Sufism Today: Sri Lanka, Shrines, & Mystical Pluralism | Interview with Assoc. Prof. Shobhana Xavier

Host: Rasoul Rahbari-Ghazani In this interview, Associate Professor Shobhana Xavier from the School of Religions at Queen’s University shares her helpful insights into contemporary Sufism, particularly as practiced in Sri Lanka. We begin with her academic background and journey into the study of sufism, before exploring a wide range of compelling questions: What defines authentic sufism today? Can all mystical aspects of Islam be called sufism? Is there one form of Islamic mysticism, or is it inherently pluralistic? How does life-tied, everyday sufism compare to more monastic or ascetic paths? What role do shrines play from both spiritual and theological perspectives? Is sufism evolving into a more metaphysical discourse? How do Ibn Arabi and Rumi compare in their approach? Whether you're a scholar, a student of Islamic thought, or simply curious about Sufi spirituality, this interview can help you. Visit our ⁠Academy of Mystic Poetics and Philosophy⁠, and check out our courses: https://immortalechoes.org/pages/courses  If you enjoy the content and wish to ⁠support our work⁠, your generosity helps us continue creating: https://immortalechoes.org/pages/donations My recent publications: https://istanbul.academia.edu/RasoulRahbariGhazani   #Sufism #IslamicMysticism #SriLanka #ShrinesInIslam #IbnArabi #Rumi #FaydKashani #ContemporarySufism #SufiTraditions #IslamicStudies