a little child shall lead them.”

To me this means that one who is in a natural state of innocence (fana) and non resistant, is more open to the baraka and Message of God than one who has already made up their mind as to ‘right and wrong,’ especially as it applies to other people and their opinions which one disagrees with.

I feel that it is not disrespectful to disagree, but rather it can be disrespectful in how one manifests ones disagreements.  Is it personal?  Is it about subject?  Or object?  And, can one disagree without negative feelings flowing through ones words.

Let us not blame and then execute the messenger.   But rather look within ourselves to see where our feelings of disagreements (read separation) are coming from.

For us to reach our goals we must discipline our inner observers.  Many of us have inner children who are wounded and afraid.  They must be dealt with first – lovingly and carefully.

As our God Mother, Frida Waterhouse said, “Take your child to the alter of the Most High within you.”  It is there that true inner peace can be manifested.  And it is only from that place that we can change the world.

All the rest is the dross of dunya.

all blessings

hakim sauluddin

When in trouble – advice from an old brother

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Dear family,

an old friend from Mt Shasta (and also an original mureed of Murshid Sam) wrote me about his new web site.

Inshallah! you will find it useful and informative.

Happy Spring! We are finally inundated with fresh flowers. Yeah!

Looking forwards to our ‘hang out’ in Oregon…June is coming right up!

all blessings

sauluddin

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Hey Sauluddin,

A year ago I found myself in the middle of a mult-structure fire. Given my history as a firefighter, I started pulling pulling a tv, fridge etc out of a few houses until I realized that my house was going up next. Two days later I started writing about my experience. I went on to giving advice on rescuing people and on to what to do and don’t do in a number of natural disasters such as a tsunami, earthquake, animal attack. All this evolved into a website www.dontpanicyet.net (with film of the fire) which was completed last week.

The knowledge given on the website, particularly the last page, can help, Inshallah,  prevent suffering somewhere down the line. Please read it and pass on the website if you think it would do some good.

Take care,

Jabbar

Announcing the Remembrance Project Website

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Dear ones,

this just in. What a wonderful thing for us to support.

all blessings

sauluddin

p.s. Great News.  Alhamdulliah! The all new and improved “IN THE GARDEN” is now ready for printing.  Yeah! More on this soon.

—–Original Message—– 

Dear Ones,

I’d like to announce the creation of a new website called “ The Sufi Remembrance Project”. This website is meant to be a repository for memories of any mureed who traced his/her spiritual inheritance to Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, and who has left this realm for the unseen.

The URL is: http://remembrance.sufipaths.net

I in vite you to visit the site and post memories. This site will be as valuable as you the community members make it. Pictures, stories, memories, biographical information, anything you wish to post as a remembrance, are welcome.

Some pages for mureeds have been set up, and some pages have more content than others. If you know of someone who has passed on who is not included here, any information would be greatly appreciated. I am hopeful that together as a community we can create a living memorial to our Sufi brothers and sisters who have walked this path with us.

This website is a work in progress. If you have any suggestions on how to improve the site, please let me know.

I would deeply appreciate your  passing on this website information to your local communities.

In Love and Service to Remembrance,

Khushi Tanveer

DHO stucco work. and news from Germany!

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Dear family – Please see the sweet letter from Krishnadas at Lama.

Alhamdulliah!  we were able to make a contribution to the upkeep of the Lama infrastructure.

I am hopeful that we can do a return visit in 2010 (June).  Dates to be announced later.

and, Ananda & I are just back from Shneida in Germany – a wonderful meeting, and celebration of my 70th birthday – who would have thought it possible.  Thanks to all our German family for keeping the torch lit these 25 years.  Mashallah!

Big News:  we raised 2,000 Euros for the publishing of a German Language edition of In the Garden…Ya Fatah! the translation and design will all be done by our very talented family in Germany…what a great birthday present.  Thank you all. 

And, don’t forget our upcoming DHO gathering near Portland – June 22 – 26, 2009….

Please contact Jennifer Avian for registration.

And, especially during this time of uncertainty, fear and hope, let us hold the high ground, and remember our earliest lessons on the ‘Path’: That life’s true treasure is not the gold of the world, but rather the jewel of the open heart.

May our hearts be open and filled with the Love, Joy & Peace of God’s Grace.

I send all my love and blessings

hakim sauluddin

—–Original Message—–

Subject: DHO stucco work.

Dear Saul,Greetings from Lama where the snow is turning to mud — but we will get more snow no doubt.

