The University and the Mystic Order

Yesterday , I was invited by one of my graduate students to give a Public Lecture at the university at which he teaches.    Universitas Panca Budi is a very interesting place. The first thing I noticed when I entered the grounds is that the university is only a part of the overall foundation.  In additional to the university students, you see high school students, junior high school students, and even elementary school students.  In addition there is one whole side of the rectangular campus that is not really any kind of school at all.  It is the headquarters for an international Sufi Brotherhood. 

 

Sufism, is the mystical form of Islam.  In it people try to create a direct connection with God, or as one poet put it, “to touch the Face of God.”  In Sufism, this mystical state is achieved by the rhythmic chanting of phrases derived from the Quran.

 

Because the followers of this order were both men and women who had families, there was a need to educate the children.  So starting with an elementary school and gradually adding levels, the foundation now has a university that even includes a few graduate programs.  Now students come from outside the Sufi order as well.

 

Another thing that struck me is that not all the female students wore the head covering.  Indeed, it is only required of students who are studying in the Department of Theology and Religion.   There is a clear sense that wearing or not wearing the head covering in now way reflects of the person’s religious commitment.

 

Finally, another striking thing about the visit, although it is has happened to me before,  was my near rock star status.  I came to the campus and was greeted by the highest levels of university officials, all the way up to the Senior Vice-President who were all waiting outside for me to arrive.  I was then escorted into the President’s office for a brief meeting with him before my lecture.  

 

Before my lecture started, I was given a thank-you gift and souvenir from the Senior Vice-President.  In addition to some books about the Sufi Order and the University, I was given an official UPB blazer, in canary yellow.   I made them very happy by deciding to wear it immediately and wear it throughout my presentation.  You can see the lovely jacket in the picture above.