Upcoming Special Events

As busy individuals we often do not take the time or initiative to observe our thoughts, attitudes and actions or the effect they can have on others and, on our own destiny. The Bestowal of Blessing is a study and practice of learning to become a truly spiritual person by bringing a loving and open-hearted attitude and approach to all that we do and to consciously pouring blessing into every aspect of life.

In this workshop we will practice, meditate, and engage in spiritual discourse. We will practice methods of attuning the heart and developing and using the practice of pouring blessing (Baraka) into all aspects of life. This workshop-retreat is suitable for all levels of experience. Because of its nature, we strongly recommend attendance for the entire event.

Murshid Shahabuddin David Less has been a senior teacher in the Sufi Order International for over 30 years. He leads seminars and workshops worldwide. Shahabuddin brings a depth of spiritual insight andprofound attunement to his teachings. Students benefit from his compassionate nature, broad knowledge and gentle humor. He is the founder of Rising Tide International, a center devoted to uniting the heart of all religions, and the author of the newly released book, Universal Meditations.

You can learn more about The Bestowal of Blessing from this flyer. You can also visit the Sufi Order of Rochester website or contact Amina Linda Hall for more information.The event is sponsored by the Sufi Order of Rochester, and will be held at: Physikos, Village Gate, 302 N. Goodman St., Rochester, NY. [map, streetview]

Shahabuddin's previous workshop in Rochester is described here.

This silent spring retreat will include various spiritual practices using Light, Sound, and Music.

The Light on the Hill retreat center (map) is located near Ithaca, NY, on 236 acres of woods, streams, gorges, distant views, and walking paths. Retreat leaders have called it the best retreat center on the east coast because of its beauty, comfortable sleeping spaces, positive energy, and delicious vegetarian food. Participants comment on how the lodge and its surroundings enhance and deepen the retreat process. [note: The retreat centre is a bit less than five hours drive from Toronto.]

$295 (incl. meals and lodging) by March 15th
$325 after March 15th

Aziza Scott, M. ED., has been a student of the retreat process for 30 years and serves as the head of the Esoteric School and as Director of the Retreat Guide Training Program of the Sufi Order International, working closely with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and now Pir Zia. She has many years of experience leading individual and group retreats and conducting workshops in the US, Europe and India.

Zira'at was the last of the five concentrations inspired and created by Hazrat Inayat Khan. It utilizes a ceremony based on the symbology of farming, to represent the unity between the inner work of spiritual realization and stewardship and reverence for life. Its teachings pertain to the purification and training of the mind, the balance of the two aspects of breath, jelal (masculine) and jemal (feminine) and the honoring of the elements.

The Zira'at Lodge ceremony and Zira'at classes are held on the winter and summer solstices and spring and fall equinoxes. Zira'at Lodge and classes will be at Neil Hafiz Rothenberg's home. Please contact him for more information.

Upcoming Zira'at Lodge ceremonies are scheduled for:

• Wednesday, June 20, 2012
• Saturday, September 20, 2012
• Friday, December 21, 2012
• more to be scheduled will appear in our upcoming special events listing

For 2012, the Sufi Order International's annual Summer Gathering has been multiplied! There are both East Coast and West Coast gatherings. The West Coast gathering will be held July 21-26 at the Mount Madonna Center near Santa Cruz, California.

Arrival day for the Retreat is July 20th, and there may be an informal evening event, although the official Gathering starts the morning of the 21st. The Retreat with Pir Zia and Aziza Scott is the first program, and will (almost certanly) be a silent retreat. The second program will probably be in the usual SOI Summer Gathering style, where there are events specifically for SOI leaders, events for the general community, and joint events. You may attend the first program, the second program, or both.

We'll have more information about both events available as the date approaches. Until then, you can view our event page for the 2011 Summer Gathering, or check for updates at the SOI-NA website. You can also contact Hadi at the email address below.

UPDATE (2012-Jan-20) The Mount Madonna Center has created event webpages, one for the Retreat with Pir Zia and Aziza Scott and one for the Community and Leaders Camp with Taj Inayat and Others.

The 2012 SOI Summer Gathering East is being held June 29 to July 7 at the Abode of the Message in New Lebanon, New York. You can learn more about it here.

2012 SOI SUMMER GATHERING WEST SCHEDULE:  

Retreat with Pir Zia and Aziza Scott
July 21 – July 23

Community and Leaders Camp with Taj Inayat and Others
July 24 – July 26

We are delighted to report that Aziza Scott and Wajid Gallien will be jointly leading a weekend retreat in Ottawa on November 17-18, 2012. Those who were fortunate to be at their 2008 shared weekend will tell you how special it is to have these two experienced teachers and their complementary styles lead us together. A rare opportunity! We'll have more about this event as the date approaches.

Aziza Scott, M. ED., has been a student of the retreat process for 30 years and serves as the head of the Esoteric School and as Director of the Retreat Guide Training Program of the Sufi Order International, working closely with Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and now Pir Zia. She has many years of experience leading individual and group retreats and conducting workshops in the US, Europe and India.

Wajid Gallien is a senior teacher in the Sufi Order International, and has been a student of Sufism and ancient philosophies for nearly 40 years. He is presently working as a hospice Chaplain. Wajid's insights into spiritual challenges, cultural awakening, and contemplative studies are the product of his attunement to Sufi teachings, which he shares in his books, The Heart of Knowing, and Wings of the Message. He is a member of SOI-Seattle Board of Trustees.