We would like for the DHO to know that this past fall we used the DHO money for stucco work to restore the south and west face of the 2 straw bale structures that Beth and I live in. The houses now have a very stable protective surface on the storm sides. This was a grand success and model for the work to be done this coming summer on all of the deteriorating south faces of many of Lama’s structures.

We are appreciative and grateful for the money DHO gave for this to happen.

The money for the Maqbara awning structure is in a restricted account –“DHO Maqbara project”. Meanwhile, I will try to get an estimate from the custom awning place in Santa Fe.

I will be leaving Lama at after 8 summers and 7 winters — whew! — staying down the road at Annie’s Magic Tourtise community until September — still assisting up here part time for the summer. Then I shall travel on once Beth finishes the summer.

My intention is to still assist Lama with it’s summer program calendar in the future — all inshAllah.

Which brings the question — ? — If DHO is interested in returning in 2010,  we are willing to give you the prime calendar dates of your choice in June of 2010. Perhaps you could let me know when DHO has it’s summer gathering.

Lots of love to you and the DHO.

Krishna Das

Murshid’s Urs Day

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Dear ones,

Here is a short quote from S.A.M. on his Urs day:

“There are only 2 reasons to do things – one is for God, and the other is for money.”

Ya Shakur Allah!
Ya Shakur Murshid.

How fortunate we all were to be touched by his presence.

In addition, I was privileged to be present and to record Murshid’s ‘death-bed’ letter to his living Pir – Sufi Barkat Ali:

“Praise be to Allah! This has been a glorious exit, and one which will go down in history, a sign of all the beauty, truth and goodness in the universe. One has been truly saved from the jaws of death and adversity, and may live on indefinitely, as God wills. It is the sign ad symbol of all goodness, and the establishment of God’s message in the Western world forever, praise be to Allah! For I am the first one born in the West to have received the divine message, and believe to have representatives in all the purity and goodness of which Allah is capable, and which will now be presumed done forever.”

all blessings

hakim sauluddin

Health and our Ruhaniat

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Dear friends and family,

As we begin this newest year, I am moved to offer some thoughts on Health, Prayer and the active healing concentration held within our Ruhaniat by the Dervish Healing Order.

One of the more important aspects of Murshid Sam’s effect on people was not just his sun like energy, but also the razor sharp clarity of his mind. He felt that these were inter-dependent.

During my two active years with him, I rarely saw him in an agitated state. Mostly, he was not only clear, but also enthusiastically heart centered. He often remarked that “if one wishes to use the Zen Stick, one’s heart must be open.”

I also remember during a meeting he remarked, “ An idea dropped into a clear and focused mind will crisp like a potato slice in bubbling hot oil.”

It is this clarity and focused will (or purpose) which directs our ‘performance’ of the absent healing ritual. The reason why the healing conductor is an initiation, is so that:

  1. They are first trained, and evaluated, to insure that their ‘makam’ is sufficient for this work.
  2. They are connected to, and may draw from the inner clarity & barakka of our silsela.

To do successful healing, one must first have an open and focused heart. To attempt the absent healing ritual without these in place, puts the very health of the person being prayed for into jeopardy. When one concentrates with any negative, or even personal emotions, than one takes the risk that these negative (or personal) feelings will also be sent out. Not what the ill or grieved has asked for.

Some orders are very firm in their ‘qualifications’ for leading the healing ritual. And, some leaders in our own order have asked that their names not be put out to general distribution. Their concern is actual, and perhaps has some merit.

As of this writing, we are in the process of attempting a unitive approach to the healing needs of our Inayati family.

I am hopeful that in the near future, there will be a real “all order healing list” for all of us to send our prayers through.

This will be a major step towards unity, and your positive thoughts ar e requested.

Until these steps are accepted by all the various orders, please continue to support your local healing centers. It is very important that we have an active healing concentration in place for our own Ruhaniat.

If you are not on the DHO listserve, or do not know the Healing Conductors in your area, then please continue to place your requests for healing on Oursohbet and the Jamiat Khas listserves. No other entity represents our work.

Even better, join with your local healing circle to pray for our order, our spiritual family, and our world.

If all of us take on what Inayat Khan called the “problems of the day,” we will have a greater opportunity to alter our interactions with the world, and thus bring into manifestation the healthy, clear, and loving kindness we all seek.

Remember, Murshid Sam said that “the New Age will come about by itself.” And, Mother Mary told me that “if we were very fortunate, we could become the teachers of the teachers of the New Age.”

Supporting your local healing circle is a wonderful opportunity to manifest our spiritual ideals of Serving God by Serving Humanity.

I send all my love and blessings, and my prayers for our health, and the continued prosperity of our spirit.

