About Us

Subhan Allah.

Morning comes slowly here at Voice of the Turtle and Southwest Sufi Community. Birds begin their conversations well before first light; swallows, red tanagers, black tail hawks. The mountains awaken. People and critters living here begin their daily practices. A sunrise walk, a steaming cup of coffee, bells, breath, song on the wind. There are goats to milk and gardens to water as golden rays illuminate the sky and settle onto the ridges.

I remember, as a new mureed, sitting with Pir Moineddin, watching his eyes dance and his heart sing, as he spoke of this Land, the sanctuary he envisioned here, a blessing far and wide for humanity. Pir Moineddin, grounded in the Earth energies of the great cosmos, recognized the resonance embedded in this desert landscape of color and form, vast sky, living waters, and mistral winds.

Pir Moineddin’s vision took root, and we prepare a place for you in this wilderness Khankah. As we expand our capacity to host guests at the retreat center, we envision you Being here…..Inshallah, at our annual Sufi Camp, in Khilvat (supported solitary retreat), service retreats, full moon dances, house concerts, intimate gatherings of mureeds, Murshids Circle gathering, a residential stay, Sufi Sesshin, Universal Worship, a spring, summer or autumn internship, a wedding, a honeymoon….The Dance Pavilion is in progress… under the wise hands of a master builder and artisan. Ya Fattah! Pir Moineddin’s vision lives on: In this sacred place to sing and dance, zikr and yoga, gathering in groups, or taking a solitary walk through the meadow.

Alhamdullilah!

As we plant the foundational posts for the new Dance Pavilion, make the beds, pour the water, dig the earth, prepare for winter rest, we are participating in the present moment of Life on the Land. This winter there will be fires in the hearth, and snow in the mountains; long purple shadows in the canyon. In every season we anticipate inviting seekers from all over to experience this life, participating with us in community, helping to build the retreat center for our family far and wide, maybe milking a few goats along the way. Join us in the creation of a mandala garden, a food forest, pond and stream restorations, a home and sanctuary under the canopy of stars in this sacred earth temple.

This is an exciting time as we feel the expansion from within. This summer is a window to further sow the seeds of renewal. The Board of SSC has enthusiastically joined with Residents to remodel the Ranch House, Adobe of the Message guest cabin, and Casita Jami to provide an improved kitchen, sleeping accommodations, and spacious shower facilities to serve our family. Light and airy glamping tents (glamorous spacious tents with extra comfy cots, pillows, warm natural bedding) will provide additional bedrooms for a short or extended stay during the warmer months.

Love, Harmony, and Beauty

These are no small endeavors. Inshallah, it will only take 2-3 years to complete these restoration/beautification projects. We invite you to join us here in our wilderness community! If you have skills, desire to learn and be of service, resources and/or tools to share, please, do get in touch! If you are looking for an apprenticeship or internship opportunity, please do get in touch! If you are feeling the call of the wild sunset, desiring a time of personal khilvat in this earth temple, do give us a call! If you are looking for a way to serve our family far and wide, while feeding yourself on the pure water, clean air, community, and the wilderness, please let us know! We are seeking new Residents to fulfill our vision for a diverse residential community. Please do use our donation links to share your love generosity, which is tax deductible. Any amount is heartfully appreciated!

From the Jewel of the Gila with Love,

Bahaar
Board President