The Threshold Society & The Mevlevi Order

Ruby ~ On The Way of Love
Songs Inspired by Rumi

A new, first CD release of contemporary songs inspired by Rumi. Kabir's collaboration with internationally known musicans/singers, Erika Luckett and Lisa Ferraro, began in early 2008 and led to recording sessions in California, Pittsburg, and Istanbul.
Listen to: "Little by Little"
Or something more traditionally mystical:
"Listen, O Drop"
To order: http://www.worldofruby.com/store

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Circling

Circling the holy cube that has drawn us,
we walk on without destination,
with no statement greater than I am here,
My God, I am here for You alone.

We have come with so many like ourselves
united in what we adore,
shuffling onward, hands held high nearing
the station of Abraham, leaning Godward.

This is pure geometry, and symbol--
Neither idol nor altar, the center that holds,
its majestic black cloth imprinted with
no god but God and Muhammad is . . .

This testament of faith is musical
notation and visual remembrance.
guiding the murmuring, chanting, call and response,
the litanies of this delicate throng.

Day and night a silent invitation
calls to us to step out with our bare feet
onto the marble pathway beneath the sky--
to accept ourselves as this vortex and flow.

Kabir, Mecca, March 2009

Camille

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Dervishhood & Adab, Transcript of a recent conversation

With Khadim Chishti, Kabir, & Friends

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Framework for Service

Within the Threshold Society we have been working with the “Bashi” system of service. “Bashi” means “head” or “chief.” There is a “Chai Bashi” in charge of tea; a “Meydan Bashi” in charge of the sacred meeting space, etc. This work cultivates beauty of character and deepens our capacity for service. It is an essential aspect of a mature dervish. With this in mind we have created a framework where those participating in this work have a structure toreflect upon their service. (Read more)

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Gathering The Spiritual Voices of America

Shaikh Kabir Helminski

Also read this column by Sister Joan Chittester,
describing the Zikr led by us at the Aspen Institute.
http://ncrcafe.org/node/2302

Camille and I were invited to participate in an event called “Gathering the Spiritual Voices of America,” which took place at the Aspen Institute in the days immediately following the elections. This was a participant conference with an agenda to assess and envision the spiritual possibilities at this defining moment of our nation's history. About 150 invited guests gathered for four days in the beautiful, rarefied atmosphere of Aspen, Colorado, which one person described as the American Himalayas.

Rumi & Hard Times, September

The Wednesday night before (9/24), in the midst of the current financial crisis, we were gathered to read Mevlana's Mathnawi, III, 1721. . . The reasons Pharaoh's magicians had the courage to suffer the amputation of their hands and feet. It's interesting how Mevlana addresses worldly concerns from the perspective of the deepest spiritual understanding.

Hold to the Rope of God, June

If you feel as if you are living through uncertain, disturbing, hopeful, chaotic times, you're not alone. Given the harsh economic demands, the frenzy of everyday life, the delusions of the prevailing culture, keeping our spiritual life alive requires not just intention but a passion for the Truth. It is that passion that will bring the consistent and deep practice, the deep remembrance and trust that will guide us to the Truth.

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July eNewsletter

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Journey to the Heart of the World
Sufis visit the Kogis/Arhuacos of the Colombian Sierra
1.5 meg PDF

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Practical Aspects of Dervishhood
Mahmoud Mostafa

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Khutbah on Love
Mahmoud Mostafa