Dhikr: Sufi Mantras and Sounds

Course Description

In this course, Shaykh Burhanuddin covers the practice of Dhikr (Sufi mantras) and how they can be integrated into daily life to unify your heart and mind and act more skillfully in relation to others. Dhikr is a form of mantra meditation practice in the Sufi tradition. It means “reminding oneself,” and it is done by repeating specific words with complete concentration and awareness. He also talks about topics such as Hadra (collective Sufi ritual), Asma ul husna (aka the 99 holy names), fearlessness, practicing acceptance, agreement, and spiritual surrender through Dhikr, and overcoming usual challenges in the path. In addition, he teaches singing meditation from the Dhrupad singing tradition.

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Course Lessons

1. Dhrupad

Dhrupad is a Hindustani form of music used to calm the mind and cultivate awareness. This is possible through the power of voice and sounds. As Shaykh Burhanuddin explains, getting intimate with our voice and breath, both vital elements in Dhrupad, can trigger meditative states and elevate our consciousness. He also talks about the use of the mantric sound “Sah”, and gives a Dhrupad demonstration playing the harmonica and making the sound “Sah”.

2. No-Player-Mode

In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin recaps the concepts of Multiplayer Mode (system of blame) and Single Player (taking responsibility). He then talks about the No Player mode. He highlights how we all have blind spots, which manifest through the feeling of not having enough for ourselves and, therefore, not wanting to share with others. In No Player mode, this is overcome, and then we can allow the light to shine everywhere.

3. Fearlessness

In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin talks about fearlessness. Fearlessness is the ability to be comfortable, present, and clear in difficult situations. Fear consumes everything around us, not allowing our actions, including our practice, to flourish. Moreover, fear is the opposite of love. For these reasons, fearlessness is key to transcending our egoic self.

4. What is Sufi Dhikr?

Dhikr is a form of mantra meditation practice in the Sufi tradition. It means “reminding oneself,” and it is done by repeating specific words with complete concentration and awareness. As Shaykh Burhanuddin explains, this cultivates consciousness and opens the way to fearlessness.

5. Hadra: Deeper into Dhikr

Hadra is a collective ritual performed in the Sufi tradition. Its main aim is to forget one’s individuality and allow the sense of self to expand. One of the principal elements in Hadra is Dhikr. Here, Shaykh Burhanuddin explains the basic principles of Hadra practice. He also talks about bowings in the Sufi tradition as cycles of contraction and expansion and shares a video of a typical Hadra ceremony.

6. Signature of the Soul

The signature of the soul refers to everyone’s unique frequency, which creates our sound and energetic resonance. In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin expands on this topic and explains its relationship with the principle of cause and effect.

7. Asma ul husna: The 99 Holy Names

Asma ul husna, or “the beautiful and good holy names” are 99 attributes that God possesses according to the Sufi tradition. Their primary purpose is to help connect ourselves with higher realms of reality and allow healing happen. In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin explains the usefulness of Asma ul husna and their meaning.

8. Acceptance and Agreement through Dhikr

In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin provides initial mantras for emotional and mental healing. He gives instructions for reciting the Dhikr of acceptance and agreement and provides pointers on how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

9. Spiritual Surrender through Dhikr

Spiritual Surrender doesn’t mean giving up but embracing what is and acting accordingly. In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin further clarifies Spiritual Surrender and provides instruction on practicing surrendering through Dhikr meditation and movement.

10. Challenges: Laziness, Greed, Pride, and Envy

In this lesson, Shaykh Burhanuddin talks about some of the main challenges that appear in the path. He explains how Dhikr can help soften those adverse conditions and teaches us how to overcome them in daily life.

Spiritual Awakening According to Shaykh Burhanuddin

Shaykh Burhanuddin

Shaykh Burhanuddin is a contemporary mystic of ancient tradition, called onto the Sufi path at a young age. In his teaching, Shaykh Burhanuddin combines methods from his Sufi Tradition with contemporary knowledge of psychology. He received direct transmission from the Naqshbandi Sufi Order and is the author of three books, a musician, and the founder of the Dervish Orchestra.

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