View allAll Photos Tagged Form
Der Weinstadel zählt zu den schönsten Gebäuden Nürnbergs. Zwei Fachwerkgeschosse kragen über dem Erdgeschoss aus Sandsteinquadern vor. An der Stirnseite zur Pegnitz befinden sich Holzgalerien mit metallenen Wasserspeiern, zum Henkersteg hin eine Brücke mit Wehrgang. Im 13. Jh. verlief an dieser Stelle die „vorletzte Stadtbefestigung“, die hier durch eine Pegnitzüberbrückung die beiden Stadtseiten miteinander verband. In dem 1446/48 errichteten Siechenhauswaren Leprakranke untergebracht. Drei Tage lang durften sie während der Karwoche in der Stadt bleiben und erhielten neben Essen und Kleidung auch eine ärztliche Untersuchung. Ab ca. 1571 diente der Bau als Weinlager, später als Arbeits- und Spinnhaus und Unterkunft für arme Familien. 1950 Umbau zum Studentenwohnheim; seither ist die innere Baustruktur kaum mehr zu erkennen.
_____
The Weinstadel is one of the city’s finest half-timbered buildings, with two half-timbered upper storeys cantilevered above the sandstone ground floor. On the river side, wooden galleries with metal waterspouts; toward the Henkersteg, a bridge with a battlement walk. In the 13th century, the "penultimate city wall" ran along here: at this point, a fortified bridge over the Pegnitz connected the two halves of the city. The building was erected 1446/48 to house lepers who were allowed into the city for three days at Easter, during which time they received food and clothing and medical attention. After ca 1571, the building was used to store wine - hence the name. It later served as workhouse and spinnery and to lodge poor families. In 1950 it was turned into student housing, whereby the internal structural substance was virtually obliterated.
Quelle/Source: www.historische-meile.nuernberg
Adrianna Sutkowski mais conhecida por A.M Strings é uma cantora nascida em St.Louis no Sul dos EUA. Tem 23 anos e se formou em 2016 em Engenharia de Áudio na ‘Xtreme Institute by Nelly’ em sua cidade natal.
Desde cedo teve interesse por música e iniciou sua carreira musical quando ainda era menina. Aos 5 anos começou a ter aulas de piano com um professor particular, dos 8 aos 13 aprendeu um pouco de violino, violoncelo e clarinete durante seu período escolar.
Com o pai ainda menina ouvia no carro a trilha sonora do filme ‘Os irmãos cara de pau-The Blue Brothers’, mas especificamente a música ‘Rubber Biscuit’ e ‘Hit the road Jack’ de Ray Charles, e se lembra como uma das boas influências que marcaram sua vida.
Começou a tocar violão aos 12 anos e a partir daí escrever poesias, como toda adolescente cheia de questionamentos e sensibilidade. No ano seguinte cantou pela primeira vez na Igreja que frequentava uma canção composta por ela mesma ao estilo Christian Rock Gospel. A oportunidade veio em uma visita à casa do tio que ao ouvi-la cantar se impressionou com a voz e a levou ao culto.
Já adolescente ouvia rap como Tupac, Eminem, bandas como Good Charlotte, Blink 182 e a sua cantora favorita na época Amy Winehouse.
Aos 18 anos ingressou na faculdade e ali sua mente se expandiu. Aprendeu como é o processo de produção e como lançar suas próprias músicas. Também um pouco sobre o mercado e a indústria fonográfica.
No primeiro ano de faculdade participou com um grupo de alunos de uma mini-turnê chamada ‘Vatterott’ pelos estados de Tennessee, Illinois, Ohio e Kansas. Na ocasião tocou canções compostas por ela mesma como ‘These four Walls’ e ‘Dear Momma’ que compôs em homenagem à mãe.
No ano de 2017, participou do campeonato de novos talentos ‘Super Jam’ em St.Louis e obteve o 2º lugar, por pouco não abriu os shows de Future, Migos, Tori Lanez e A$ap, mas continuou na ativa e em 2018 foi artista revelação no concurso ‘Sauce Records Center Stage’.
Sua voz potente e a vontade de conhecer novos lugares a fez cruzar a fronteira e aportar em nosso país que a acolheu de braços abertos.
Em sua primeira vez no Brasil, no ano de 2018, gravou um EP com alguns amigos em Brasília. Entre eles DJ Jr. Killa, Paulo Guerreiro e Don Gerson do Alto calibre-AK, grupo de Rap da Ceilândia. Tocou em algumas festas e se apresentou no Terraço Shopping no formato voz e violão.
De volta ao Brasil em fevereiro de 2019 teve o privilégio de abrir o show da banda Goiana ‘Carne Doce’, que recentemente tocou no palco do Lollapalooza em São Paulo.
“Minhas influências musicais vão de Nahko Bear um cantor descendente de índios americanos, Sticky Fingers, um grupo independente australiano e Tash Sultana, uma multi instrumentista também australiana que começou tocando na rua e hoje toca em grandes festivais. Como ela eu pretendo desenvolver minhas aptidões musicais e produzir minhas próprias musicas em meu pequeno estúdio”.
No Brasil desde janeiro A.M Strings se impressionou com os ritmos que ouviu em Salvador no último carnaval. E relembra: “A energia é contagiante e a percussão e ritmos é incrível. Foi maravilhoso curtir o carnaval de Salvador e conhecer de perto uma das mais famosas celebrações do mundo”.
