Sufi Remembrance

3 Comments »

3 Memories for “Hayat Helene Stadlinger”

1. on 03 Oct 2011 at 9:16 pm1Carol Sill

   Dear Hayat had been a pupil of Inayat Khan in the 1920s. She told the story of returning to the room she shared with her sister after going to the silence session with Murshid as he opened his eyes to each of the mureeds in turn. Her sister was so frightened of the light in Hayat’s eyes – saying over and over again, “Your eyes, your eyes!”
   For many years Hayat lived in Oakland, and held Sufi meetings. She was deeply spiritual and dedicated her life to that work. Her library was astonishing, as she had inherited many esoteric books from older friends after they passed away. works of Manley P. Hall, L. Adams Beck’s novels of a fictional 1920s mysterious esoteric Buddhist global network, and Olive Schriener’s “Dreams”, to name a few. She loved birds, and as she worked for much of her life at Chapel of the Chimes, she would help save the birds that had been left behind. Her home was an oasis of peace in Oakland. Baby grand in the living room, kitchen facing the lovely back garden. A faint smell of burnt toast sometimes wafted through – her home was very near the crematorium and columbarium. She was completely comfortable with death and the spirit life. Her dining room chairs were from the Chapel of the Chimes. Even her pencils by the phone were from there, with printing on them: “Crypts, Memorials…”
   Hayat was invited to attend the Canadian Sufi Camp at Lake O’Hara, where she shared with younger sufis many stories of her early days as a pupil of Inayat Khan.

2. on 26 Nov 2011 at 1:50 am2Sherhdil Dennis

   In Memory of
   Murshida Hayat Stadlinger

   In July of 1990 I was temporarily assigned to travel to Berkeley, California to work for the Census Bureau on a special task force. Feeling the urge to stretch my Sufi wings, I contacted Bay Area Sufis and was referred to Murshida Hayat Stadlinger. I was told that most Sufis passing through town in a similar situation, or those interested in Sufi history or Sufi lore, were keen to talk to her.

   I spent two lovely evenings with this wonderful and funny woman. My first evening with her I enjoyed her specialty: a private quiche dinner in the ” true French style,.” as Hayat described her gourmet egg dish. She told me how she worked at the cemetery across the street from her home and had created her own job by suggesting to the owner that it could be a beautiful wedding setting and that, further, she could plan them and both would profit from the partnership. She was now retired from that career.

   Our conversation then centered around her recollections of being a young mureed of Hazrat Inayat Khan at those last summer schools of the late 1920’s. I was unaware of this part of her life story so I was delighted at this chance to absorb first hand living history. She told me one story in particular I will never forget. Writing from the perspective of five years afterwards(and editing it in 2011)I remember it like this:

   After the passing of Hazrat Inayat Khan, all the mureeds of Surennes, France were grieving for their Murshid. Hayat was there in 1927. She said that the grief was unimaginable. Attempting to heal her heart she decided to do what most cheered her up. That usually meant a visit to a Gypsy encampment, a short walk from Surennes, that offered carefree dancing, singing, unusual merchandise, contraband and hard to get items for sale. She and other mureeds particularly enjoyed going there.

   As she made her way to the Gypsy camp she became distracted and found herself lost in an unfamiliar swampy wetland. She began to panic when she realized that she had lost her bearings and darkness was falling. Fear arose in her when she saw a dark figure approaching through the gloom. Hayat assumed the worst was in store. She was greatly relieved when she recognized the face of Murshid Inayat Khan who smiled and silently offered her his hand. As he guided her to the edge of the wetland she apologized profusely: ” Oh thank goodness you are here, Murshid. I feel so stupid and sorry to have taken up your valuable time and that you had to track me down in this muck.” Finally, she could see the lights of the Gypsy camp. “I was hopelessly lost and couldn’t have found my way without your help, thank you so much Murshid,” she said.

   With compete humiliation and gratitude she turned to thank him once again but no one was there. It was as if he had vanished into thin air. Until that moment she had completely forgotten about his passing.

   On the second occasion I was invited to her house to celebrate the Birthday of Murshid (Viladat Day, July 5,1990) with her Sufi mureeds and friends. The focus, at her suggestion, was on Hazrat Inayat Khan’s keen sense of humor. Hayat and friends provided many wonderful examples.

   I am moved to share this with the on-line Sufi obituaries in memory of her passing. Stories of vanishing apparitions have made various impressions on me. But this one was certified by a genuine Sufi Murshida, behind those grandmotherly sleeves a most powerful arm was hidden.

   Sherhdil Dennis
   11/23/11

3. on 23 Apr 2022 at 4:19 am3Nancy Tubis

   In Memory of Helena Stadlinger

   My Dear Hayat,
   It was more than fate that brought us together when I was
   only 20 yo (1968) and you had just retired at the age of 70 yo. Our friendship lasted 26 years. I was directed to you after reading a Sufi book and contacting them in Europe. Turned out you lived within a mile of my new home.
   The first time I went into your home there was a light that permeated the entire place. I thought someone was there living with you. I soon learned that you were never alone and that you were surrounded by the Highest Angels who were there with you at all times. Throughout the years you gave of yourself with no reservations guiding me, teaching me, revealing to me my own inner nature. You taught me through your grace, dignity, old world charm and enduring love. You revealed the inner teachings of Sufism including your beautiful version of Universal Worship which has stayed with me all these years. You were my Mentor, teacher, friend and helper.
   You revealed yourself even after your passing to the Greater Realm. You are always with me in Love, Harmony and Beauty.

Leave a Memory