In traditional Sufism, adab is seen as the thoughtful sensitivity one brings to all human relations. In last season's program, The Way of Adab, we looked at this as the refinement of responsive- ness in all our relational fields: with others, with ourselves, with the world around us and with what lies beyond.
In this year’s program we will emphasize the practical facets of adab. Through discussions, guided experiences, and chilla*, we’ll explore the relational challenges we all experience. To underscore the importance of making this relevant to our daily lives we’ll invite participants to share their experiences, not just in breakout groups but in the larger gathering as well.
We’ll work expressly with Sufi teachings on presence and the inner practices of awareness that form the wellsprings of adab: attending, opening, inquiring and engaging. Through the development of these capacities a, Practicing Adab will invite us to live Sufism in the call and response of our everyday relationships. And, since the reality we experience is shaped by how we relate--not just to others but to all happenings and circumstances--practicing adab can transform our lives.
*Chilla are challenges, assignments, tasks given by a Sufi teacher.
Living Sufism 2025 is led by Puran Perez, Isha Francis and Angelika MacArthur.
Facilitators will include senior Sufi Way guides and special guests.
P R C A C T I C I N G A D A B
What Is Your Adab?
January 12, noon EST (9 AM PST; 5 PM UK; 6 PM EU)
Through discussion and exercises we’ll explore our relational skills, habits, and difficulties in the context of adab. We’ll also begin our inquiry into the wellsprings of adab—attentive awareness
Am I Here?
February 9, noon EST (9 AM PST; 5 PM UK; 6 PM EU)
Presence is the heart of adab and the key to presence is the mastery of attention. More than a discipline, attending is an esoteric practice (often framed as ‘concentration’ exercises) through which we make
the world and ourselves whole.
Am I Available?
March 9, noon EST (9 AM PST; 5 PM UK; 6 PM EU)
By opening, our relationships can go from transactional to transformational. Adab requires that we be fully available—sincerely responsive—to whatever arises in the moment. Opening often brings relational insights which allow new understandings, and responses to emerge.
Am I Curious?
April 13, noon EST (9 AM PST; 5 PM UK; 6 PM EU)
“What is asked of me now?” is the operative mindset of adab. This question inspires an attitude of deepening engagement through inquiring. This continual deep curiosity prizes asking questions over asserting realities.
Am I Real?
May 11, noon EST (9 AM PST; 5 PM UK; 6 PM EU)
Sufism is about creatively realizing love, wisdom, effectiveness, joy, grace and so on. None of this comes about without heartfelt, intentional action. Adab elevates engaging from the limitations of personal effort to greater harmony with the will of the Whole.
The Adab of the Universe
June 8, noon EST (9 AM PST; 5 PM UK; 6 PM EU)
Is the universe in love with me? Is adab something we can actually practice? Or is it the field of love and cooperation that keeps the music of the spheres humming?