Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Amazing experience rises...







                                                                                               On Thu, May 23, 2013 at 1:19 AM,
Taran Dhillon wrote:

Dearest Brothers & Sisters,


It’s taken me a while to ink my reflections…

This was my first. Bros Ahmed and Abu first mentioned the retreat at one of our Sunday sessions and I knew I had to be there for it.
What I treasure…
-        Meeting Shaykh for the second time – his presence, wisdom, words and love are profound. It’s a blessing to have found a true Sufi spiritual guide on this journey…. My journey so far kept bringing people who were too abstract or rigidly concrete, but when I hear him, things seem to click… fit.
-        Getting to know the community over the weekend, I felt that each person there was a mirror reflecting the same desires, wishes, search, questions as mine… I have never met so many like-minded people at one go and am so glad I met you all
-        Sitting down on Friday evening for prayers and meditation. Lights were switched off and everyone sat in absolute silence and concentration – that was just beautiful. I felt such a sense of inner peace.
-        The meditation session on Sunday at 2pm… I slipped into bliss so quickly. For me, that was a magical session because the question I had for the Shaykh was answered in the experience through that session.
-        Listening to Brother Abu lead the prayers – I never knew you had such a beautiful voice! The prayer you recited every night was amazing, I wish I knew what it meant!
-        Witnessing the quiet grace and sincerity with which prayers were done. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this.
-        Stepping into a mosque for the first time in my life... I’ve always had the desire to but somehow never did … and you know what, I was taken way back into childhood when we used to go to a temple where I have such fond memories. The carpet, the prayer hall, the lighting… How funny that an experience I anticipated being so different ended up being so familiar…
-        Visiting the Maqam… Standing there in the early morning I was left awestruck
-        Waking up at 330am in the morning to make it for the morning session – this is a first for me! But I wouldn’t have missed the 4.30am session for the world.
-        Sitting at the jetty with new friends, listening to the waves, talking about life, listening to Rumi… 
I feel deep gratitude towards Bros Abu & Ahmed, Sis Siti, Ju and Zahara for working tireslessly to make this retreat possible, it was absolutely perfect in every way. You had a ready smile everytime I asked a question or had a request – your patience is amazing. My mum and I are both so thankful for making her brief visit there possible. She left on Sunday afternoon with a heavy heart, she could not believe how quickly she felt a sense of belonging with everyone.
I also really appreciated the EXTRA effort taken to prepare vegetarian dishes at every single meal throughout the retreat – and Bros Abu & Ahmed for being there every time to point out the veg dishes (including vegetarian ketupat J)
I do wish I’d been more sincere and consistent with my meditation before meeting Shaykh. However the weekend with Shaykh and everyone, along with Rumi’s words seems to have reset my internal clock.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you.
Don't go back to sleep.
You must ask for what you really want.
Don't go back to sleep.
People are going back and forth across the doorsill
where the two worlds touch.
The door is round and open.
Don't go back to sleep.
I hope everyone stays connected to the gift of muraqaba…I’m not sure what the road ahead has in store but I know I’m here because there is some kind of a connection. I guess the experiences will tell…
And now Jerusalem awaits J
Love,
Taran

3 comments:

  1. Dear Sister Taran,

    Thank you so much for your feedback. Your wordings are still reflecting the memories of pulau besar. The impression everyone of us felt was due to the gathering of god loving souls.

    As Rumi said,
    " The soul that hasn't received
    peace and love from God,
    what a helpless and
    lost soul that is!

    With whom are you
    going to be in love?
    Be thankful to God
    that your punishment
    came from temporary
    side of love.
    but leave the temporary love,
    because real love is God's Love."

    Regarding your wish to know about the 5 times prayer, I have attached a document here, Please take time to read.

    Regards

    Abubacker

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  2. Hi Taran,

    Great stuff and you sum it up very well from your heart the experience that everyone felt at the retreat and especially being with Shaykh.

    Keep the sharing session flowing guys and gals. This is also another way we learn from one another and keep our practice very constant. Just last night after my Ishak prayer, i was too tired and lazy, the couch was inviting me but then i remember Bro Manap's sharing of his 3 rules of the thumb advice. Though it took me slightly longer but felt so satisfied.

    Can't wait to read the experience of senior students: my twin bro in name sake Bro Abu and Bro Hamid aka Ahmed.
    Till then and since tomorrow is a public holiday, i wish you a blessed long weekend with your loved ones

    Rgds
    ABU NOOHU

    ReplyDelete
  3. You said it well, really well, Sister Taran...... and most poetic, too. Are you into poetry, by the way? I almost thought I was reading poems of Sufi Greats!!
    May Allah the Almighty and the Exalted grant you success in your travels on the Path and attain happiness and peace of mind.
    Keep well.
    Manap

    ReplyDelete

Reflections from Port Dickson Retreat 2917

Thanks to Brother Abdul Gani, for making this wonderful work of our memories.