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The Sufi Order of Rochester offers several ongoing
activities each month. Please consult our calendar for dates, times and locations,
there are occasional exceptions to our regularly scheduled events.
Message Class: The Message Volumes are transcriptions of the lectures Pir O Murshid Inayat Khan presented to his committed followers in the early 1920's, published in 14 books. At present, each Message Class focuses on an aspect of one of these volumes for reading and discussion, along with spiritual practices to deepen our experience, and sets a theme for the month. This class is open to anyone interested in Inayat Khan's Message and is especially appropriate for those who are sincerely committed to this spiritual path, or are seriously exploring it. The Message class is offered every 1st Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. Foundation Class: This class focuses on the basic, foundational practices of the Sufi Order Esoteric School, including practices with breath, sound, light, Divine Qualities, and Zikr (a practice of remembrance). It is offered every second Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. This class is open to all. Healing Class and Circle: Readings, practices and experiences related to awakening the healing potential in all of us are included in this Thursday meeting. The readings and discussion are followed by a healing circle. Here, names of those requesting distance healing and energy are read by their request, and a prayerful ceremony is conducted by the group incorporating prayers, imagery, breath work and distance healing; 3rd Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm. Zikr Circle: An evening of chants, song and music in remembrance of our Divine reality: Oneness; 4th Thursday of each month (except Thanksgiving and Christmas), 7:30 pm. Those who have never attended before are asked to contact the Sufi Order for an orientation to the practice of zikr. Ziraat Lodge: Ceremony honoring the elements and presenting the metaphors of farming and nature to encourage those participating to learn to work more deeply with mind and spirit, scheduled monthly in the Rochester area and in Wayne County (see Calendar). Dances of Universal Peace: Affiliated with the Sufi Order. Easy to learn circle dances using sacred phrases and movements from the world's spiritual traditions. These Dances are moving meditations, focusing on joy, depth and the celebration of the sacred, 2nd Saturday of each month, 7:30 pm. Eat, Dance and Pray Together: The American Sufi mystic, Murshid Samuel Lewis, originator of the Dances of Universal Peace (also called Sufi Dances) said that peace would come when people eat, dance and pray together. We begin this evening celebration with the Universal Worship (see Activities), a service honoring the world’s spiritual traditions together on one altar. We share a simple potluck meal together and move into dances in which we can embody our prayers and experience joy. This event is offered to the public on a monthly basis, the 4th Saturday of each month, at Open Sky Yoga. Come and join us! All are welcome! Chanting: Music is an important part of our spiritual tradition. A regular chanting group has evolved as a related activity, honoring many spiritual and cultural traditions. Persons are invited to bring instruments or use the percussion instruments provided. Chants are typically easy to learn and follow, and all are encouraged to join in. Spontaneous dance and movement often arise, so don't be surprised! (see Calendar) |
