Suluk Academy Overview -USA

The Suluk Academy is a spiritual training program offered by the Sufi Order International (SOI). The Academy provides an opportunity for Sufi initiates to participate in a focused study of the essential perspectives and spiritual practices of the Esoteric school. The guiding vision for the Suluk Academy has its origins in the spiritual orientation of Hazrat Inayat Khan. Inayat Khan's approach to spiritual development was one of balance and integration, emphasizing the soul's natural unfoldment in life. His teachings provide an ideal foundation for the curriculum of the Suluk Academy.

The Curriculum

The Suluk Academy's course of study is a systematic exploration and cultivation of the inner life. Students engage in a program that incorporates spiritual methodologies and perspectives that have evolved out of the traditional technique and theory of Sufi teachings. In addition, the program is infused with insights gleaned from modern physical sciences and contemporary theories of mind.

Throughout the two years, the Academy employs a methodical and heartfelt approach to the time honored disciplines of breath, sound, light, movement, concentration, contemplation, and meditation, with an initial emphasis on the essential stages of purification and awakening of heart, mind, and body. To complement these disciplines, significant consideration is given to the training of the ego, the art of personality, and the cultivation of the heart quality, to provide for an integrative spiritual experience. All studies draw upon the prose and poetry of the Masters, Saints, and Prophets throughout the ages and across traditions.

The Suluk Academy is intended as a supplemental training to one's spiritual practice; it is not a replacement for the unique relationship one has with one's personal spiritual guide or mentor. Due to the scope of the training it is recommended that prospective students discuss attendance with their spiritual guide or mentor. Those not actively working with a guide or mentor are still encouraged to apply, but will be expected to have a spiritual guide throughout the course of the training.

Program Structure

The program involves 40 contact days. Each day consists of two formal teaching sessions, Mentor Group and Pod. Mentor Groups are facilitated by respected teachers in the Sufi Order, with the purpose of exploring the practices in a more intimate and interactive format. Pods are small groups of 6-7 students who meet to process and share their experiences, or simply to share sacred space. Each person is encouraged to be fully present to themselves and others, putting into practice the ideals of moral culture and respect taught by Hazrat Inayat Khan.

Days provide an opportunity for private time to study, rest or engage with the practices. Fitness classes are offered in yoga and/or martial arts (when possible), to encourage awareness of the body and the need for physical expression. Evening programs such as zikr, sema, film nights, and classes with the Abode community (when offered at the Abode) are offered regularly throughout each session.

Individual Study and Practice

The Suluk Academy program strives to balance individual exploration with development of spiritual community and group practice. In addition to daily group work during the session - reading assignments, journal exercises, and practices will be given to do in between sessions in order to facilitate a deeper engagement with the teachings. Each person is encouraged to discover how these teachings apply to their own life and to the ideal that one holds in their heart.A three-day individual Suluk Retreat will also be a part of the curriculum. The retreat can be scheduled anytime after the first twenty days of the training (in the case of Suluk at the Abode after the first four sessions) as it will be based on the first two concentrations - Concentration and Contemplation. This retreat is a requirement and must be completed by the final session in order for one to graduate. The individual retreat may be scheduled according to the participant's choice and need not take place at the Abode or any specific retreat site.Participants also have the unique opportunity for private interviews with Pir Zia and/or the senior teachers on faculty, as well as the mentors.