The Sufi Way
The lineage of the Sufi Way was first established in the West in 1910 by the Indian mystic Sufi Inayat Khan, and is now a contemporary expression of the perennial spiritual path he articulated. However, the Way does not promote a particular religion, doctrine, or set of beliefs. Our primary reason for being is to foster direct, original experience of what is named as — in the languages of diverse spiritual traditions: the Real, the basic state, original nature, Buddha nature, the oneness of being, illumination, enlightenment, nondual awareness, unconditioned mind, Rigpa, the ground of being, God-consciousness, and many other names. From this primal experience a natural happiness arises, as well as a desire to be of benefit.
Based on a tradition of oral teachings and an emphasis on direct experience, the transmission of this realization in the Sufi Way typically occurs in small group contexts and through one-on-one guidance. Our programs are known for the inclusivity of teachings and practices from many traditions, and for the use of musical meditations that evoke a sense of peace and communion.
The Sufi Way's approach to spiritual growth encourages rigorous self-inquiry, contemplative practice, and the living of a full, balanced life that is present to both the joys and the suffering of the world. To these ends we facilitate in-depth training programs, practice and study circles, meditation retreats, healing and worship services, cross-cultural pilgrimages, rites-of-passage, and individual spiritual guidance.
The public training programs of the Sufi Way are known as the Open Path. This name signifies it is a path open to all regardless of religious beliefs, and more specifically that it is a spiritual path of openness, immediacy, and freshness, unbounded by concepts. In this sense it is not a path at all, but simply a living inclination of caring presence within the clear light of being.
Students of the Open Path do not have to become initiates of the Sufi Way to take part in Open Path trainings and retreats. As a mystical order, the Sufi Way stays in the background and facilitates the programs of the Open Path and other activities without drawing too much attention to itself. In this regard the Sufi Way is more a spirit of mystical continuity than an institutional entity.
The Sufi Way maintains study and practice circles in England, France, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and America. Through its activities it gives special emphasis to bridging the differences that divide one people or religion from another.
Murshid Elias Amidon is the current spiritual director (Pir) of the Sufi Way.
Location: Crestone, Colorado, USA
