Esoteric Teachings

Heartstream's Esoteric Teachings Courses
by Victoria Tackett

"There are two kinds of studies. One is by reading the teachings of the great thinkers and keeping them in mind, while the other kind of study is in engraving upon the heart the teachings of Life." -- Pir O Murshid Inayat Khan

Many of us are first drawn to the HeartStream Sufi Community through weekly offerings of song, celebration and dance. Through the Dances of Universal Peace we may learn of the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan, who first formulated a Universal Sufism, honoring the unity of all religions and seeing them as having sprung from the same source in different periods of time. It is this essential Unity that we celebrate together through zikr, poetry, song, prayer, ritual and dance.

Local HeartStream leaders also offer ongoing classes for those wanting to learn more about Pir O Murshid Inayat Khan's teachings, and follow a structured course of study in the initiatic path of Inayati Sufism. Rooted in the esoteric traditions, the breadth of these Universal Sufi teachings serve as a practical guide and source of inspiration, uncovering the depths of our hearts, so that the light within each of us-- students and teachers alike-- may shine.

"The transmission of the esoteric school of Sufism is passed on from heart to heart, from teacher to student, and can only be fully received through the profound connection that exists between two human hearts that are deeply attuned."-- Pir Zia Inayat Khan

All current HeartStream Sufi Studies course offerings are listed below with course details, times and contact information. Please note that discussion with the individual teacher is required before attending these classes.

Some of these offerings are designed for mureeds, those who have already taken initiation with a sufi teacher. In this Sufi lineage, initiation simply means taking the initiative to advance on the path of spiritual liberty, thereby broadening your outlook in life. Initiation is considered a sacred trust which demonstrates sincerity on the part of the student, confers a blessing that quickens spiritual progress, and links the mureed with a chain of Sufi teachers stretching back through the ages. If you have questions or wish to learn more about Sufi studies, readings, practices and/or initiation, you may contact any of the teachers listed below.

The Sacred Interior Life -- Women’s Sufi Practices
This is a 10 week course for women who are ready to experience the esoteric gifts of Sufism. We will immerse ourselves in the Sufi practices of prayer, mantra, wazifa, zhikr and the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and other luminaries. This offering, for women in the larger HeartStream community, is open for new members at the end of each 10 week session. Each 10 week session will focus on a different aspect of the sacred interior life. We meet every Monday from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. at The Garden Sanctuary (near Dominican Hospital). A commitment for the full 10 weeks is required.

Contact Tofah Eileen at tofaheileen@cruzio.com if you are interested in joining the next session.