Fascinada pelas belezas naturais na Bahia, A.M Strings acabou de gravar um videoclipe nas areias da praia do Contrato no norte do estado. A música escolhida é ‘Somewhere’, que tem como base ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ famosa na voz de Judy Garland no filme Mágico de Oz e Frank Sinatra. O clipe foi dirigido pelo videomaker Tarcisio Boquady, que conseguiu traduzir nas imagens toda a sensibilidade que a letra da música tem.
“Eu passei por momentos dificeis e dolorosos na minha vida apesar da pouca idade e vi o lado obscuro quase me engolir. Nessa canção e no vídeo eu consigo mostrar o lado luminoso da vida, da superação e da energia poderosa que a vida tem, de Deus e toda a sua plenitude”, declara a jovem cantora.
Looking northwest on the western sidewalk of Front Street.
"Old Market Building, also known as The Rice Museum, is a historic public market building located at Georgetown, Georgetown County, South Carolina. It was built in 1832–1835, and is a one-story, Classical Revival temple-form building on a high arcaded base.
The arched area was used as an open-air market but was enclosed in the early-20th century. A tower topped by a square stage and an open belfry was added. The tower houses a four-sided clock that was added in about 1842. The building has served as a town hall, a jail, an open-air market, and a slave market.
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1969.
Georgetown is the third oldest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina and the county seat of Georgetown County, in the Lowcountry. As of the 2010 census it had a population of 9,163. Located on Winyah Bay at the confluence of the Black, Great Pee Dee, Waccamaw, and Sampit rivers, Georgetown is the second largest seaport in South Carolina, handling over 960,000 tons of materials a year, while Charleston is the largest.
Beginning in the colonial era, Georgetown was the commercial center of an indigo- and rice-producing area. Rice replaced indigo as the chief commodity crop in the antebellum area. Later the timber industry became important here." - info from Wikipedia.
The fall of 2022 I did my 3rd major cycling tour. I began my adventure in Montreal, Canada and finished in Savannah, GA. This tour took me through the oldest parts of Quebec and the 13 original US states. During this adventure I cycled 7,126 km over the course of 2.5 months and took more than 68,000 photos. As with my previous tours, a major focus was to photograph historic architecture.
Now on Instagram.
– NORFOLK MILITARY VEHICLE GROUP –
The NMVG was formed in 1977 by a group of enthusiasts interested in restoring and exhibiting all ages and types of military vehicles. The purpose of the Group is to bring together all persons in Norfolk and adjoining counties with a common interest in military vehicles. It is our aim to assist one another in the restoration of these vehicles and to exhibit at local, national and international events in order for the general public to be able to share part of our history.
Through our attendance at certain events we are able to both supplement our annual running costs in addition to securing funds for both local and national charities. We are proud that on an annual basis we currently donate no less than £600.00 to deserving causes, support British Legion regional branches with the annual Poppy Appeal, assisting with fundraising for Veteran's Norfolk, Help for Heroes and welcome the positive recognition and publicity this brings.
If you are interested in joining the military vehicles preservation movement see the 'Membership' page for more details. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with our administration team via the email form on the 'Contact' page or approach any of our members via Facebook.
Website link – www.nmvg.org/about
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
– NORFOLK TANK MUSEUM –
Welcome to the Norfolk Tank Museum, an independent military museum in the heart of Norfolk.
The Norfolk Tank Museum is an independent military museum registered with the Charity Commission. Our collection of tanks, weapons and militaria, many in working order and others being restored, are predominantly from the 20th Century and the Cold War Period, including Deborah II as seen in ‘Guy Martin’s WWI Tank’. We also have examples of armoured cars, artillery, uniforms and an extensive collection of British small arms.
We offer a unique hands-on experience to get close up and personal, inside and out, with our MBTs and other vehicles. (Collections) You can also take a white-knuckle ride in the ‘Hagglund’ All-Terrain Vehicle’.
We have a tearoom available for light snacks as well as a picnic area and playground within our large grounds. There is disabled access to all our buildings and toilets as well as dedicated parking spaces. If you require and further information with regards to accessibility or any of our events held regularly throughout the year please contact us.
The Norfolk Tank Museum is located at Forncett St Peter, NR16 1HZ two miles from Long Stratton.
Website link – norfolktankmuseum.co.uk/
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
excerpt: desiderata - by max ehrmann
Model: Sommer Kelly (Thirteen by Sommer)
Model Mayhem: www.modelmayhem.com/1002705
iso 800; f/2; 1/5
PS CS3
Strobist:
AB800 Tungsten Modelling lamp in 50" apollo box cam left facing model. (thanks to macbootsy for the lighting rig)
El valle de Benasque (Vall de Benás en patués) es un valle aragonés y ribagorzano del Pirineo aragonés situado en la actual comarca de la Ribagorza, en el tramo superior de la cuenca del río Ésera.
