Published and Distributed on the Occasion of the Summer School 2013
Where is the ship sailing?
O Seeker,
did you know that the ‘inner awakening’ is like being on a ship,
sailing on the great waters of love, harmony and beauty,
guided by the compass of the spirit of guidance,
and driven by the energy of spiritual liberty,
while heading toward the goal of the annihilation of the ego,
where one may begin to realize that the sailor is in reality
a ray of the Divine Presence, sailing in the past, present and future
on the waves of illusion.
The Sufi Movement founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1922 in Geneva, could be understood as being an association of sincere searchers on the path of wisdom, which is the meaning of the term Sufi. Wisdom does not imply an attitude of superiority, but to be humble in the way one expresses one’s opinion, and in the way one listens with tolerance to argumentations over truth, since there are as many truths as the number of seekers after truth. Wisdom cannot be neither taught nor learned, but can be silently discovered, but the goal is further still.
Nowadays, one often hears questions regarding the future of the Sufi Movement from an organizational as well as from a spiritual point of view. As far as the organization is concerned, let us refer to the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan who said in a Message Meeting in 1925:
We, the servants of the Sufi Message, who have joined together hand in hand, must not for one moment doubt how a handful of workers will be able to fulfill the service for which they are called.
As to the subject related to future Spiritual Guidance in the Sufi Movement, let us keep in mind that Hazrat Inayat Khan was the founder of this sacred Movement, created as a channel, along which, the Message is communicated to humanity. Therefore, the Spiritual Guidance in the Movement is revealed in the attunement to the Master’s Message.
When understanding this mystical concept, it is obvious that there cannot be appointed successors at the level of the bringer of the Message in our time.
Nowadays, one often hears questions regarding the future of the Sufi Movement from an organizational as well as from a spiritual point of view. As far as the organization is concerned, let us refer to the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan who said in a Message Meeting in 1925:
We, the servants of the Sufi Message, who have joined together hand in hand, must not for one moment doubt how a handful of workers will be able to fulfill the service for which they are called.
As to the subject related to future Spiritual Guidance in the Sufi Movement, let us keep in mind that Hazrat Inayat Khan was the founder of this sacred Movement, created as a channel, along which, the Message is communicated to humanity. Therefore, the Spiritual Guidance in the Movement is revealed in the attunement to the Master’s Message.
When understanding this mystical concept, it is obvious that there cannot be appointed successors at the level of the bringer of the Message in our time.
Following the passing of Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1927, his devoted Brothers, known as the Companions, were entrusted by destiny with the noble charge of guiding the ship, as it sailed along stormy waters, resulting from the drop away of old time representatives of the Sufi Movement, who did not follow the successions, one after the other. Then came the World War, following which, only a few mureeds were still mentioned on the list of members.
Those gloomy days have now passed, and the Sufi Movement is re-appearing internationally on the scenery, offering a lesson of confidence and of hope in providence. If the present situation seems enigmatic to some, let us always keep in mind the promise that our Master gave so often, saying: The Message shall take care of itself.
Since the purpose of the Sufi Movement is the spreading of the Message, this Movement is blessed with the Spiritual Guidance of the founder, whose teachings are a precious source of inspiration along the Inner Path. The more we immerse in these teachings, the more we shall realize how important it is to preserve them intact, avoiding introducing others, which would only create confusion.
In Gatheka 181, we read in our Master’s words:
Personally I owe every obligation to the Sufi School of the Chistis, in which I was initiated by my Murshid Abu Hashim Madani, but there, the account or the ancient History of Sufism finishes. (Source: English edition this is Gatheka 18; in the Dutch edition and in the Complete Works of Pir-O-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, 4th December 1923, this is Gatheka 17)
Inspired by those historical words, it is obvious, that the title ‘Pir-o-Murshid’ cannot be considered to be a birth-right, but can be seen as a symbol. This new vision related to the future, gave birth to what is now called the ‘Pir-o-Murshid Council’, consisting of Activity co-ordinators and their assistants in all five Activities of the Movement, presided by the joint General Representatives.
The other members are the Murshids and Murshidas, besides also the council secretary. At special occasions, appointed advisors are invited for consultation referring to specific subjects. The Executive Committee, presided by the joint General Representatives, is responsible for putting into practice all decisions taken, following suggestions received from the Pir-o-Murshid Council.
The Five Activities in the Sufi Movement
The Brotherhood/Sisterhood Activity
The Peshkars are responsible for the co-ordination and for the training of their assistants. This Activity was originally called the ‘World Brotherhood’. Its aim is to recognize that one has two opinions; one’s own, as well as the opinion of the other. The members have understanding for the followers of all religions and all beliefs. Using the website is a responsible job, therefore it is advisable to consult with the Peshkars in this connection. This Activity is open to the public.
