What is the Inner School of the Inayatiyya?
The Inner School of the Inayatiyya is a school of study and practice for those who wish to travel a Sufi path toward self-realization as taught and exemplified by Pir-o-Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan, Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and Pir Zia Inayat Khan.
The goal of the Inner School is to awaken sympathy with all and the awareness of the inner life to the point that it becomes a natural constant presence in one’s life, which is called realization.
What is the difference between an Ashiq and a Murid?
An Ashiq (pronounced A-shik) is one who has received the general initiation of blessing in the Inayatiyya. An Ashiq is one who feels devotion to the Message of Love, Harmony and Beauty, respect for the Silsila, and companionship with all initiates of the Inayatiyya.
A Murid (pronounced mur-EED) is one who makes a commitment to the inner path of the Inayatiyya and enters the Inner School through bayat, a further initiation.
How does one become initiated as an Ashiq?
The initiation of blessing is open to anyone who sincerely requests it. When one feels ready to receive the initiation of blessing, one can apply to the Office of the Pir for initiation by Pir Zia in one of his public classes or one can receive the initiation of blessing from a leader in any of the Activities of the Inayatiyya. This includes Representatives in the Inner School, Cherags in the Universal Worship, Healing Conductors in the Healing Activity, Farmers in Ziraat, Knights in the Knighthood of Purity and for Kinship Representatives also appointed through the Inner School.
How does one become initiated as a Murid?
After becoming an Ashiq, one should spend six months to a year studying the teachings of the Inayatiyya Inner School at a local center or online before considering initiation as a Murid. It is also possible to be initiated as a Murid if one has been studying at a center for six months to a year without having received the Ashiq initiation.
To enter the Inayatiyya Inner School, it is necessary that the candidate be prepared for diligent, focused inner work. The candidate must not be simultaneously following another esoteric path or receiving direction from another guide. To enter the Inner School through initiation is to dedicate oneself to the inner path taught by Hazrat Inayat Khan, to enter into a relationship of guidance with an authorized Guide in the Inayatiyya, to attend classes at a local center or an online class on the basic teachings of the Inner School, and to resolve to maintain daily practice.
What is the Suluk Academy?
The Suluk Academy provides Murids the opportunity to experience core teachings of the Sufi tradition of the Inayatiyya. The Academy provides an opportunity for initiates of the Inayatiyya to participate in a focused study of the essential perspectives and spiritual practices of the Inayatiyya Inner School. Hazrat Inayat Khan’s distinctive approach to spiritual development emphasizes the soul’s natural unfoldment in life through the cultivation of balance and integration.
How does one find a Guide (Representative in the Inner school)?
With today’s technology it is possible to receive guidance from Representatives far and wide. However, if one feels a resonance with a Guide who lives locally it is a gift to be able to sit together in person. Assistance with finding a Guide is available through the Astana.
What is the work of the Guide?
The spiritual guide performs the role of Cupid in bringing the seeking souls closer to God.
The Guide is like an older sibling who is familiar with the path and its struggles. The Guide offers counsel, practices, and support for the unfolding of the Murid. The Guide helps the Murid to develop confidence in their own inner guidance.
What is the work of the Murid?
Spirituality is the widening and expanding of the heart as a bubble expands to an ocean. Spirituality is in raising the soul to the greatest heights and touching the deepest depths. Spirituality is in forgetting one’s false self and realizing one’s real self. Spirituality is enjoying and appreciating all things; understanding and comprehending everything; using and utilizing everything to its best advantage; surmounting difficulties; solving problems; clearing clouds of confusion and depression. Spirituality is fearlessness, joyfulness, calmness, and peace.
The Murid meets with a Guide, does the practices offered by the Guide, studies the teachings of the Inayatiyya, and brings the experience of inner life into their everyday outer life. The Murid seeks to understand and pursue the purpose inherent in their life and to overcome the tyranny of the false self by discovering the true self.
How do I find a local center?
There is a listing of Inayatiyya Centers Worldwide on the Inayatiyya website.
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