An Introduction to Sufism: How Its Teachings Can Enhance Our Spiritual Life (feat. Ayeda Husain)
Sufism may evoke the image of whirling dervishes or the sublime verses from Sufi poets such as Rumi and Hafiz. But most people have no idea about its teachings, practices and spiritual ethics.
Called "the path of the heart," Sufism provides a compendium of wisdom that's both practical and profound. In this interview, we'll look into the richness of this tradition with my guest Ayeda Husain.
Ayeda Husain is a senior teacher and guide in the Inayatiyya, a global organization dedicated to Universal Sufism. A long-time journalist specializing in Sufism, she now teaches Sufi meditation, chanting and philosophy with a special emphasis on Rumi's poetry as a means of healing and evolving. She has led spiritual retreats worldwide, taught Sufi meditation to Buddhist monks in Tokyo, and been invited to the UN as part of an international delegation of spiritual leaders.
Ayeda introduces us to the mystical world of Sufism. We discuss the main teachings and practices and how we can use them to navigate our day-to-day lives more effectively.
Interview time stamps:
03:25 ︳Ayeda talks about her background and Sufism's role in her life
07:00 ︳What is Sufism, and why is it called a mystical philosophy
09:26 ︳How poets like Rumi and Hafez popularized Sufism
12:10 ︳The threefold process of the Sufi path and how to apply it in our lives
14:24 ︳Why song, chanting and dance play a key role in Sufism practices and meditation
18:30 ︳Spiritual healing in the Sufi way
30:09 ︳How to use Sufi teachings to its teachings to navigate our day-to-day lives more effectively
22:11 ︳Ayeda explains how she was able to channel Sufi symbolism and teachings into the Sufi tarot
28:10 ︳Ayeda describes her experience of teaching Sufi meditation to Buddhist monks in Japan and its significance in finding peace and commonality across religions and cultures
Learn more about Ayeda Husain at her website.