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Universal Awakening

 
Himayat Inayati

Fall 2024

The Six Faces of the Relationship Between the Spiritual Wayfarer and God  - Teachings of ‘Aziz al-Nasafi

The Six Faces of the Relationship Betweennbspthe Spiritual Wayfarer and Godnbspnbsp- Teachings of Aziz al-Nasafi

The Six Faces of the Relationship Between the Spiritual Wayfarer and God -
Teachings of ‘Aziz al-Nasafi


"O, dervish! It has become clear that you are the Seeker, you are the Path, and you are the Destiny. When all your attributes and qualities are realized, then the never- ending journey of God in you begins." 'Aziz al-Nasafi


‘Aziz al-Nasafi, born in the thirteenth century in Central Asia, was one the most important Islamic mystics of the medieval period. Although not well-known today he was one of the greatest Sufi masters of his time. Deeply imbued with the teaching of Najm al-Din Kubra and Muḥyī al-Dīn ibn ʻArabī he taught Ibn ‘Arabi’s teaching in the vernacular of Persia, in a simple way to allow the populace to gain from it. In fact, his popularization of Ibn’ Arabi’s teaching is one reason it spread throughout Asia and the sub-continent.

In our fall class we will study the six stations (maqamat) Aziz al-Nasafi outlines of the spiritual wayfarers deepening relationship with God. There is a well-known understanding that the map is not the territory. How can it be otherwise as each of us has a unique signature to our soul and consequently a unique path to follow and blossom within. That said there is an understanding that there are universal stages of spiritual development. The problem is that among the various Sufi masters there is no agreement of what these stages (maqamat) are. What is offered by ‘Aziz al-Nasafi, a synthesis of the teachings of Ibn ‘Arabi and Najm al-Din Kubra, is a universal approach that allows for a unique awakening of each individual. The lessons provided will offer practice to taste and drink from each of the six, in a manner that guides you in your passage to the goal.

Class September 14th – November 24th, 2024
Registration ends August 24th, 2024
Tuition $195.00

Written lessons will be posted, along with pertinent practices (including an audio tape of the practice), every other week, allowing time to read, reflect, do the practices, ask questions or make online comments, and enter into a written dialogue with class participants from around the world as well as with Himayat. Participants can enter the class whenever it is convenient to do so and can print off the lessons and class material to review after the class ends.

There will be three international Zoom Sangha Sessions scheduled on Sundays, 1 PM (Eastern USA time) on September 29, October 13, November 24, 2024.These sessions, although not required, strengthen practice, deepen understanding of the lessons, and provide a sense of spiritual community (Sangha).

There will be an optional class retreat November 1, 2, 3, 2024

Pods, that are also optional, will be created both in the USA and in Germany to support on-going dialogue and reflection with other class participants. All classes and Zoom meetings are given in English and will be translated into German.

Registration: Due by August 24th, 2024. Address tuition check of $195.00 to: Universal Awakening, PO Box 1958, Leicester, North Carolina 28748 or $203.00 by PayPal to office@universal-awakening.org.