The Zephyr, April 2025

16 April 2025

Dear Companions on the Path,

We live in a time that is part of a continuity. What existed before exists now and into the future. There are inner and outer constants. As part of our Sufi teachings, we know this to be true.

Yet, while there is a certain timelessness to life, we do live in a particular, specific time in history, one with its own circumstances. We live in a time with endless data and distraction, the coming of AI and life-like robots, climate crisis, a world in political, social, and economic upheaval.

Pir-o-Murshid lived during an immensely specific time, too. Much of his early teaching happened during The Great War—World War I. He and his young family fled from France to London. It was a nascent time for the Order. “The seed was not yet sown. All that time was given to tilling the ground.” A Khanqah was established at Ladbroke Road, No 86, in Kensington where Murshid quietly taught a small group of murids. He talks about this time of his life in his biography.

Some of Murshid’s lectures from during and right after the war, were compiled into Sufi Message Volume VII—In an Eastern Rose Garden. Our independent publishing house, Suluk Press, is putting the finishing touches on an updated version of In an Eastern Rose Garden to come out later this year. In the meantime, below we share several passages from this particular volume. Perhaps sit with these words as part of your practice, as a way to tap into the continuum of life.

As we are just coming out of Ramadan, we now wish all those observing a joyful Passover and Easter. May we be always together during these most special times of ritual and celebration.

With love,
Alia

PS—As we look forward to our In an Eastern Rose Garden series beginning in October, we continue The Alchemy of Happiness with Pir Zia very soon—Sunday, April 27th, at 2 pm Eastern Time (New York).

Also, Pir Zia guides us in a spring retreat beginning tomorrow, in Gersfeld, Germany and also via Zoom. The theme is Symbiosis—The Intertwining of Lives, Loves & Lights. There is still time to register.

We would love to see you however you are able to join us!

• The greatest progress is a constant expansion of the divine spirit. Expansion in any direction so long as the ideal of unity is applied, this is the ideal of the Sufis. The ideal of Sufism is to invite humans to become members of humanity.
• Sufism is not a new religion or community. It does not want to add a community to the world. It is an attitude of life, not taught by any particular principle or dogma. It is to tune oneself to a certain pitch, so that the heart can become tuned to the One being. This is the only religion that exists.
• We see that in everybody’s life there have been two phases: the phase of dependence and the phase of independence. It is exactly the same in the lives of peoples, of communities, and of nations. It is always the same: at first dependence, then independence. At first autocracy, then democracy. The life and evolution of the individual and the multitude are alike.
• When there is a rising up of autocracy, it means that the time has come for another form of life to appear. That is why there come wars, revolutions, floods, strikes, rebellions. These are all signs that life is going to change. It is not only today. It has been so in all ages. Such signs always mean the change from autocracy to bureaucracy, and then the new era begins, the era of democracy.
• The realization that the whole of life must be give and take, is the realization of the spiritual truth and the fact of true democracy. Not until this spirit is formed in the individual himself can the whole world be raised to a higher grade of evolution.

Astana Comunique

As you read this, you may want to know—

• We have hired a new Director of Programs for North America & Oceania—Peter Orozco. Please take a moment to read his bio, which is full of leadership, program development, solid management skills, and genuine heartfulness. When you have a chance, please welcome Peter via programs@inayatiyya.org.
• Also, we are actively recruiting and getting ready to interview candidates for the position of Inayatiyya Executive Director for North America & Oceania. You can read my letter giving context here and Nazish, our board chair’s, invitation to apply here. Applications are due by Sunday, May 4, 2025.
• Previously we foreshadowed an event with Shaykha Fariha at the Astana in Richmond, Virginia. Please note that this gathering is in the process of being moved to the fall. Details TBD.
• Summer is soon upon us! Can you come be with Pir Zia and many friends in Rhinebeck, Suresnes, Bad Bevensen, and/or Katwijk?
• And possibly most importantly, we have a new Suluk Global class beginning in September. All details may be found here, with Isa Sophia answering questions via suluk@inayatiyya.org.

German Spring Retreat 2025
Symbiosis: The Intertwining of Lives, Loves, and Lights
April 17th to April 21st, 2025
Gersfeld (Rhön), Germany & via Zoom

‘Is the survival of the fittest the engine that drives evolution? Such was the supposition of science for many decades. Increasingly, however, attention is being paid to symbiosis: the way in which organisms work together and benefit each other. In this spring retreat, we will explore the mutuality that exists between Creator and creation, soul and body, planet and person, and two friends. Through prayer, meditation, and invocation, we will sanctify and energize the symbioses at the heart of our lives and of the world.’ – Pir Zia Inayat Khan More details and registration.

The Alchemy of Happiness—Part II
A Four-Part Course w/ Pir Zia Inayat Khan via Zoom
Sundays, April 27th, May 4th, 11th & 18th, 2025
2:00 pm EDT / 8:00 pm CET

This spring we return toward what it means to create happiness in life. Over four weeks, Pir Zia will guide us through our own inner happiness landscape, providing simple yet profound teachings from the work of the Sufi mystic, Hazrat Inayat Khan. We will explore themes such as cultivating purpose, developing a positive attitude, dealing with life’s struggles, tempering our reactions, and how to find meaning—all leading to greater contentment and happiness. Each classincludes teachings followed by spiritual practices to continue throughout the week ahead. As in last spring’s course, “Being in the World,” our four weeks together will be directly applicable to our day-to-day lives. More details and registration.

Inayatiyya International Board
News, April 2025

As the Inayatiyya International Board, we have an organizational change to share with you. Read more…

News from the Caravan

This month, we have some news to share from the Caravan. Read more…

The Zephyr is a monthly newsletter of the Inayatiyya, an interfaith mystical fellowship with branches worldwide. For more information, please visit us at inayatiyya.org.