El valle de Benasque forma una unidad geográfica delimitada por toda la cuenca superior del Río Ésera, la "Aigüeta Mayó", hasta que éste sale del mismo formando un angosto cañón, el Congost de Ventamillo, que perfora las Sierras Exteriores pirenaicas de Chía y Abi o Arbi y el Turbón, que cierran el valle al sur. Esta unidad se estructura en tres partes geomorfológicamente bien diferenciadas repartidas entre 7 municipios que agrupan 26 localidades en total:
Benasque-septentrional. Corresponde a la mitad superior de la cuenca del Ésera en el valle. Coincide con los términos municipales de la Villa de Benasque (con las localidades de Benasque, Cerler y Anciles) y de Sahun (con las localidades de Eriste, Sahun y Eresué).
Benasque-medio. Comprende la mitad inferior de esa cuenca. Abarca los términos de Sesué (Sesué y Sos), Villanova, Chía y Castejón de Sos (con esta localidad, Liri, Ramastué y El Run).
Benasque-meridional. Geográficamente lo forman las cuencas de los dos últimos afluentes en la margen izquierda del Esera, los barrancos de Urmella y de Rigabas. Todo el corresponde al municipio de Bisaurri, el cual comprende además de esa localidad a Arasán, Urmella, Gabás, Verí, S. Feliu de Veri, S. Martín de Veri, Renanué, La Muria, Dos, San Valero y Bullelgas.
En Benasque-septentrional se sitúan los tres grandes macizos montañosos septentrionales del valle, el la Madaleta, el del Posets (Llardana, en benasqués) y el del Perdiguero, donde residen las cimas más altas del Pirineo(destacando los picos de Aneto, de 3.404 metros de altitud, y el Posets) y se conservan la gran mayoría y los más extensos de los glaciares pirenaicos, los únicos de España. Esos macizos se estructuran en torno a cuatro valles: el central que forma el río Esera y los tres principales valles con aguas tributarias de éste: Estós, Eriste y Vallibierna. Cuatro grandes valles, cada uno de ellos un pequeño universo de alta montaña, que se descomponen en numerosos valles laterales (destacan los de Lliterola, Remuñe, y Cregüeña en el Ésra, Batisielles-Perramó y La Paul, en Estós y la Aigüeta La Vall en el de Eriste), que descienden las altas cumbres alimentando infinidad de pequeños lagos y dibujando bellas cascadas entre praderas y bosques alpinos.
La riqueza y diversidad de la geología, botánica, zoología y paisajes de ese extenso territorio ha impuesto la protección y conservación de esos cuatro valles declarándolo Parque Natural de Posets-Maladeta por la Comunidad Autónoma de Aragón. El parque cuenta con el apoyo de refugios de alta montaña en los cuatro valles, tres de ellos guardados todo el año: el Refugio de Orús en el Valle de Eriste, el Refugio de Estós en este valle, y el Refugio de Llanos del Hospital - adjunto al Hotel- y el Refugio de la Renclusa.
Benasque es el valle pirenáico con mayor número de cumbres superiores a 3.000 metros (en torno a ochenta, el 20% del total de esa cordillera) y de lagos de alta montaña, denominados "ibón" en lengua benasquesa. Alberga la unidad montañosa española de mayor extensión y altura que, geomorfológica y climáticamente, pueda considerarse nétamente alpina, es decir alta montaña (de la que debe excluirse, por su meridionalidad climatica, tanto a Sierra Nevada como al Teide, las únicas alturas españolas que superan las cumbres benasquesas). Es el principal valle de alta montaña de la cordillera del Pirineo y de España.[cita requerida]
La localidad de Cerler posee las Pistas de Esquí Alpino de Aramón-Cerler, 90 km de pistas, con el único eslalom gigante de España (con más de 1200 m. de desnivel). Completa la oferta de esqui, las Pistas de Esqui Nórdico de Llanos del Hospital en pleno Parque Natural de Maladeta-Posets y en el complejo hotelero de alta montaña de Llanos del Hospital.
Los fondos de los barrancos laterales de la parte media y meridional del valle permiten la practica del barranquismo, mientras que el valle agrega la práctica del parapente en Castejón de Sos aprovechando los fuertes desniveles de la montaña del Gallinero y su condiciones atmosféricas.
El valle de Benasque está estructurado en tres unidades diferenciadas: norte, media y sur, también coincidentes con sus tres partes geográficas. Esa unidad se ha forjado, a lo largo de la historia, por muchos factores comunes a las 26 localidades, "llugars", y a las distintas "Casas" (unidades patrimoniales familiares que trascienden a las personas individuales que las componen) en que se descompone cada "llugar". Hay un pasado común en lo económico, jurídico, cultural, religioso, en torno a la Virgen común de Guayen, arquitectónico y las relaciones humanas e interfamiliares, que configuran el Valle de Benasque.
Su lengua es el benasqués, que se conserva plenamente viva tanto en el habla cotidiana como en la escritura. Ésta constituye actualmente la modalidad noroccidental de la lengua ribagorzana, la cual se formó por la interrelación, realizada entre los siglos XI y XVIII, entre la lengua ribagorzana, una la lengua románica autónoma -sin influencias de otras lenguas - terminada de formar durante la independencia, entre los siglo IX a XI, del Condado de Ribagorza, y la también románica lengua aragonesa, hablada en el resto del Reino de Aragón y en la Casa Real de Aragón hasta el siglo XV (llegada de la Casa Trastamara en virtud del Compromiso de Caspe).
