Linking the Inayati Family on World Peace Day 21 June 2008

Saturday night was a very special night as over 70 of us gathered on the Southern Winter Solstice. Because New Zealand is the first country to greet the new day, we led the world in the celebrations and heart prayers that will resound throughout the world as other countries join us in this time of healing. It was a night for story-telling.....

A night for music....

A night for talking....
A night for dancing.....
And singing....
And more singing....
And praying.....
And zikr....
And hugging....

It was as if in this, the shortest day of the year for us, a new dawn is coming that heralds better times and a more optimistic, positive outlook for the world. May it be so.

The Weekend Retreat 20 - 22 June 2008

Before the weekend retreat, Pir Zia gave a public talk to a capacity crowd of about 200 people at St Barnabas Church in Auckland. The subject of the talk was "Walking the path of the Dervishes". Many who heard him were moved to come to the Sharda Centre for the weekend.

Part of the Sharda Hall filled with participants waiting to hear Pir Zia.

It was a deep retreat with Pir Zia teaching practices at a very intense level. The participants were transported to a very meditative and introspective plane over the next few days. On Friday night, there was dancing. On Saturday afternoon there was a special blessing given to leaders in a private audience. On Saturday night there was a special gathering to link in with all the mureeds of Pir O Murshid Hazrat Inayat Khan on World Invocation and World Prayer Day. On Sunday, there was Universal Worship and Pir Zia gave the address.

Initiations were taken and Ordinations performed with many participating. After that Pir Zia addressed the mureeds and answered questions.
A special award, the Golden Sufi Award, was presented to Hakim for his unselfish labour and time spent in his organising work.
At the end of the session, the Trustees of Sharda presented Pir Zia with a stone they searched for in the Sharda stream.

It was a jet black basaltic rock found where the stream had cut down through the thick local soil to bedrock.

Pir Zia asked that it be passed among those present so that their love and energies be carried to the Universel at the Abode where the stone will reside when the Universel is rebuilt.

Pir Zia then led the prayer for the Universel.

Pir Zia's New Zealand Visit - At Sharda 18 June 2008

After the ceremonial Powhiri in the late morning, we all had lunch together at the Centre. After that Pir Zia and his family took a walk to see the Sharda property accompanied by Sharda elders.

They went down the path that led through the Sacred Wood of native trees.
And through the native bush of tree ferns....
After saying prayers at the site where the Sharda Universel will be manifested one day, they came to the Peace Pole. It was here that Pir Zia proposed that an exchange of stones be made between the Abode and Sharda so that the Universel there and the Universal here be linked.
The photo above also shows Samantha Jade, Halima's great-granddaughter, playing the recorder at the Peace Pole.

Pir Zia's New Zealand Visit - Arrival on 18 June 2008

We had an amazing and full 4 days with Pir Zia. Many of us here have not met him before and so we were full of anticipation. It is Winter here and so his arrival at Auckland Airport at 5 am was to a cold and dark New Zealand. Pir Zia and his family arrived at Sharda at 6.45 am and the car was met at the gate by Trish, Val Shafia and Rahima.

Trish led the car in by walking in front of it slowly.

Val Shafia then escorted Pir Zia and his family from the car.

They were met by Annie and Eila who sang out a welcome.

Because the party was understandably tired after such a long journey, this was a very brief welcome called a Whakatau and the full Powhiri was held later at the Centre after the family was rested.

The Path of Spiritual Liberty Seminar 20-22 June

Starts Fri 2pm to Sun 3pm. Sharda Center, Tuakau.

Registration essential.
Fee $250.00 (deposit $100)

This is a rare and remarkable opportunity. Come and listen to the spiritual head of the Sufi Order International (www.sufiorder.org), a holistic interfaith school of spiritual transformation. Sufism isn’t a doctrine or religion and doesn’t require adherence to dogma or ritual. It welcomes members of all races, nations, and beliefs. It could be thought of as seeking God in the heart of humankind, a religion of the heart, or of love, harmony, and beauty.

Through his teaching, Pir Zia awakens a sense of the sacredness of life. His deeply mystical presence is uplifting and inspiring. The Sufi teachings of Spiritual Liberty offer practices and teachings that cultivate a practical compassion which can changes lives.

For registration and information contact;
Jamila Cranston-Buckley: jamilia@clear.net.nz (09-8180478 or 021930881)
Hakim Chris Bailey: bailznz@hotmail.com (021413177)

Pre-booking is necessary for you to arrange accommodation and meals.

Sharda Events for June & July 2008

7 -8 June The Way of the Shaman $330 (not inc accommodation or meals)

The Presenters: Kim and Shaun Leyland are shamanic practitioners, living and working in Alice Springs. They have been studying with the Foundation of Shamanic Studies for several years. Both Shaun and Kim bring knowledge and experience gathered from many travels and studies for over twenty years. They bring to the workshop a practical approach; with a combination of joyful enthusiasm and loving compassion. Shaun and Kim are the recognized trainers for Australia and New Zealand by the Foundation.

Contact Trina at trina@fitsales.com
or view http://www.empoweru.co.nz/ for details.
For accommodation contact Ben at shardacentre@ihug.co.nz

15 - 16 June Shamanic Workshop. Contact Jan Natusch Jan@grafton.co.nz

19 June (Thur) Full Moon Meditation for Peace 7 pm. Contact Carmela Lina 09-237-8189

20 - 22 June The Path of Spiritual Liberty with Pir Zia. $250 for the weekend not inclusive of meals or accommodation. 2 pm start on Friday. Contact Jamila jamilia@clear.net.nz. Pre-booking necessary ($100 deposit) to arrange meals and accommodation.

28 - 29 June Helen Lake's Memorial. Contact Jennie jennifer_spiral@hotmail.com

4 -5 July Working with Ascended Masters
Fees $25 (Fri night)/$60 (Sat only), $75 (both sessions)
Accommodation extra @$20 per night
See earlier post or contact Whitecloud at whitecloud@amigo.net

6 July Universal Worship 11 am Koha asked. 12.30 shared lunch.

12 - 13 July Jan Natusch's Shamanic Workshop
Contact Jan at Jan@grafton.co.nz

18 July Full Moon Meditation for Peace (koha asked)
Contact Carmela Lina at 09-237-8189

19-20 July Available for booking

26-27 July Available for booking