Sufism: Seeking spirituality and inner strength

In the daily rush of our busy lives, we forget the magic of stillness, the magic of connecting with the inner soul, the ultimate power. We are so busy getting approval from others that we forget the real purpose of life. We fail to realise that the inner soul finds peace in self and not in the material things we buy, the accolades we win, the temporary targets we achieve.
Located in the far corner of Delhi, away from the hustle bustle, a brief visit to Zorba the Buddha, one of the largest open faith spiritual centers, made me embrace this truth. As Ashwin Bharti, founder director of the place puts it, "This place has a different energy. Zorba means celebration of life without guilt and Buddha means meditation and techniques that take you beyond mind. We don't believe in feeling guilty for enjoying life or forgoing pleasures of life. We are liberal and yet work towards uniting with the inner soul. The culture of this place is heart."
Want to feel that oneness with your inner self? Try holding your breath for long or indulge in some thrilling adventure sports. When you are in the middle of it, you are in a state where you reach beyond the mind. You are no longer worrying about a failing relationship, a lost job or a modern day suffering. Reaching an orgasm has pretty much the same impact.
Among the festivals and classes that Zorba The Buddha hosts, Sufism is one technique that garner a lot of attention. Their ongoing International Sufi Festival from 9th -14th February aims on developing inner life through meditation. Breaking the cynicism towards the spiritual side of life, Sufism teaches ways to go beyond the darkness that clogs your belief systems.
Two internationally renowned American Sufi teachers, Shabda Kahn, the Pir of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, a Western born Sufi lineage with roots in the Chishti tradition and Shaikh Kabir Helminski, who represents the Mevlevi tradition of Jalaluddin Rumi rooted in Turkey, will be guiding the seekers at the festival.