Se pueden comprobar dos zonas muy diferenciadas, la parte antigua, en torno a las plazas Mayor y la del ayuntamiento, y la parte nueva, con edificios, apartamentos, comercios y otras construcciones modernas. Hay varios ejemplos de arquitectura popular pirenaica. En el puerto de Benasque se encontraba el hosptial de los monjes herreros, u Hospitalarios.
Sandy has largely wiped clean our autumn canvas and we are suddenly immersed in "stick season". A major consolation is to wander through those unedied October images. Here the morning mist softens the bright color on a hillside in Marlborough, New Hampshire.
Of all the Oaxacan Folk Art forms, Alebrijes may be the most renown - - to the point that the Spanish Royal Academy recently added the term “Alebrije” to that nation’s official language dictionary. Before discussing Alebrijes as Mexican Artwork, it might be a good idea to explain what, exactly, they are.
Perhaps the best way to describe Alebrije is “fantastical animal.” And, the best way to describe Oxacan Alebrijes is “fantastic fantastical animals!” Based on many of God’s creatures, particularly birds, legend has it that while very ill Alebrije creator Pedro Linares Lopez had a feverish dream where he saw many mythical creatures and when he recovered he stated making papier mache piñatas featuring them.
Oaxacan Alebrijes were pioneered by Manuel Jimenez, who began making intricate woodcarvings and artistically painting them. Soon, other local artisans began developing their own styles and one of the most popular Mexican Art Forms was born. Each Alebrijes is a “one of a kind” creation, and the very life-blood for the artisans who create them. Living in and around Oaxaca City, the capital of one of Mexico’s poorest states, these individuals are using their Oaxacan Animal Carvings to support their families and to ensure that economic survival does not pass them by.
Interestingly enough, the first step in creating Oaxacan Wood Carvings involves only thinking. The Artisans who specialize in these Oaxacan Carved Animals have to, basically, “daydream” of the Fantastical Animal they want to create. Once this is accomplished, they need to collect the medium they intend to work with.
The ideal “raw material” for the Folk Art Carvings comes from the “copalillo” (copal) tree.
There are “male” and “female” copal trees, with the “prime” one being the female tree, as it has no “knots” in the bark, and also has a pleasant “lime” fragrance.
Once retrieved, the tree section is typically allowed to dry in the sun. Then, the carving begins - first with a machete and then more delicate and sharper blades. Additional time is allowed for drying before the next step begins. Depending on the artist, this may take place in the shade, as opposed to being placed directly in the suns rays, thus ensuring that the drying is not as abrupt and appears more natural.
Sanding next takes place, making the figure completely smooth. Often gasoline, or another similar type of liquid, is rubbed on to the Alebrije to protect against powder-post beetles and other such insects. The Alebrije is now ready to be painted and decorated.
Needless to say, the more intricate and colorful the Alebrije is the more time the Oaxacan Animal Sculptors put into it. As mentioned, each one is totally unique - - a “one and only” item that will never be replicated!
For more information about Alebrijes for sale visit our website: www.alebrijes.co/
Blown up by NatureSam in order to try to identify! Sadly I was unable to so here is a bit on caterpillars generally.
Caterpillars are the larval form of a member of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). They are mostly phytophagous in food habit, with some species being entomophagous. Caterpillars are voracious feeders (seen out of context here for me to attempt to identify) and sadly many of them are considered 'pests', especially the brown tailed moth, check out spaciousandgracious.co.uk/2009/05/breaking-news/ As a consequence many moth species are better known in their caterpillar stages because of the so called, damage, they cause to fruits and other agricultural produce.
The etymological origins of the word are from the early 1500s, from Middle English catirpel, catirpeller, probably an alteration of Old North French catepelose : cate, cat (from Latin cattus) + pelose, hairy (from Latin pilōsus).
Most caterpillars have tubular, segmented bodies. They have three pairs of true legs on the three thoracic segments, up to four pairs of prolegs on the middle segments of the abdomen, and often a single pair of prolegs on the last abdominal segment. There are ten abdominal segments. The families of lepidoptera differ in the numbers and positioning of the prolegs. Some caterpillars are fuzzy (which means they have hair) and they are most likely to cause itching of the hands if touched, and the brown tailed moths are particularly hazardous, but we love them.
Caterpillars grow through a series of moults; each intermediate stage is called an instar. The last moult takes them into the inactive pupal or chrysalis stage.
Like all insects, caterpillars breathe through a series of small openings along the sides of their thorax and abdomen called spiracles. These branch into the body cavity into a network of tracheae. A few caterpillars of the family Pyralidae are aquatic and have gills that let them breathe underwater.
Apparently caterpillars have 4,000 muscles (compared to humans, with 629). They move through contraction of the muscles in the rear segments pushing the blood forward into the front segments elongating the torso. The average caterpillar has 248 muscles in the head segment alone.
Senses
Close-up of a caterpillar face. Caterpillars do not have good vision. They have a series of six tiny eyelets or 'stemmata' on each side of the lower portion of their head. These can probably form well focused, but poorly resolved images. They move their heads from side to side probably as a means of judging distance of objects, particularly plants. They rely on their short antennae to help them locate food.
