The Sufi Order International a universal approach to spiritual growth

WHAT IS SUFISM?

Sufism is not easily defined, for it is neither a distinct religion nor a doctrine.  It does not require adherence to prescribed dogmas or ritual, and welcomes members of all races, nations and beliefs.    It has existed throughout the centuries in many cultures.

Sufism is a way of looking at the world and a way of living in the world.  It emphasizes bringing one's highest ideal into everyday practices.  It is a way for humanity to awaken to the abundance of life, both individually and collectively, in every area of human enterprise.

Summer Camp in Switzerland

HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN

The Sufi Order International evolved from the spiritual tradition of the Chishti lineage which originated in the East and was brought to the West by Hazrat Inayat Khan, the founder of the Sufi Order International.  He was given the task by his Sufi teacher to "unite East and West in the harmony of your music."

As the first Sufi teacher in the West, he sought to make the spiritual legacy of Sufism responsive to the needs of our time.  He was one of the first to speak of an emerging planetary consciousness as the next stage in the spiritual evolution of humanity.

In the later years of his life he spoke of Sufism as a mother who would give birth to a child, whom she called the Message, something beyond any names and labels.  He believed the Message would facilitate the awakening of the consciousness of humanity to the divinity within and bring new life to all facets of human endeavor.

PIR VILAYAT INAYAT KHAN

Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, an internationally known lecturer and author, was the son and spiritual successor of Hazrat Inayat Khan and the head of the Sufi Order International until his recent passing on June 17, 2004..  For over four decades, Pir Vilayat had been teaching meditation at seminars, camps and retreats around the world.  He had also written a number of books on Sufism, including Toward the One (1974), A Message in Our Time (1978), The Call of the Dervish (1981), Introducing Spirituality into Counselling and Psychotherapy (1982), That Which Transpires Behind That Which Appears (1994), Awakening (1999) and In Search of the Hidden Treasure (2003).

PIR ZIA INAYAT KHAN

Pir Zia Inayat Khan is the son and successor of Pir Vilayat.  In addition to the interfaith mystical training he has received from his father, Pir Zia has studied under the auspices of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and Sufism in the classical Indian tradition of the Chishtiyya.

Hazrat Inayat Khan	Pir Vilayat Inayat Kahn	Pir Zia Inayat Khan

 

INITIATION AND SPIRITUAL TRAINING

The Sufi Order International offers classes, seminars, and retreats to all.  It is also an esoteric school offering individual training which begins with the process of initiation. The purpose of initiation is the spiritual unfoldment of the individual.
 
The esoteric school provides training in a course of spiritual studies, with a dynamic process of transmission of teaching through the relationship with a personal guide.  The aim is to discover a means of expressing divinity in one's life and through one's being, honoring individual goals and sense of calling.  The spiritual journey  also takes place in the context of a community of seekers in local centers as well as in the greater society. 

FIVE CONCENTRATIONS

The Sufi Order International offers five concentrations, through which this process can be experienced.  These are:

• The Esoteric School
• The Healing Order
• Universal Worship
• Kinship
• Ziraat

 (see:  www.sufiorder.org)