Pir Shabda Kahn, a direct disciple of the American Sufi Master, Murshid Samuel Lewis, has been practicing Sufism since 1969 and since 2001, is the Pir (Spiritual Director) of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, the lineage tracing from Hazrat Inayat Khan and Murshid Samuel Lewis. He is also the Spiritual Guide of the Dances of Universal Peace~ worldwide. Shabda has studied and performed North Indian Classical Vocal Music under the guidance of the late Master Singer, Pandit Pran Nath, since 1972. He is also a disciple of the illustrious Tibetan Master, the 12th TaiSitu Rinpoche. Shabda leads retreats and camps in Sufism with an emphasis on the mysticism of breath; the science and art of wazifa and zikr; music; the walking meditations of Murshid Samuel Lewis and opening the heart. He brings gentleness and humor in transmitting the rich lineage of Sufism.
Baqia Diana Lyon is a householder, mother, and social worker living in rural Pennsylvania. She serves on the Living Wisdom Council and the Board of Trustees of the Sufi Ruhaniat International. Her training on the path of the awakened heart began as a child growing up in the Sufi Ruhaniat community of Northern California. She took bayat with Asha Greer at age 20 and is now receiving guidance from Murshid Himayat Inayati. Baqia sits in presence with death and dying through her vocation as a hospice social worker. The primary focus of Baqia’s life energies is raising her children and learning how to be a grace-filled human with them and for them, Toward the One. Baqia is focused on cultivating presence and attunement to lineage wisdom guidance so we can show up for this life with tenderness and authenticity.
Murshida Darvesha MacDonald, a Murshida in the Sufi Ruhaniat International, leads groups internationally in Ziraat (deep ecology), Universal Sufism, meditation, and the Dances of Universal Peace (DUP). She is Chair of the Ruhaniat Ziraat Council, and President of the BOD of DUP IN. She believes that as we come to understand our interdependent and contingent nature, we create the conditions that bring about peace and happiness to all of life. Our practice and our life should be one. Our discovery of freedom releases us into caring, compassionate action for all.
Sheikh Gayan Gregory Long is an internationally acclaimed drummer, composer, Dances of Universal Peace and retreat leader, Kirtan leader, story teller, and spiritual mentor. He has led Dances and offered music worldwide: from India to Russia; Thailand to South America; and throughout the United States. His work in Russia inspired the creation of the “Drums For Peace” festival which attracts thousands annually. He has appeared on seventy recording projects and has released two albums of his original compositions: “Padma Thunder” and “When Two or More are Gathered.” Gayan has been immersed in the Dances of Universal Peace since 1991. He has offered teachings and retreats worldwide and has collaborated with some of the foremost spiritual leaders of our time. He is dedicating his life to awakening human potential through music, devotional practices, kindling enthusiasm and community celebration, and offering pith teachings.