The Open Path

Ten-Month Trainings in Nondual Awareness with Elias Amidon

 

The Open Path is a non-sectarian approach to spiritual realization, and represents the central training program of the Sufi Way (see below), a lineage of universal Sufism established in the West a century ago by the Indian mystic Sufi Inayat Khan. In 2004, Elias was appointed as the Pir (spiritual director) of the Sufi Way.


 

What is the open Path?

One of the most joyful moments in the life of a spiritual seeker is when we recognize that the long sought-for goal is already here: that we are the pure Presence the mystics and poets speak about. Not our personality, but the heart of our own natural awareness is this most intimate Presence. And yet all too often we may experience ourselves disconnected from realizing this natural state. What will reconnect us? How can we stabilize this realization when it appears?

The programs of the Open Path are dedicated to introducing the direct experience of this natural state - a state also known as Pure Awareness, Selflessness, Nonduality, Oneness, Original Spirit, and by many other names. The Open Path is a process of natural enlightenment that belongs to everyone.

To travel this path does not require following a belief system or a specific set of esoteric practices or ritual forms. What is required is that we relax into the awake openness of our original nature, free from assumptions about who we are or conclusions about what is real. What is required is that we relax from compulsive doing and mental commenting and recognize the immanence of the here-and-now for what it naturally is.

"The Open Path work has helped me be more intimate with life. It has opened the window on grace. I am finding that it is truly in the non-effort, non-struggling that I become aware of my natural being. Your essays are pure and grounded. Much appreciated."
Lois - Open Path student
 

Intention of the Open Path Training

The intention of the ten-month Open Path Training is to introduce you to the direct experience of pure awareness, free from religious interpretations and obligations. Usually this experience begins with short glimpses of its lucid clarity. As these glimpses are pointed out, you learn to open to them again and again. The natural ease they reveal becomes increasingly familiar. This familiarity gradually allows you to sustain and integrate the realization of the natural state in your daily life.

 

STRUCTURE OF THE COURSE

The training occurs over a period of ten months. There are three 4-day residential seminars scheduled at the beginning, middle, and end of the course. During the course you receive by email a series of essays and exercises, approximately one essay every three weeks. These essays and practices focus our work together.
In addition, we connect with each other by telephone on a regular basis. This telephone work is a central aspect of the training. There are group conference calls with Elias every three weeks (approximately 10 participants per group), smaller group calls facilitated by second-year students every week, and individual calls with Elias once (or more if requested) each semester. In addition, each student chooses one or more "partners" to work with by telephone or in person on exercises and inquiry work.
During the course you are also encouraged to maintain a contemplative practice - a period of about twenty minutes (or more) each day during which you follow both specific practices as well as periods of "non-doing" - simply resting in the natural state.


Who Is This Training For?

 

The Open Path Training is appropriate for people who are psychologically stable, emotionally resilient, and who are invested with a deep spiritual calling for realization. Of course, everyone experiences ups and downs in his or her life-the stability and resilience mentioned here is the capacity you have to deal with these natural ups and downs honestly and wholeheartedly. In engaging with this course it is also helpful to be someone who has a strong love for life and who has a natural generosity-these qualities serve to support your commitment to the learning involved, as well as deepen the contribution this work can make to the well being of your family, friends and community.
While it is often beneficial to have had a background in meditation practice or in a spiritual tradition, it is not necessary. Most important is a steadiness of commitment over time and an honest curiosity to explore your direct experience of being.


2010-11 OPEN PATH TRAININGS


This we have now
is not imagination.

This is not
grief or joy.

Not a judging state,
or an elation,
or sadness.

Those come
and go.

This is the presence
that doesn't.

- Rumi


U.S.

Whidbey Institute, Whidbey Island, Washington
Seminar I: Nov.17-21, 2010
Seminar II: March 16-20, 2011
Seminar III: Aug. 24-28, 2011
For a PDF of the full brochure and information about the Open Path Training at Whidbey Institute, CLICK HERE.


U.K.

Croydon Hall, Somerset, England
Seminar I: June 30-July 4, 2010
Seminar II: Nov. 3-7, 2010
Seminar III: April 13-17, 2011
For a PDF of the full brochure and information about the U.K. Open Path Training, CLICK HERE.



To apply for Open Path Trainings read the full brochure and then contact Sufi Way headquarters at openpath@sufiway.org.