International Sufi Movement
Summer School, July 2013
Katwijk, The Netherlands on the North Sea
View Summer School Invitation and Program
Heartiest Welcome to the 91st Summer School
This institution was founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan so many years ago, and his illuminated presence is everlastingly shining in the hearts of all. May that light inspire us to contemplate on the theme of this year, which is ‘Open our hearts’, also said in the prayer called Saum, resounding as a powerful bell, calling for worship.
The Sufi Message is the religion of the heart, and the more we realize the importance of our mission, the more our hearts shall become radiant, and the more we shall perceive that same light radiating in the hearts of all those who come our way.
When sympathizing with the feelings of others, with an open heart, offering understanding for their views, seen from their point of view, one might become an example of Love, Harmony and Beauty, the true Ideal of the Message in our time, which is calling for Spiritual Liberty and Unity of Spiritual Ideals.
The Message of Spiritual Liberty in our time is illustrated in various ways during the Summer School, which was originally founded by Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1922, in Suresnes, France.
Among the activities experienced during the Summer School session, some are obviously inspired by the various World Religions.
1 - The Breathing practices chosen from the complex science of breath called ‘Prana-Yama’, as well as the chanting of sacred words called Mantram, are both specific practices done with great discipline in the Hindu Religion.
2 - Meditation, practiced as a spiritual connection with the All-Pervading Energy, is one of the main themes of contemplation experienced in Buddhism.
3 - The inner attunement to the specific influences revealed in the five Elements, as experienced in the Element Ritual and in the Zirat Ritual, are two mystical ceremonies inspired by the science called Symbology, which is a mystical activity in the Inner School of the Zoroastrian Religion.
4 - The reference ‘Towards The One’, heard in the Invocation said daily, is inspired by the Ideal of the One God, the original and basic foundation of the Jewish Religion.
5 - The feeling for sacredness expressed in the lighting of candles symbolizing an attunement to heavenly grace, as well as the deep feelings experienced while reciting prayers is so profoundly inspired by the Christian Religion.
6 - The Esoteric practices called Singing Wazifas, as well as the Singing Zikar are inspired from ancient Islamic traditions.
Hidayat Inayat-Khan
Note: It is to be understood that all specific practices as herewith mentioned, are certainly explained and experienced in different ways and variously emphasized in all Religions.
