February 5th, URS HAZRAT INAYAT KHAN - Clad In The Armour of Patience

BeLoveds,

On his URS Day, February 5th, let's remember the Murshid whose task it was, 100 years ago, to bring Sufism to the West. Let us celebrate the Centennial of his inaugural Blessing-Gift, with this poem that he wrote -- with all love, Neshamah

Riding on the horse of hope ,
Holding in my hand the rein of courage,

Clad in the armour of patience ,
And the helmet of endurance on my head,

I started on my journey
To the Land of Love .

A lance of stern faith in my hand
And the sword of firm conviction
buckled on ,

With the knapsack of sincerity
And the shield of earnestness,

I advanced on the path of Love .

My ears closed to the disturbing noise
of the world ,

My eyes turned from all that was
calling me on the way ,

My heart beating the rhythm
of my everrising aspiration ,

And my blazing soul guiding me on the
path , I made my way through the space .

I went through the thick forests of
perpetual desire ,

I crossed the running rivers of
longing.

I passed through the deserts of silent
suffering,

I climbed the steep hills of continual
strife .

Feeling ever some presence in the air,
I asked :

"Are you'there, my Love?"

And a voice came to my ears, saying:

"No, still further am I . “



Hazrat Inayat Khan,
Vadan, Alankara 48 .



photo: Hazrat Inayat Khan,
Courtesy Sufi Movement Archives