The Chishtis generally performed
dhikr-i-jali
, which is a form of
dhikr
recited aloud. Sometimes different syllables of the
kalima
(the Muslim
profession of faith), and sometimes one of the names of God were recited.
It was felt that by invoking God’s name, one could establish communion
with Him. By reciting God’s name continuously, the disciple’s whole being
was absorbed by the thought of God.
The Chishtis developed the technique of
pas-i-anfas
(controlled breathing)
that, according to Shaykh Nasruddin, was the essence of the Sufi discipline.
This was practiced during meditation. The Sufis maintained that when
breathing was controlled, thoughts were not diffused, and time was properly
utilized.The development of this technique showed the influence of the yogis,
who also breathed in a measured way while engaged in spiritual practices.
Sama’
was yet another spiritual exercise practiced by the Chishtis.
Sama’
literally meant a “hearing” or “audition”. In the context of
tasawwuf,
it meant
the use of music as an aid to contemplation, which in turn was aimed at
inducing ecstasy. Thus
sama
’ came to denote the acts of listening to music,
singing, chanting and measured recitation for the purpose of inducing
religious emotions and ecstasy. The Chistis in particular and the Sufis in
general were criticized by the
ulama
for this practice, but they were not
prepared to abandon it.
Th e Ch i s h t i Or d e r 108
