SUFI #84 Winter 2013
Featuring MERCAN DEDE, MARK NEPO, JESSIKA KENNEY, JAN SHOEMAKER, POETRY, ART, REVIEWS and more!
For virtually all mystical teachings, selfless service to others, sometimes called altruism, is a critical tenet.
This 84th issue of SUFI touches on how altruism is fundamental not only to our spirituality but to our identity as human beings. Beginning with a discourse on the subject by Dr. Alireza Nurbakhsh, this Issue also explores altruism as found in the powerful healing combination of Sufism and shamanism embodied by Shaikh Rahmi Oruç Güvenç and in the ancient Blessing Way chants of Medicine Woman Sheila Goldtooth.
At the heart of these explorations is a common truth, that the beauty of healing, service and spiritual practice lies in the loving relationships they bring between people. Jan Shoemaker’s narrative piece reveals the beauty of one such relationship – that of a woman with her elderly mother during the last months of her life.
Readers will also find a fascinating exploration of Sufism in West Africa, its history across the region and its intercourse with local politics through the eyes of a contemporary Sufi Shaikh in Senegal, as well as Zachary Wright’s concise introduction to the history and evolution of West African Sufism and Islamic identity.
CultureWatch this time features Michele Rousseau’s experience of one of the world’s best loved contemporary world musicians, Mercan Dede, alongside a heartfelt interview with singer Jessika Kenney, whose incredible musical journey (via jazz and Javanese Gamelan) has brought her to the study of Persian Avaz.
And of course we have a reviews section brimming with books and films to watch out for!
See HERE for a detailed list of contents.
To get your print copy subscribe to SUFI today!
