About this Retreat
Amir Vahab, honored as both a peacemaker and virtuoso, is one of New York’s most celebrated and distinguished composers and vocalists of Sufi and folk music. Weaving fiery instrumentals and songs of the historic lands of the Middle East and Central Asia, his work transcends political boundaries while maintaining traditional and mystical sensibilities. His music symbolizes diversity-in-unity and, while rooted in tradition, has been influenced by contemporary sounds. Amir teaches and lectures to private and group classes in universities, libraries, museums, and cultural centers and organizes music therapy and sound healing workshops.
Details of this retreat
Join master musician Amir Vahab for a weekend of music, mysticism, and the spiritual poetry of Rumi. Experience Sufi philosophy brought to life, and feel for yourself how devotional music gently guides your mind and heart to the present moment — all through the use of sacred sound.
Spend an enchanting weekend listening to the unique fusion of traditional Sufi melodies with contemporary influences. Amir has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the Sufi musical tradition. Sufis believe that we are all one with the Divine, and that music is the language of divine communication. This deeply moving experience will help you connect to your heart space and relax into bliss.
Rumi, also known as Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He is renowned for his prolific and influential poetry, particularly his works of ecstatic and devotional literature, which have transcended time and cultural boundaries. Rumi's poetry is characterized by themes of love, spirituality, and the quest for union with the divine.
This Program Offers
Exploration of Sacred Music and Devotion
Spiritual Poetry of Rumi
Sufi Philosophy
Live music sessions
Spiritual Community & connection
3 nights of accommodations
Vegan and Vegetarian meals. Dinner upon arrival + 3 meals per day on Friday & Saturday + breakfast and lunch on Sunday
Daily Integral Yoga Hatha classes
Tentative Schedule
FRIDAY
3–5 pm
Registration
5–6:30 pm
Integral Yoga Hatha
6–6:30 pm
Meditation
6:30–7:30 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Orientation and Introduction to Sufism
SATURDAY
6–6:45 am
Guided Meditation
7–8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
8:30–9:30 am
Breakfast
10–11:30 am
Hand Drum Workshop - Introduction to Meditational Rhythms
12–12:30 pm
Meditation
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch
2–3:30 pm
Whirling Workshop (Sufi Dance)
4–5:30 pm
Integral Yoga Hatha Mixed Level
5:30–6:15 pm
Dinner
7:30–9 pm
Satsang (gathering of the seekers of Truth)
Sufi Musical Offering, Video of Swami Satchidananda
“Speaker - TBA”
SUNDAY
6–6:45 am
Guided Meditation
IY Meditation - JYO
7–8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2
8–9:30 am
Breakfast - SH
10–11:30 am
Closing Session with Amir Vahab
12–12:30 pm
Meditation - GB
12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch - SH
2 pm
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Testimonials
“Thank you for bringing your transcendent music, beautiful and uplifting. Your discussion of the mythic nature and history of the instrument was riveting!” - L
“Your soul seemed to travel through different spiritual states, and so did your voice. You were getting connected with the audience. In the last song, your voice took on a celestial or an unearthly quality to it. Your body seemed to gradually vanish from the stage as your spirit became the main performer. Your voice allowed the audience to travel to an unseen world. Beyond Rumi's lyrics, there were hidden lyrics. Their message sounded like, "Come to this magical place that is yours. Even though you doubt it exists, once you see how beautiful it is, you will not be scared to depart from it. Join me in this heavenly place." The texture of your voice changed because of the rapture of your spiritual state, it became purer, and transported the listener to a more peaceful place.” -Shukran
“I took Turkish Ney lessons and by that way met with his sufi circle & concerts. Wonderful Teacher. Amir & the spirit created around him is beyond words. Rumi, Yunus & all other sufi, mystic or lovely poets and music become alive with his great soul and heart. Words cannot explain, just attend one of events and feel; experience with all your soul & heart.” - Afsar