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A curated journal on art, culture and dharma

Vaishnava Bauls of Birbhum Bengal

Vaishnava Bauls of Birbhum Bengal

December, 2015 by Sandra Trishula Das

That is why, brother, I became a madcap Baul. No master I obey, nor injunctions, canons or custom. Now no men-made distinctions have any hold on me, and I revel only in the gladness of my own welling love. In love there's no separation, but commingling always. So I rejoice in song and dance with each and all - Rabindra Nath Tagore read more

Pakistan's Sufi Dervishes, Digambar Jain Monks and Udasi sadhus

Pakistan's Sufi Dervishes, Digambar Jain Monks and Udasi sadhus

January, 2016 by Haroon Khalid

Standing in one corner of the courtyard was this group of bald dervish. They were a combination of old ages. Their naked bodies shone through their thin black shawls that they had used to cover up their torso. Some of them wore glass ear rings and had a horizontal tika on the forehead, a symbol of Hindu ascetics. Others had glass bangles on their wrists, associated with Bhaktis. All of them were without shoes, even though shoes were allowed in this courtyard. Dust had become one with the skin of their feet. read more

Neither of the East nor of the West: The Journey of the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya from India to America - Part Two

Neither of the East nor of the West: The Journey of the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya from India to America - Part Two

May, 2016 by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

Traditionally the Sufi sheikh is the “keeper of the gates of grace.” Love and grace are the cornerstones of the relationship with the teacher, which is the most important relationship for the disciple. Without this relationship there is no path and no journey. read more

Neither of the East nor of the West: The Journey of the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya from India to America

Neither of the East nor of the West: The Journey of the Naqshbandiyya-Mujaddidiyya from India to America

March, 2016 by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

The true history of any Sufi order is the history of this transmission, which is the central core of the path, around which its practices and etiquette develop over time. The outer form of the path can change according to the time and the place and the people, but the inner essence must remain the same living substance of divine love. read more

The Magic of Creation: The Sufi's Way

The Magic of Creation: The Sufi's Way

February, 2016 by Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee

In the past many spiritual teachings have focused on the transcendent aspect of the Divine, on spirit separate from matter, heaven rather than earth. But as our present culture spins out of balance, destroying the fragile web of life in a ever accelerating ecological crisis, there is a pressing need to remember the sacred nature of creation and thus deepen our understanding of its spiritual and transformative qualities. read more

Sufism, Islam and the Lower Self

Sufism, Islam and the Lower Self

February, 2016 by Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

For many people Sufism and Islam are synonymous; in fact Webster’s dictionary defines Sufi: as a Muslim following the principles of a special form of Islamic mysticism. Yet, the tradition of Sufism pre-exists Islam and is considered by many as the original mysticism; existing since the beginning of time and available in all religion, cultures and countries. read more

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