Initiation connects the seeker to a living path transmitted through the guides and teachers of the Inner School, linking them to the souls of all those who came before in the chain of transmission, called the Silsila, and to initiates everywhere.
Now there is a question, ‘What may be thought of the path of initiation? The aim is to find God within yourself: to dive deep within yourself, that you may be able to touch the unity of the Whole Being. By the power of initiation, towards this end you work, so that from within you may get all the inspiration and blessing in your life.
– Hazrat Inayat Khan, Social Gathekas 8. The Path of Initiation
Thus, taking initiation is a statement of commitment and devotion to this path of mysticism. It is a short ceremony between the initiate and the initiator, a spiritual guide in the Inner School. There is no requirement of the initiate other than to answer three questions:
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- Is it your sincere wish to receive initiation in the Inayatiyya?
- Will you receive the spiritual guidance that is offered to you as your sacred and secret trust?
- Do you pledge yourself to the message of unity brought by Hazrat Inayat Khan?
The initiator gives a blessing and welcomes the Murid into the Inner School. To pursue their training following this step, the Murid is helped to find a spiritual guide, called a Guide, or more often a Representative, who will provide individualized support to them on their path. It could be the initiator or another qualified spiritual guide in the Inner School who agrees to be in this role with the Murid.
A Murid makes a commitment to spiritual practice, to attending classes for Murids, and to meeting with their Guide on an agreed upon schedule. Typically, new Murids will try to meet once a month with their guide.
The Guide is a spiritual friend on the journey in and through life. As one who is traveling the Path, they offer the benefit of their experience to the Murid. The Guide shines a light on the Path and supports the Murid to discover their own inner guidance. It is not to give advice but to catalyze spiritual unfoldment and character development.
The Murid and the Guide work together on the specific practices based on the Murid’s situation. The Guide has the experience to understand how a practice might affect the Murid. Practices are given to work toward spiritual development, building character, and helping with problems in everyday life. All Murids are also encouraged to utilize daily prayers and elemental purification breaths. Practices may be repetition of sacred words or phrases, breath exercises, concentrations and contemplations, and sacred readings. Inayatiyya centers offer classes by authorized teachers where Murids may learn additional techniques and study texts in fellowship with others. Murids are encouraged to take group or personal retreats as a way to go more deeply into practices. When taking retreat, a special Guide, called a Retreat Guide, who is experienced in the retreat process, will give practices and guide the retreatant.
The guide is a midwife to those who come before them to bring forth the precious and subtle aspect of their being.
– Aziza Scott
The extensive training required to become a Representative/Guide or Retreat Guide ensures that they have the skills and experience to be in their role. They have gone through a deep process of study and practice in the transformational experience guided by the primary teacher of Inner School, known as the Pir. They are authorized by the Pir to give guidance and offer teachings of the Inner School.
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