The Universal Worship Activity
In this Activity, there are three levels of responsibility: The Cherag(a) officiates -The Siraj(a) ordains the Cherag(a)s - The Siraj-un Munir ordains the Siraj(a)s.
The Universal Worship Activity, which is a call for ‘Unity of Religious Ideals’, is also an appeal for respect of all beliefs.The Cherag(a) officiating at the altar, is seen as a light bearer of this Message, and is expected to be a living example of love, harmony and beauty. It is with an empty bowl, that the Cherag(a) comes up to the altar to kindle the lights of the great World Religions, known and unknown. The Cherag(a) is well aware of the fact, that the attendants at that ceremony expect respect to be offered
to their own religion.
Chosen passages from the various scriptures referring to a given subject are read, indicating thereby the one and same inspiration, expressed in different terms along the ages. Prayers recited at that occasion invoke the great religious reformers, whose names are respectfully mentioned. This Activity is open to the public.
The Inner School Activity
The Spiritual Healing Activity
Spiritual Healing is for those who feel an attraction to that activity, therefore it should not be imposed upon mureeds who are not specially interested in that specific commitment. In the Spiritual Healing Activity no money is taken.
Furthermore, there is no need adding anything to the ceremony, which is performed without pretense. There is a clear distinction between honest methods, and those, which appear to be successful.
As to the Spiritual Healing Ceremony, the persons whose names are on the lists of the Spiritual Healing Ceremony, are those who have true belief in this Activity. Furthermore, in this Activity, there is a true feeling of responsibility in keeping the Spiritual Healing Activity at a high level, avoiding it drifting down to the level of a cult.
The Symbology Activity
There are two Symbology Activites. One is called Zirat, which means farming, from a symbolical point of view, referring to the work on the ego.
The other Symbology Activity called the Element Ritual, is a ceremony dedicated to the five elements. The idea is to be attuned to the vibrations of the elements, as experienced in Hindu and Zoroastrian Mysticism.
The elements can have a certain influence in our daily life and we have the possibility of making use of what these have to offer. When focusing on the earth element, one feels secure and stable. With the water element one discovers progressive impulses. The air element offers inspiration. The fire element fills one with energy. The vibrations of the ether element are closely related to the All-Pervading Energy.
The Message in Our Time
The Message in our time is inspired by the teachings of all Religions. It is like finding a diamond here, a ruby there, and again, other precious stones somewhere else. Every Religion is the expression of a sacred ideal, which is to attune oneself to the Divine Omnipresence.
In this confused world-situation, where political dictatorship as well as religious sectarian fanaticism prevail like dark clouds in the sky, the hidden working of the Message of Spiritual Liberty can be seen at various levels, such as the struggles for social wellbeing, as well as in scientific researches and industrial creativity.
Courageous are those who, like shining rays, follow the path leading to Spiritual Liberty, each proceeding in accordance with their own wisdom.
Wisdom is not a religion, nor is it a secret school of speculative interpretations of truth. Wisdom is an open door, with true understanding for the original inspiration of all beliefs. Wisdom cannot be limited by descriptive terminology, which generally misinterprets true realization. Wisdom cannot be identified as being the property of one single transmission because of its universal nature.
Colophon
This brochure is published on the occasion of the Summer School 2013.
In this confused world-situation, where political dictatorship as well as religious sectarian fanaticism prevail like dark clouds in the sky, the hidden working of the Message of Spiritual Liberty can be seen at various levels, such as the struggles for social wellbeing, as well as in scientific researches and industrial creativity.
Courageous are those who, like shining rays, follow the path leading to Spiritual Liberty, each proceeding in accordance with their own wisdom.
Wisdom is not a religion, nor is it a secret school of speculative interpretations of truth. Wisdom is an open door, with true understanding for the original inspiration of all beliefs. Wisdom cannot be limited by descriptive terminology, which generally misinterprets true realization. Wisdom cannot be identified as being the property of one single transmission because of its universal nature.
Colophon
This brochure is published on the occasion of the Summer School 2013.
The text also appeared as epilogue in the second edition of the book
Reminders by Hidayat Inayat-Khan (ISBN 978-94-91574-04-7)
© 2013 Hidayat Inayat-Khan. All rights reserved.
International Headquarters of the Sufi Movement, The Hague, The Netherlands.
© 2013 Hidayat Inayat-Khan. All rights reserved.
International Headquarters of the Sufi Movement, The Hague, The Netherlands.
