Rumi & The Sufi Path of Love

A weekend exploring Rumi's poetry and the Sufi path of love, taught by Pir Netanel Miles-Yépez. At Karmê Chöling, March 5–7, 2027.

For eight centuries, the words of Jalaluddin Rumi have reached across languages, cultures and faiths. Today he is one of the most widely read poets in the world, his lines quoted everywhere from greeting cards to Instagram captions. Far fewer people know the living path behind the poetry: Sufism, a 1,400-year-old tradition that uses the power of love to transform a person's consciousness.

This weekend at Karmê Chöling, Sufi teacher Pir Netanel Miles-Yépez will use Rumi's stories and poems to open up that path directly. Together we'll explore the three major stages of the Sufi path of love, and what Rumi meant by love: not only a feeling, but a practice that opens the heart and changes how we meet ourselves, each other and the world.

What the weekend offers:

Through stories, poetry and discussion, Netanel will guide participants through the three stages of the Sufi path of love. The weekend also includes zikr, the Sufi practice of remembrance, a devotional practice of repeating the names of the divine to quiet the mind and open the heart. No prior experience with zikr, Sufism or any contemplative practice is needed.

The Weekend

Full schedule posted closer to the weekend.

Who This Program Is For

• Anyone drawn to Rumi's poetry who wants to meet the tradition it comes from
• Those curious about Sufism and mystical traditions more broadly
• Practitioners of any path, Buddhist or otherwise, interested in how different contemplative traditions approach love and awakening

This program is open to everyone. No background in Sufism, Buddhism or meditation is required, only curiosity and an open heart.

Contemplative Traditions Series

This program is the first in Karmê Chöling's Contemplative Traditions Series, a year of weekends with teachers from the world's great wisdom traditions.

FAQ

Do I need any background in Sufism or Buddhism to attend?
No. This program welcomes newcomers to contemplative practice as well as experienced practitioners from any tradition.

What is zikr?
Zikr is a Sufi devotional practice of remembrance, often involving the repetition of the names of the divine, used to quiet the mind and open the heart. Netanel will guide the practice; no prior experience is needed.

Why does Karmê Chöling host a Sufi teacher?
Karmê Chöling has deep roots in both Tibetan Buddhism and the Shambhala tradition of appreciating and honoring wisdom in all its forms. Welcoming teachers from other contemplative paths is a natural expression of that heritage, and we’re glad to share Sufism’s path of love with our community.

Is this program religious?
It draws on Sufi teaching and practice, but you don't need to hold any particular faith to attend. Come with curiosity rather than belief.

What should I bring or read beforehand?
Any suggested readings will be shared before the weekend.

Arrival / Departure Karmê Chöling

Please plan on arriving between 3 - 6pm on Friday, for check-in.
Dinner is offered at 6:30pm.
The program begins at 7:30pm.

The program ends at 12:30 on Sunday.

Getting Here
Visit our Directions and Transportation page to see different options for traveling to Karmê Chöling including our Rideshare board.

Cancellation Policy
Approximately two weeks before the start date of a program we confirm that we have sufficient numbers to hold the event. On the rare occasion when enrollment is too low, we may need to cancel a program. If this happens, we will notify all registered participants as soon as possible and provide a full refund of the program and accommodation fees paid to us. The center is not responsible for airfare or other travel expenses incurred. For this reason we recommend purchasing refundable travel tickets or travel insurance whenever possible.