Shabda Kahn's Site

Talks by Shabda

Open Talk: Nine Gates (108 MB)
In his characteristically penetrating and humorous style, Shabda leads the group through a journey of exploration with discussion, grounded insights into the human condition and experience, and readings of masters from various religious traditions such as Hazrat Inayat Khan of Sufism. He begins by discussing the path of the heart, the origins of Sufism, and a brief overview of his Sufi lineage. He moves from there into discussing the core motivations at the heart of all living beings, the role and approaches of the spiritual path and strategies for happiness. May, 2007.

Murshid Sam's Birthday (34.6 MB)
In this touching gathering students and friends of Murshid Sam honor his life on the occasion of the anniversary of his Birthday in 2006. Recounting anecdotes from his teachings, relationships with teachers, and family life, the honored guests include Murshid Wali Ali, Pir Shabda, and Sheikha Sara Morgan and Murshida Mariam Baker. Fairfax, California, 2006.

Our Human Search (50.3 MB)
Recorded March 4, 2006 in Ashland, Oregon.
With the thesis, "Passion for the Goal, Patience with What Arises," Pir Shabda offers a vibrant and humored investigation of what we are searching for in our lives with all of our actions. Sharing teachings of scholars from around the world and throughout time, he offers food for thought. Asking and answering questions of the group's participants, he provides opportunity for grounded insight.

The Importance of Breath (63.1 MB)
An open talk at Nine Gates, May, 2007.
Building on the words of Hazrat Inayat Khan, "In rhythm with life's conditions and in tune with the Infinite," Pir Shabda guides the listeners through many exercises of breath to reveal the importance of this "pendulum" in the path of the Sufi.

The Path to God (79.5)
Talk given on Kauai, Hawaii, Jan 20, 2006.
Set to the syncopated rhythm of the rooster call characteristic of the island of Kauai, this recording is a talk in which Pir Shabda delves into our innate human thirst to know the Divine and into the specific nature of the Divine. Additionally, the effects that a close relationship with the Divine offers, as well as the tools that will help us "see the altar of God everywhere," are explored in a most joyful and intimate manner.

Raga Bhairavi/the Melodic Zikr: 3-part series
In this three-part series, recorded in April 2008 at the annual Federation of the Sufi Message Gathering at the Abode of the Message, Pir Shabda Kahn guides the listener in deepening our understanding of the Melodic Zikr set by Hazrat Inayat Khan in Raga Bhairavi with a special focus on its inclusion of both the flatted and the natural second notes. He expounds upon the history of the development of this piece from earlier and later versions written in the hand of Pir-O-Murshid.

Inviting us with his skillful guidance into the experience of learning to sing this beautiful raga and zikr, Shabda expands our experience with an excellent overview of the nature of Raga Bhairavi itself with its particular use of all twelve notes of the scale. Additionally, his talks present general principles of raga theory and practice, including the 16-beat rhythmic structure and tempo in which the Melodic Zikr is set, as well as improvisation.

Concluding each session, he plays archival recordings as examples of Raga Bhairavi's many possible expressions, culminating with Pir-O-Murshid Inayat Khan singing Bhairavi to conclude this wonderful series. Naturally, Shabda's witty and deeply insightful comments on the power of this music and practice inform the mind and elevate the heart. - Shivadam

- Part 1 (53.8 MB)
- Part 2 (63.3 MB)
- Part 3 (61.5 MB)

Talks by Karen Armstrong

Understanding Islam and the West (129.4 MB)
Thursday, February 21, 2008, First Unitarian Church, San Francisco

Judaism, Christianity, Islam: Mysticism, Fundamentalism and the World
Saturday, February 23, 2008, Presidio Golden Gate Club, San Francisco
- Part 1 (67.6 MB)
- Part 2 (65.5 MB)
- Part 3 (78 MB)
- Part 4 (67 MB)