Sufi Youth Retreat 2008 - July 15th through July 19th

Welcome to the eighth annual Sufi Youth Retreat, once again being held among the majestic redwoods of Northern California at the Mendocino Woodlands State Park . We hold a universalist world view, based on the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan and Murshid Samuel Lewis, that sees and honors the truth in all religions and spiritual traditions, known and unknown. The Sufi’s house of worship is the human heart, wherein dwells the Divine Beloved; Sufism is the message of love, harmony, and beauty. There is no compulsion, no dogma, on the Sufi path.

The retreat will be held from Tuesday, July 15 through Saturday, July 19 (immediately preceding the weeklong Mendocino Sufi Camp). The Sufi Youth Retreat is for youth aged 16 to 29. However, if you are ifteen and would like to participate, please send us a letter or email expressing why you would like to attend.

This year we are honored to welcome both Pir Shabda Kahn and Murshida Leilah Be as guest teachers for the retreat. Together they will offer guidance through Dances of Universal Peace, zikr, music, and conversation. Of course, there will be time for a few exciting basketball and volleyball games as well!

Shabda Kahn has been a disciple of Sufism since 1969. He is a direct disciple of Murshid Samuel Lewis (Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti) and worked closely with the great American Mystic Joe Miller. Shabda is currently the Pir (Spiritual Director) of the Sufi Ruhaniat International and the Director of the Chisti Sabri School of Music. He is also a disciple of the illustrious Tibetan Buddhist Master, the 12the Tai Situpa.

Leilah Be is a Murshida in the Sufi Ruhaniat International. In 1975, she was introduced to the teachings of Hazrat Inayat Khan whose message was the Unity of Religious Ideals, known as the Path of the Heart. Three years later, she met Sufi Sheikh Yakzan Valdez and was deeply inspired by his living example of loving presence and felt her path and purpose being revealed. In 1985, a very strong vision of and inner direction from Murshid Samuel Lewis guided her to take initiation with his direct disciple, Pir Moineddin. Leilah began leading the Dances of Universal Peace and the practice of zikr (remembrance of god) in the early 80s. She has composed many beautiful circle dances and zikrs, danced the world over. She teaches on Maui and leads retreats throughout the world. Her attunement to expansive awareness is contagious.

We look forward to seeing you in July,
Peace and Love

reserve your space(s) at camp, send full camp fee with your completed registration form. Information, confirmation, and maps will be sent soon after receipt of your form and funds. A few travel scholarships are available; email sufiyouth101@yahoo.com for details. Scholarship decisions will be made between April 15 and June 20. First come, first serve.

Your camp fee of $235 is due in full when you register; register early to get the best deal! Before June 1, there is a $25 per person early-bird discount. Before July 1, there is a $25 per person cancellation fee; after July 1, there are no refunds. There is a $25 fee for each bounced check. Please make checks payable to. Golden Gate Sufi Circle. and mail with completed registration form (PDF) to address below.