Some caterpillars are able to detect vibrations, usually at a specific frequency. Caterpillars of the common hook-tip moth, Drepana arcuata (Drepanoidea) produce sounds to defend their silk nests from members of their own species, by scraping against the leaf in a ritualized acoustic duel. They detect the vibrations conducted by the plant and not air-borne sounds. Similarly, cherry leaf rollers Caloptilia serotinella defend their rolls. Tent caterpillars can also detect vibrations at the frequency of wing beats of one of their natural enemies
PAGA - Jazz y Hip Hop Experimental: Freddy Adrián - bass, Agustín Ayala - keyboards, Orestes Gómez - drums
Löwenkopffelsen - Felsen in Form eines Löwen - Kopf ( Felsgesicht ) im Huetgrabe im Eriz im Berner Oberland im Kanton Bern der Schweiz
.
.
.
**************************************************************************************************************
.
.
T.our durch`s E.mment.al am Samstag den 17. Juni 2017
.
.
Mit dem Z.ug von B.ern nach T.hun
.
.
T.hun - S.cheidw.eg - G.oldiw.il - M.ultene.gg - L.ütschent.al - B.uchen - B.urgh.alten - H.orrenb.ach - K.oppisb.rügg - E.riz L.inden - I.nnere.riz S.äge - B.rucheren - K.reuzw.eg - S.üderen - S.challenb.erg - V.orders.teinm.öösli
.
.
S.paziergang zur N.aturb.rücke im R.äbl.och
.
.
V.orders.teinm.öösli - E.ingang R.äbloch bei S.changnau - S.changnau - M.arbach - S.chärlig - K.röschb.runnen - T.rubs.chachen - B.ärau - G.ohl - M.ettlen - G.münden - L.üderna.lp - W.asen im E.mment.al - G.rünen - S.umiswald - W.eier - A.ffoltern im E.mment.al - H.äuserm.oos - M.ühlew.eg - S.chmidigen - F.riesenb.erg - F.errenb.erg - R.üedisb.ach - B.rechersh.äusern - W.ynigen - B.urgd.orf - S.teinb.ach
.
.
Mit dem Z.ug von S.teinb.ach über T.hun zurück nach B.ern
.
.
**************************************************************************************************************
Hurni170617 AlbumZZZZ170617E.mment.alt.our KantonBern
E- Mail : chrigu.hurni@bluemail.ch
**************************************************************************************************************
Letzte Aktualisierung - Ergänzung des Textes : 050124
**************************************************************************************************************
NIF
I seek refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
Allah’s peace be upon Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the glorious Prophet of Islam, and on his Companions and his followers.
TASAWWUF
"There is no doubt that Tasawwuf is an important branch of Islam. The word itself may have been derived form the Arabic word "Soof" (Wool) or from "Safa" (cleanliness), but its foundation lies in one’s personal sincerity in seeking Allah’s nearness and trying to live a life pleasing to Him. Study of the Quran, the Hadith, and the practical life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and his faithful Companions provide unmistakable support to this reality." (Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A)
SUFISM, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ISLAM
Doubts exist not only in the minds of the Muslim faithful but also among the Ulema, notably the exoteric about Tasawwuf and its votaries. Often they lead to misunderstanding, as if Shariah and Tariqah were two separate entries, or that Tasawwuf was some obscure discipline foreign to Islam, or that it was altogether above the established laws and injunctions of our Religion. To help remove these misgivings and to reassure seekers, as well as scholars, our Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), Sheikh Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia, wrote Al-Jamal Wal Kamal, Aqaid-O-Kamalaat Ulmai-e-Deoband, Binat-e-Rasool (S.A.W), Daamad-e-Ali (R.A), Dalael-us-Salook, Ejaad-e-Mazhab Shia, Hayat-un-Nabi (S.A.W), Hayat Barzakhia, Ilm-o-Irfan, Niffaz-e-Shariat Aur Fiqah-e-Jaferia, Saif-e-Owaisi, Shikast-e-Ahdai Hussain and Tahkeek Halal Haram books.
BIOGRAPHY
Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chakrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The very year, he met Shaykh Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Shaykh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was right away established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years. In 1962 he was directed to carry out the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular enthusiasm and devotion for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss as per his/her sincerity and capacity. Shaykh Allah Yar Khan's mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and distinction.
Although Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A) have lived a major portion of his life as a scholar, with the avowed mission of illuminating the truth of Islam and the negation of fallacious sects, and this would appear quite removed from Tasawwuf, yet the only practical difference between the two, namely the use of the former as a media to expound the truth, and the latter to imbue people with positive faith. Nevertheless, people are amazed that a man, who until the other day, was known as a dialectician and a preacher of Islam, is not only talking of Mystic Path, but is also claiming spiritual bonds with the veteran Sufi Masters of the Past. This amazement is obviously out of place in the view of Quranic injunction: This is the bounty of Allah which He gives to whom He wills. (62:4)
THE PURIFICATION OF THE SOUL
The purification of the soul always formed part of the main mission of the Prophets; that is, the dissemination and propagation of the Devine Message. This responsibility later fell directly on the shoulders of the true Ulema in the Ummah of the last Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), who, as his genuine successors, have continued to shed brave light in every Dark Age of materialism and sacrilege. In the present age of ruinous confusion, the importance of this responsibility has increased manifold; of the utter neglect of Islam by Muslims has not only driven them to misery, but also grievously weakened their bonds of faith in Allah and His Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). The decay in their belief and consequent perversion in their conduct has reached a stage that any attempt to pull them out of the depth of ignominy and the heedless chaos of faithlessness, attracts grave uncertainties and apprehensions rather than a encouraging will to follow the Shariah, to purify the soul and to reform within. The Quranic Verse: Layers upon layers of darkness… (24:40) provides the nearest expression of their present state.
