Sounds of the Soul: Sufi Music inspired by Rumi
Retreat Highlights
- Experience a weekend of sacred music and Sufi mysticism led by master musician Amir Vahab
- Connect with the spiritual poetry of Rumi and explore the essence of divine love
- Immerse in live performances blending traditional Sufi melodies with contemporary sounds
- Deepen your understanding of Sufi philosophy and devotional music as a spiritual path
- Enjoy a full retreat experience including yoga, community, and nourishing meals
About this Retreat
Your Guides
Details of this retreat
Spend an enchanting weekend listening to the unique fusion of traditional Sufi melodies with contemporary influences. Amir has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the Sufi musical tradition. Sufis believe that we are all one with the Divine, and that music is the language of divine communication. This deeply moving experience will help you connect to your heart space and relax into bliss.
Rumi, also known as Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He is renowned for his prolific and influential poetry, particularly his works of ecstatic and devotional literature, which have transcended time and cultural boundaries. Rumi's poetry is characterized by themes of love, spirituality, and the quest for union with the divine.
This Program Offers:
Exploration of Sacred Music and Devotion
Spiritual Poetry of Rumi
Sufi Philosophy
Live music sessions
Spiritual Community & connection
2 nights of accommodations
Vegan and Vegetarian meals. Dinner upon arrival + 3 meals per day on Friday & Saturday + breakfast and lunch on Sunday
Daily Integral Yoga Hatha classes
Testimonials
“Thank you for bringing your transcendent music, beautiful and uplifting. Your discussion of the mythic nature and history of the instrument was riveting!” - L
“Your soul seemed to travel through different spiritual states, and so did your voice. You were getting connected with the audience. In the last song, your voice took on a celestial or an unearthly quality to it. Your body seemed to gradually vanish from the stage as your spirit became the main performer. Your voice allowed the audience to travel to an unseen world. Beyond Rumi's lyrics, there were hidden lyrics. Their message sounded like, "Come to this magical place that is yours. Even though you doubt it exists, once you see how beautiful it is, you will not be scared to depart from it. Join me in this heavenly place." The texture of your voice changed because of the rapture of your spiritual state, it became purer, and transported the listener to a more peaceful place.” -Shukran
“I took Turkish Ney lessons and by that way met with his sufi circle & concerts. Wonderful Teacher. Amir & the spirit created around him is beyond words. Rumi, Yunus & all other sufi, mystic or lovely poets and music become alive with his great soul and heart. Words cannot explain, just attend one of events and feel; experience with all your soul & heart.” - Afsar
Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY
3–5 pm
Registration
5–6:30
Integral Yoga Hatha Mixed Level
5-5:45
Yoga Nidra: Deep Relaxation
6-6:30
Meditation
6:30–7:15
Dinner
7:30-7:45
Orientation
7:45–9
Introduction to Sufism
SATURDAY
6-7 am
Guided Meditation
7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
Joint Freeing Series
8:00–9:30
Breakfast
10–11:30
Hand Drum Workshop (Introduction to Meditational Rhythms)
11:45
Vans to LOTUS
12–12:30 pm
Meditation, Chidambaram or LOTUS
12:45–1:30
Lunch
2–3:30
Whirling Workshop (Sufi Dance)
4–5:30
Integral Yoga Hatha Chair Yoga
Joint Freeing Series
5:30–6:15
Dinner
7:30-9
Satsang (gathering of the seekers of Truth)
Sufi Musical Offering, Video of Swami Satchidananda
SUNDAY
6-7 am
Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
8–9:30
Breakfast
10–11:30
Closing Session
12–12:30 pm
Meditation
12:45–1:30
Lunch
Getting Here
Directions
Accommodation
Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory
The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)
Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.
Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.
Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk
Private Dormitory
LGH: Full Bed
LGH: 2 Twin beds
LGH: Queen Bed
Tent-Site
Venue & Amenities
Meals
Menu Types
What's Included
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Meditation Sessions
- Yoga Classes
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare