M.T.O. introduces Sufism to stage
By Denise Doerschel
This week's upcoming Sufi celebration brings traditional culture along with interactive experiences to Santa Clara.
In its first year here, this presentation introduces participants to a unique school of thought through poetry readings, music, crafts, architecture, traditional gourmet food and hands-on exercises such as the famed Sufi Zikr. Zikr, more commonly known as chanting is one of the eight principles of Sufism. This practice gives participants an opportunity to get in touch with their spiritual side and experience a physical demonstration of Sufi beliefs that might otherwise be difficult to comprehend through the basic lecture.
Maktab Tarighat Oveyssi (M.T.O.) Shahmaghsoudi, School of Islamic Sufism, is presenting the celebration. Its teachings originated from the prophet Oveys, and have been passed down from person to person to the present teacher of the organization. M.T.O. is incorporated in the United States. as a non-profit educational and religious organization. It exists in 16 states including most major cities. The students of the school have a strong involvement in the celebration.
"Everyone is showing their love in a different way," student Armita Ensani said.
The celebration has been running at various college campuses such as Stanford, UC Berkley and UC Davis for 3 to 4 years. M.T.O. wishes to share their beliefs and culture as well as correct any misconceptions about Sufism.
"It gets people to think about what is real," Ensani said.
For those unfamiliar with what Sufism is exactly, it may be defined as a way of purifying the heart from bad manners and characteristics common in everyday life.
"It strips away what is not real to gain cognition to what is real, which is God," Ensani said. "Sufism is a daily practice to get an experimental knowledge of God."
Ensani adds that a person does not need to be Muslim to practice Sufism.
Sufism is the recognition that we cannot know anything outside ourselves. Based on this knowledge, it is a way to transform humans into a divine state. In order to accomplish this, they must find their true identity. This is why meditation is so important to understand Sufism. It helps people to block out outer distractions and focus on what is real in their lives.
This event is not intended to convert participants to believers, but rather it provides an opportunity to gain understanding of a perspective different from one's own. It may also be a chance for the participants to reflect on their beliefs and possibly learn more about their own spirituality. Above all else, it is a celebration of culture.
The celebration will be held Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Mayer Theatre. The cost is $12 for general public and $7 for students. For more information, contact M.T.O. at (800) 733-7700 or visit their Web site at mto.shahmaghsoudi.org.