A Short Explanation about Sufism, the Author and the Intent of this Website

In the late 1960’s my circumstances and point of view led me to question the reason for my existence. I began on a course to find answers to these questions. I found that these are, in truth, some of the most complex questions that we can have. Questions like, why am I here? What is the purpose of my creation? How was I created? What is my purpose in existence? Where do we go from here? What is the purpose of this body? What is our true relationship with the rest of mankind? How are we supposed to act? What does a human being who understands the answers to these questions look like? What is the essence of one who understands the answers to these questions?

In this search I came upon the Sufi Saint Bawa Muhaiyaddeen. I met him on Easter Sunday in March of 1972. The interaction had a profound affect on both my wife and myself. We both realized that we were in front of a being who was different than any being we had ever met. Even though he was from a culture that was entirely different from our culture and spoke a language that we did not understand, it did not interfere with the fact that being in his presence made us feel like we were at home. For the first time in a very long time I felt I had arrived at where I needed to be and there was really nowhere else to go because it was all right here.

Bawa Muhaiyaddeen returned to his native Sri Lanka from the United States shortly after I met him and returned to the U. S. in 1973. As soon as he was back, we went to see him and he brought us close to him, directing us to meet with those who were interested in his teachings and share what we were being taught.

We spent from 1972 to 1986, when he passed away, under his direct guidance and influence. Over the years, we understood that the essence of his teaching, which is called Sufism, is a touchstone to reality. It is the heart within all matters; it is the heart within all religions. It doesn’t belong to anyone, but it teaches everyone. The teachings are loving, tolerant and magnanimous, generous, trustworthy and gracious. The teachings are given from our Lord as a gift to bring us closer to Him.

Over the last 20 years or so, I have made pilgrimages to various parts of the world. I began to speak about the experiences I had and knowledge I had gained from my time with Bawa Muhaiyaddeen. We have traveled to Asia, Africa, Europe and throughout North America to many different countries and locations, speaking about Sufism.

In the last seven or eight years, we have had weekly encounters with a small group of seekers of truth wherein we shared our understandings and experiences. Recently some of these people have suggested that we begin an internet site wherein these encounters could be shared with a larger audience. We share these insights as a student with other students. The learning process never ends. We are all initiates on the path. It is our responsibility to share what we have received with others. We agreed to begin this website.

We ask the blessings of our teacher the Sainted M. R. Bawa Muhaiyaddeen. We ask the blessing of all of the prophets. And we ask the blessing of our Lord in this endeavor. May it be of benefit to the people in this world.