In the west of Germany near the village of Kall there is a Sufi dergah of the Naqshbandi order (that of the late Shaykh Nazim) called Osmanische Herbege (Osman-i-sha Hair-burger) - means Uthmani Hostel (did you picture a burger filled with hair?!) Set by a national park, it is a tranquil place in a quaint village, built in 1996 with the soul purpose (no pun intended) of providing spiritual nourishment to all. Despite our positive views on Zurich we were definitely ready for some quietude in Germany. The dergah is headed by Shaykh Hasan Dyck, a Sufi Shaykh and musician who regularly tours spreading good vibrations. I hope to meet him one day, his devotees are certainly very welcoming and gentle people, it would be a privilege to meet the source of their virtues.
We have spent our days walking through the local villages and countryside, on one particular occasion visiting St. Herman Josef, a saint revered by the local Muslims and Christians alike. He is known for offering an apple to Jesus, so visitors offer an apple to St. Herman by placing it on his grave. The basilica within which he lies is a very peaceful place, large yet somehow unimposing, perhaps due to the architectural style, or maybe it's St Herman's benediction :-)
Much of the time we have spent doing seemingly mundane activities, sitting on the swing, drinking tea, meditating. Yet we have still been travelling. To quote Rumi, "Everyone is travelling in this direction or that direction, but the saints travel in the direction without direction". I hope we have moved somewhat in Rumi's direction, and here is where words become inadequate.
Pictures: The basilica, me Mandeep and Nooriya (another person staying at the dergah), the dergah in green, our location, dergah garden
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