that make you glad you are alive.

~Hafiz ~

What Sufi mystics mean by sohbet is difficult to translate in English. Simply put, it means conversation of ‘a totally different nature’. It is conversation between friends of spirit and heart, it is a deep listening and transmission of heart as well. Everything in the created cosmos is also in ceaseless conversation, in endless symbiosis and those with attuned ears of the inner heart are able to listen to them.

True sohbets are so powerful that it can bring a much deeper realization in short space of time, than years of prayers or meditation alone. On meditation being a step up from prayer, Prophet Muhammad said, “One hour’s meditation on the work of the Creator is better than seventy years of The prayer.” The Sufi path values sohbet and thus listening deeply and directly from a sufi master / enlightened one is emphasized on the path. Sohbet carry the powerful seed of what Far Eastern spirituality calls ‘Satori’ or sudden enlightenment. The name and idea of ancient Hindu sacred text the Upanishad is also an idea of ‘sohbet‘ as well. Upanishad means ’sitting down near’ an enlightened spiritual master or guru in order to listen and to receive.

In the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Milarepa (born, Mila Thöpaga meaning ‘a joy to hear’), the most famous mysticsaint of Tibet, yogi, wanderer and much loved poet of eleventh century is often famously depicted with one hand cupped behind his ear. In Buddhist iconography he is as someone who is always listening deeply, symbolizing Milarepa’s deep listening to the great voice of the cosmos, of the inner song of existence.

The goal of Sohbet at MYSTIC ALCHEMY DESIGN is to engage in conversation with the visionaries of our time. We wish to bring in visionary consciousness in order to open certain pathways and in that way the conversation become the crucible of alchemy between two or more and later among everyone who come to read and absorb them with an  open and ready heart. This is not a traditional interview, but an engagement of visionaries. If you wish to engage in such conversation or wish to contribute by engaging with others and documenting it, feel free to contact us.