SHARIAH & SUFISM
Any action against the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) cannot be called Sufism. Singing and dancing, and the prostration on tombs are not part of Sufism. Nor is predicting the future and predicting the outcome of cases in the courts of law, a part of Sufism. Sufis are not required to abandon their worldly possessions or live in the wilderness far from the practical world. In fact these absurdities are just its opposites. It is an established fact that Tazkiyah (soul purification) stands for that inner purity which inspires a person’s spirit to obey the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If a false claimant of Sufism teaches tricks and jugglery, ignoring religious obligations, he is an impostor. A true Sheikh will lead a believer to the august spiritual audience of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). If you are fortunate enough to be blessed with the company of an accomplished spiritual guide and Sheikh of Sufism, and if you follow his instructions, you will observe a positive change in yourself, transferring you from vice to virtue.
ISLAM, AS A COMPLETE CODE OF LIFE
Islam, as a complete code of life or Deen, was perfected during the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). He was the sole teacher and his mosque was the core institution for the community. Although Islam in its entirety was practiced during that blessed era, the classification and compilation of its knowledge into distinct branches like ‘Tafsir’ (interpretation of the Quran), Hadith (traditions or sayings of the holy Prophet- SAWS), Fiqh (Islamic law), and Sufism (the soul purification) were undertaken subsequently. This Deen of Allah passed from the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) to his illustrious Companions in two ways: the outward and the inward. The former comprised the knowledge defined by speech and conduct, i.e., the Quran and Sunnah. The latter comprised the invisible blessings or the Prophetic lights transmitted by his blessed self. These blessings purified the hearts and instilled in them a passionate desire to follow Islam with utmost love, honesty and loyalty.
WHAT’S SUFISM
Sufism is the attempt to attain these Barakah (Blessings). The Companions handed down Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) teachings as well as blessings to the Taba’een. Their strong hearts were capable of infusing these blessings into the hearts of their followers. Both aspects of Islam were similarly passed on by the Taba’een to the Taba Taba’een. The compilation of knowledge and its interpretation led to the establishment of many schools of religious thought; famous four being the Hanafi, the Hanbali, the Maliki, and the Shafa'i, all named after their founders. Similarly, in order to acquire, safeguard and distribute his blessings, an organized effort was initiated by four schools of Sufism: The Naqshbandia, the Qadria, the Chishtia, and the Suharwardia. These schools were also named after their organizers and came to be known as Sufi Orders. All these Orders intend to purify the hearts of sincere Muslims with Prophetic lights. These Sufi Orders also grew into many branches with the passage of time and are known by other names as well. The holy Quran has linked success in this life and the Hereafter with Tazkiyah (soul purification). He, who purified, is successful. (87: 14) Sufi Orders of Islam are the institutions where the basics of Tazkiyah (soul purification) and its practical application are taught. They have graded programs in which every new seeker is instructed in Zikr-e Lisani (oral Zikr) and is finally taught the Zikr-e Qalbi (Remembrance in heart).
ZIKR-E QALBI
However, in the Naqshbandia Order, Zikr-e Qalbi is practiced from the very beginning. Adherence to the Sunnah (Prophet’s way of life) is greatly emphasized in this Order, because the seeker achieves greater and quicker progress through its blessings. The essence of Zikr is that the Qalb should sincerely accept Islamic beliefs and gain the strength to follow the Sunnah with even greater devotion. ‘If the heart is acquainted with Allah and is engaged in His Zikr; then it is filled with Barakaat-e Nabuwwat (Prophetic blessings) which infuse their purity in the mind and body. This not only helps in controlling sensual drives but also removes traces of abhorrence, voracity, envy and insecurity from human soul. The person therefore becomes an embodiment of love, both for the Divine and the corporeal. This is the meaning of a Hadith, “There is a lump of flesh in the human body; if it goes astray the entire body is misguided, and if it is reformed the entire body is reformed. Know that this lump is the Qalb”.’
PAS ANFAS
Recent History Khawajah Naqshband (d. 1389 CE) organized the Naqshbandia Order at Bukhara (Central Asia). This Order has two main branches – the Mujaddidia and the Owaisiah. The former is identified with Sheikh Ahmed Sirhindi, known as Mujaddid Alif Sani (literally: reviver of the second Muslim millennium), a successor to Khawajah Baqi Billah, who introduced the Order to the Indo- Pakistan sub-continent. The Owaisiah Order employs a similar method of Zikr but acquires the Prophetic blessings in the manner of Khawajah Owais Qarni, who received this beneficence from the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) without a formal physical meeting. The Zikr employed by the Naqshbandia is ‘Zikr-e Khafi Qalbi’ (remembrance of Allah’s Name within the heart) and the method is termed ‘Pas Anfas’, which (in Persian) means guarding every breath. The Chain of Transmission of these Barakah, of course, emanates from the holy Prophet- SAWS.
