“The knower of the mystery of sound knows the mystery of the whole universe.” Hazrat Inayat Khan
Music has always played a pivotal role in the history of Sufism. The music of the Sufis has drawn seekers to the path of the Heart, for what else can so easily elevate the soul and appeal to the heart as music?
The Chishtis, in particular, have been known for their practice of music as a path to spiritual attainment. Hazrat Inayat Khan was no exception. An accomplished Dhrupad singer and veena player, he was instructed by his Murshid to “fare forth and unite East and West” through his music.
“Some day music will be the means of expressing universal religion.” Hazrat Inayat Khan
The Inayatiyya UK Music Activity offers an opportunity to explore music as a spiritual practice, drawing on the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and particularly his works The Mysticism of Sound and Music and Minqār-i Mūsīqār. Through listening, study, singing and shared musical experience, we will explore the relationship between sound, silence, harmony and the inner life.
Together, we will discover something of Hazrat Inayat Khan’s philosophy of music and his understanding of the power of sound to uplift, harmonise and awaken. We will encounter Sufi music and devotional practices, allowing music itself to become a way of learning, experiencing and coming together.
“The true musician is the true mystic.” Hazrat Inayat Khan
The activity will offer opportunities to:
- Explore Hazrat Inayat Khan’s teachings on music, sound and the inner life.
- Study and reflect upon The Mysticism of Sound and Music and Minqār-i Mūsīqār.
- Learn and experience Sufi music and sacred songs.
- Explore the qualities of rhythm, melody, harmony, silence and deep listening.
- Experience music as a practice of presence, attunement and connection.
- Share our voices and musical experience in an atmosphere of openness, joy and fellowship.
- Come together both online and in person, creating an ongoing space for musical and spiritual exploration.
No particular musical experience is required. We hope to offer a space for those who wish simply to listen, as well as for those who have devoted their lives to the practice of music.
Through music, we hope to experience love, harmony and beauty directly, allowing ourselves to listen more deeply to the music within and around us. In this way, we may begin to experience our whole being as a note in the orchestra of life, our life path as a song, and the innate music and harmony that are possible within each moment of life.
Please see our CALENDAR for the Music Activity and all other Events.
For more information, please email ruhiya@inyatiyya.org.uk.
“To attain spirituality is to realize that the whole universe is one symphony in which each individual is one note.” Hazrat Inayat Khan
The Mysticism of Sound and Music
Book Club by the New Music Activity UK
Monthly on Tuesdays, 20:00 – 21:00, Via Zoom
With Ruhiya
“The knower of the mystery of sound knows the mystery of the whole universe.” – Hazrat Inayat Khan
You are warmly invited to join us for a journey into the mysticism of sound and music, as we explore the luminous cosmology of Hazrat Inayat Khan—musician, mystic, and teacher of the Sufi message— who, in 1910, journeyed from India to the West bearing the wisdom of the Sufis. His profound teachings on music have inspired not only those on the Sufi path, but musicians and music lovers throughout the century.
While we recommend that you have a copy of the book, it is not a necessary requirement, as readings and themes will be explored through the session.
Each meeting will begin with a musical attunement, and there will be the opportunity to explore teachings and share discussion.
This session is offered by the Inayatiyya Music activity and is free to join. We welcome donations.
Schedule:
Tuesday 13th October 8 – 9pm
Tuesday 17th November 8 – 9pm
Tuesday 8th December 8 – 9pm
(Further dates TBA & published on calendar)
Please email ruhiya@inayatiyya.org.uk for more details and to register.