Remember the DHO Gathering – outside Portland, Oregon – June 22 to 26, 2009. More data very soon.

yours in service to the real

hakim sauluddin
January 10, 2009

P.s. Do I need to note that Murshid Sam’s Urs is January 15th?

DHO 2009 to be in Oregon

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Dear DHO family –

Well, the heat and potential crowding seems to have left Vegas in the desert dust….many thanks to all who took the time to write back. Especially to our location committee: Najat, Heather, Murad, Jennifer & Jude. You all did great work. Ya Shakur!

Our roll call vote has selected Oregon as the favorite by more than three to one — So Oregon it is:

Dates: Monday – June 22nd (dinner) to Friday June 26th (lunch) – 2009. 4 days & nights.

Place: Alton Collins Retreat Center – one hour southeast of Portland, Oregon.

Costs: Two rates – double occupancy – $80 per nite & single occupancy – $100. per nite.
That’s either $360 (shared) or $400 (solo).

Meals: Either veg or some meat – they are noted for their local and organic sources – some grown on property. Three full meals per day – their menu looks fabulous – we can adjust it to our desires before we arrive. Plus – 24 hour tea & coffee service (free traded).

Amenities: see their web site – loads of comfortable space – indoors and out.

Theme: An open meeting with a focus on our Ryazat (spiritual practices and methodology) including:

  • Healing 101
  • Protection
  • Transmutation
  • Sending and Clearing of Energy
  • The Healing Ritual of Hazrat Inayat Khan (both esoteric and exoteric
  • Intuition
  • The Power of the Breath
  • The Power of the Focused Mind, etc.

We will offer both classes and an open sohbet (spiritual discussion) on these and any other topics the group wishes to explore together.

We also hope to offer choir, walks, dancing, zikr, sufi chi gong and our usual frolicking amongst the trees!

Please let Jennifer know if you are planning on attending – so we can make our plans.

I send all my love and blessings, and my prayers for the very best that Allah can offer.

Yours in Service to the real,
Hakim Sauluddin

Report: Lama Pilgrimage 2008

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Dear family,

What a joy it is to return to Lama and Murshid’s gravesite.

Firstly, the Lama beans were wonderful and supportive, and they made it easy for us oldsters to sing and dance and walk at 8,000 feet plus. Many of them joined us for our processions up the Mountain, and for our evening programs. In addition, they preserved the grave-cloth from Moineddin Chisti, so we could once again place it on Murshid’s gravesite and re-connect their energies.

Over 45 (full & part time) of us gathered to celebrate our connection. As usual, there was zikr, walks, healing ritual, dancing, tea, sufi chi gong, homework, bedtime stories, Ram Nam, prayers, and our greatly anticipated frolicking amidst the new greenery.

Many thanks to Elaine & Habbib for their spectacular Thai dinner; to Rabia for holding the kitchen in such love; to Azima for taking on the organization of the dances in the evening, and for her presentation on the Mayan calender; to Elaine for leading the Shabbos; to Mansur for his presentation of his new book on Shamcher Beorse (his life and work with alternative energy); to Asha for her practice on realizing one’s Intuition and for her wonderful evening of Zikr; to Nasruddin for his evening laughter session; to Siddiq & Sakina for their daily offering of Tea; to Murad for his daily offering of Sufi Chi Gong, and for his powerful zikr practice; to Noel for bringing the Heart of Hanuman to the Mountain; and finally, the Lama musicians and dance leaders, especially Austin, who pitched in and helped make our evenings so juicy and full.

I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone’s offerings. So many people helped. Thank you all.

One small picture of our pilgrimage to share:

We all gathered around the gravesite, after a slow and measured walk up – fabulously led by Siddiq von Brissen. A number of us laid the cloth from Moineddin Chisti’s tomb over the grave, and we all sang Zuleikah’s song to Murshid Sam – “Shakur Allah, Shakur”. We then recited the prayer Pir, visualizing Murshid Sam. What a rush

The best news is that Lama is alive and well, and that Murshid’s gravesite is protected and safe.

Our visit generated over $12,000. net profit for Lama, with an additional $3,200. ($1,600 from us plus a special matching anonymous gift of $1,600) to be used in 2 areas: 1. A portable canvas shade to be used as removable shade over the maqbara, and the rest to be used to preserve Lama’s existing buildings (which are in dire need of re-mudding).

All in all a wonderful time was had by all.

Next year we are considering a retreat just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. The price is certainly right on – about $65 per day, including 3 meals. And, we have a committee which is actively pursuing the layout and ground plans of this offering. A group evening with Cirque de Soleil is only one possibility. Wow

I send all my love and blessings

yours in Service to the Real