SPIRITUAL BAI’AT (OATH OF ALLEGIANCE
It is necessary in all Sufi Orders that the Sheikh and the seekers must be contemporaries and must physically meet each other for the transfer of these blessings. However, the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order goes beyond this requirement and Sufis of this Order receive these Barakah regardless of physical meeting with their Sheikh or even when the Sheikh is not their contemporary. Yet, it must be underscored that physical meeting with the Sheikh of this Order still holds great importance in dissemination of these Barakah. Sheikh Sirhindi writes about the Owaisiah Order in his book ‘Tazkirah’: ‘It is the most sublime, the most exalted, and the most effective…and the highest station of all others is only its stepping stone.’ By far the greatest singular distinction of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order is the honor of Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance) directly at the blessed hands of the holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
SHEIKH HAZRAT MOULANA ALLAH YAR KHAN (R.A)
The Reviver Sheikh Allah Yar Khan was born in Chikrala, a remote village of Mianwali District of Pakistan, in 1904. He completed his religious education in 1934. The same year, he met Sheikh ‘Abdul Rahim, who took him to the shrine of Sheikh Allah Deen Madni. By Divine Will his spiritual connection was immediately established with the saint of the 10th century Hijra (sixteenth century CE) and he started receiving spiritual beneficence. His sublime education in Sufism, signifying progressive spiritual growth and advancement, continued for about twenty-five years, after which he was directed to undertake the propagation of Prophetic blessings - a noble mission that he accomplished with singular zeal and dedication for a period spanning half a century. Anybody who visited him was duly rewarded with a share of spiritual bliss commensurate with his/her sincerity and capacity. Sheikh Allah Yar Khan’s mission produced men and women of deep spiritual vision and eminence. He authored eighteen books, the most distinguished being Dalael us-Sulook (Sufism - An Objective Appraisal), Hayat-e Barzakhiah (Life Beyond Life) and Israr ul- Haramain (Secrets of the two holy Mosques). He was undoubtedly one of the most distinguished Sufi saints of the Muslim Ummah and a reviver of the Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order. He passed away on 18 February 1984 in Islamabad at the age of eighty.
THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION OF NAQSHBANDIA OWAISIAH
1. Hazrat Muhammad ur-Rasool Allah (Sall Allah-o Alaihi wa Sallam), 2. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Radhi Allah-o Unho), 3. Hazrat Imam Hassan Basri (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 4. Hazrat Daud Tai (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 5. Hazrat Junaid Baghdadi (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 6. Hazrat Ubaid Ullah Ahrar (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 7. Hazrat Abdur Rahman Jami (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 8. Hazrat Abu Ayub Muhammad Salih (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 9. Hazrat Allah Deen Madni (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi), 10. Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (Rahmat Ullah Alaihi).
THE SPIRIT OR RUH
The spirit or Ruh of every person is a created reflection of the Divine Attributes and it originates in Alam-e Amar (Realm of Command). Its food is the Light of Allah or the Divine Refulgence, which it acquires from the Realm of Command through the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him), whose status in the spiritual world is like that of the sun in the solar system. The Quran refers to him as the ‘bright lamp’. Indeed, he is the divinely selected channel of all Barakah. All Exalted Messengers themselves receive these Barakah from him.
LATAIF
The human Ruh also possesses vital organs like the physical body; through which it acquires its knowledge, food and energy. These are called Lataif (singular Latifah: subtlety). Scholars of various Sufi Orders have associated them with specific areas of the human body. The Naqshbandia Owaisiah Order identifies these Lataif as follows. First - Qalb: This spiritual faculty is located within the physical heart. Its function is Zikr. Its strength increases one’s capacity for Allah’s Zikr. Second – Ruh: The site of this Latifah, which is a distinct faculty of the human Ruh, is on the right side of the chest at the level of Qalb. Its primary function is concentration towards Allah. Third – Sirri: This is located above the Qalb and functions to make possible Kashf. Forth – Khaffi: This is located above the Ruh and functions to perceive the omnipresence of Allah. Fifth – Akhfa: This is located in the middle of chest, at the centre of the first four Lataif and makes it possible for the Ruh to perceive the closeness of Allah, Who is closer to us than our own selves. Sixth – Nafs: This Latifah is located at the forehead and functions to purify the human soul. Seventh – Sultan al-Azkar: This Latifah is located at the top centre of the head and serves to absorb the Barakah of Allah into the entire body, so that every cell resonates with Zikr.
FIVE EXALTED MESSENGERS OF GOD
There are Five Exalted Messengers among the many known and unknown Messengers of Allah. They are Hazrat Muhammad, Hazrat Nuh (Noah), Hazrat Ibrahim (Abraham), Hazrat Musa (Moses), and Hazrat Esa (Jesus), peace be upon them all. Hazrat Adam is the first Prophet of Allah and the father of mankind. Each Latifah is associated with a particular Prophet. The Barakah and lights from Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), descend on the first Latifah Qalb; its lights are reflected from the first heaven and are yellowish. The second Latifah is associated with Hazrat Nuh and Hazrat Ibrahim (peace be upon them). Its lights descend from the second heaven and appear as golden red. The lights descending upon the third Latifah are from Hazrat Musa (peace be upon him) and are white. One the fourth Latifah, the lights of Hazrat Esa (peace be upon him) descend from the fourth heaven and are deep blue. The fifth Latifah receives its Barakah directly from the holy Prophet Muhammad (may Allah’s choicest favors and peace be upon him). The lights associated with this Latifah are green, descend from the fifth heaven, and overwhelm all the first four Lataif. The Lights descending upon the sixth and seventh Lataif are the Divine Lights, whose color and condition cannot be determined. These are like flashes of lightening that defy comprehension. If Allah blesses a seeker with Kashf, he can observe all of this. The vision is slightly diffused in the beginning, but gradually the clarity improves.
