Call of the Earth – Introduction

We live in a time of great strain on the living systems of the Earth.
A time of mounting extinctions and a world heating up, a planet in fever.
We are only a self because we are part of a greater self; we can’t extricate our little self from that larger
self. We’re siblings to every being on this planet.
The great sufi Shaikh Shibli said “A sufi is not a sufi until he/she takes upon himself or herself the whole of
creation as a family trust”.
– Pir Zia Inayat Khan, from his New Years Message 2022

The Inayatiyya’s Call of the Earth Initiative is galvanized by the climate needs of our collective moment, uniting us all in spirit and action. As our first project, members of the World Wide Message Council and various Affinity groups will share related teachings from Hazrat Inayat Khan. Then, in spring 2023, all will be invited to a gathering on the Earth, its possiblity and need.

According to the teaching of Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan, God made us Divine representatives on earth, in whose care the universe was given.

We are faced with a great challenge at this time. The Earth is crying out to humanity to wake up and realize that it is time to change our ways, or the suffering of beings large and small, will become greater and greater. Habitats are changing and being lost entirely, resulting in a dizzying annihilation of species.

As we awaken to the eco-crisis, many have asked the Inayatiyya to offer guidance to address this challenge. Hazrat Inayat Khan offers an array of teachings and practices to inspire and guide us in this effort.

For the remainder of this year, each issue of the Zephyr will include a short passage with teachings and practices to serve the Call of the Earth. These contributions will be offered by the Inayatiyya’s Inner School, Healing, Music, Ziraat, Universal Worship, Knighthood, and Kinship activities, as well as voices from affinity groups such as our Climate Circle & Young Adults Council.

We hope to offer perspectives from Murshid’s teaching that will inspire your participation in the healing of the current ecological challenge, for the sake of humanity and the wider world. The Earth has willingly cared for and sustained humanity for many thousands of years. It is time that we, in turn, care for her.

Resources:

May both our individual and collective actions help bring healing to our planet.

In loving service,
Devi Tide, VP Inayatiyya Healing
& Wali Via, VP Inayatiyya Ziraat

Devi Tide is the Kefayat (Head) and Vice President of the Sufi Healing Order in North America, New Zealand and Australia. She has over thirty years experience as a teacher of healing and the esoteric sciences, bringing the qualities of wisdom, heart, subtlety, humor, and intelligence to her role. Devi has contributed to and offered programs in India, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. In her seminars, public speaking, and individual sessions and retreats, Devi represents the inner vitality and harmony of the body, mind and spirit, the vitality of our interconnected world, as well as personal transformation.

Wali Via has been following the Sufi path since 1978 and serves in a number of roles within the Inayatiyya, including being the current Vice President of Ziraat in North America & Oceania. Wali has spent his adult life farming organically and biodynamically at a commercial scale. He is now retired from farming, though the farm continues on in good hands (wintergreenfarm.com). Wali spends as much time as he can in the wilderness, hiking, backpacking, climbing mountains, and kayaking, and playing with his grandchildren. Wali is dedicated to providing opportunities for people to deepen their spiritual lives including their relationship with the natural world to foster the Earth’s Healing.