SULOOK
Stages of the Path After all seven Lataif of a seeker have been illuminated with Divine Lights through Tawajjuh of the Sheikh and his Ruh has acquired the ability to fly, the Sheikh initiates its journey on the sublime Path of Divine nearness. The Path is known as Sulook, and its stages are not hypothetical imaginations but real and actually existing stations on the spiritual Path. These are also referred to as Meditations, because a seeker mentally meditates about a station while his/her Ruh actually ascends towards it. The first three stations that form the base of whole Sulook are described as; Ahadiyyat, a station of Absolute Unity of Divinity. It is above and beyond the seven heavens. It is so vast a station that the seven heavens and all that they encompass are lost within Ahadiyyat as a ring is lost in a vast desert. Its lights are white in color. Maiyyat station denotes Divine Company, ‘He is with you, wherever you might be.’ This station is so vast that Ahadiyyat along with the seven heavens beneath are lost within it as a ring is lost in a desert. Its lights are green in color. Aqrabiyyat station denotes Divine Nearness, ‘He is nearer to you than your life- vein.’ Again, Aqrabiyyat is vast as compared to Maiyyat in the same proportion. Its lights are golden red and are reflected from the Divine Throne. It is indeed the greatest favor of Almighty Allah that He blesses a seeker with an accomplished Sheikh, who takes him to these sublime stations. The final station that a seeker attains to during his/her lifetime becomes his/her Iliyyeen (blessed abode) in Barzakh and his/her Ruh stays at this station after death.
ZIKR
Why is Zikr Necessary for Everyone? Allah ordains every soul in the Quran to Perform Zikr. This not only means reciting the Quran and Tasbeeh but also Zikr-e Qalb. It is only through Zikr-e Qalbi that Prophetic Lights reach the depths of human soul and purify it from all vice and evil. Zikr infuses a realization of constant Divine Presence and a seeker feels great improvement in the level of sincerity and love towards Allah and the holy Prophet- SAWS. Such levels of sincerity, love and feelings of Divine Presence can never be obtained without Zikr. It would be a mistake to believe that Zikr may be a requirement only for the very pious and virtuous people. Zikr provides the Prophetic blessings which are in effect the life line of every human soul. It transforms even the most corrupted humans into virtuous souls by bringing out the best in them. The fact is that Zikr is the only way to achieve true contentment and satisfaction in life. The holy Quran has pointed to this eternal fact that it is only through Zikr Allah that hearts can find satisfaction. Such satisfaction and peace are the ultimate requirements of every person, regardless of religion, race and ethnicity. Practicing Zikr regularly removes all traces of anxiety and restlessness, and guides the human soul to eternal bliss and peace.
KHALIFA MAJAZEEN
Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), during his life time in 1974, presented a nomination list to Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), during Maraqba, of expected Khalifa Majazeen for Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) approved some names, deleted some of the names, and added down the name of Major Ghulam Muhammad as also Khalifa Majaaz of Silsila Naqshbandia Awaisia (which was not previously included in the list)
The approved names at that time included:
1. Mr. Muhammad Akram Awan Sahib,
2. Mr. Sayed Bunyad Hussain Shah Sahib,
3. Mr. Major Ahsan Baig Sahib,
4. Mr. Col. Matloob Hussain Sahib,
5. Mr. Major Ghulam Muhammad Sahib of Wan Bhachran Mianwali,
6. Mr. Molvi Abdul Haq Sahib,
7. Mr. Hafiz Abdul Razzaq Sahib,
8. Mr. Hafiz Ghulam Qadri Sahib,
9. Mr. Khan Muhammad Irani Sahib,
10. Mr. Maolana Abdul Ghafoor Sahib,
11. Mr. Syed Muhammad Hassan Sahib of Zohb.
These Majazeen were authorized to; held Majalis of Zikar (Pas Anfas) in their respective areas, arrange Majalis of Zikar in neighboring areas, train them on the way of Sulook, prepare them for Spiritual Bai’at (Oath of Allegiance), and present them to Sheikh Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan for Spiritual Bai’at at the Hand of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), in the life of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A), and were all equal in status as Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
Presently we are following Hazrat Major ® Ghulam Muhammad Sahib, Khalifa Majaaz of Hazrat Moulana Allah Yar Khan (R.A).
(LtoR) Row 1 [1] xxx [2] xxx [3] xxx [4] xxx [5] G.D. Raj Kumar [6] Harbajan Singh [7] xxx [8] xxx [9] xxx [10] xxx
Row 2 [1] xxx [2] xxx [3] xxx [4] xxx [5] xxx [6] xxx [7] xxx [8] Chia Keng Choon [9] xxx [10] xxx [11] Safian Majid [12] SDS Puspanathan
Row 3 [1] xxx [2] xxx [3] xxx [4] xxx [5] xxx [6] xxx [7] xxx [8] xxx [9] xxx [10] xxx [11] xxx
Photo contributed by The Tarsian 1969
Lillian träumt sich die Wahrheit,
Lillian träumt sich das Licht,
Lillian träumt auch die Lüge.
Lillian sucht ihr Gesicht.