Dear Friends: (4/12/2010)
It is my sad task to report that Sarmad Abraham Brody has perished in a car accident in Minnesota. Sarmad was a shaikh in the Sufi Order and a dedicated mureed and spiritual seeker/finder for decades, and an immensely-talented musician and composer.
Remembrances can be directed to Siri Neel Kaur, his wife. Please hold her in your prayers.
PO Box 963
Santa Cruz, NM 87567
Hafizullah
It was my great privilege to call Sarmad my friend. This poem was born tonight when I learned of his departing.
Savitri in Baltimore
To Sarmad
and Siri Neel Khaur Khalsa
In all things true,
In all things kind,
Of gentle heart
And tranquil mind.
The music of the spheres did blend
The lover, husband, father, friend.
Midst shattered glass thy world did end.
And we, the mourners left behind,
With spirit’s pure yet troubled mind,
Do clasp your hands and kiss your heart,
Your living vessel’s fragile art.
If names be true
Then named you be
For that which is
Eternity.
Beloved Friend,
On bended knee
We do and shall remember thee.
And sing you to
Eternity.
I first met Sarmad in 1974 at a film in San Antonio, Texas. He and his wife were in the seat in front of me. The woman next to me was asking me questions about Murshid Sam, Sarmad turned around and gave me a glance and smile. He said he had just moved to town and was a sufi, and had met Murshid Sam. I knew I had met my teacher. The next night he initiated me and gave me my name. On the day I read the email telling of his passing, I was traveling in Turkey. Suddenly I saw his glance – that peaceful light filled darshan that he first gave me. Thank you my friend and first guide.
Khabir
ps the photo was taken at a Sufi camp in 1980
I just found this site today. How shocked we were to hear of our dear friend Abraham taken away too soon, in a a way that perhaps needn’t have happened. These are the hardest deaths, by accident, when lives are stolen from us. I first met Abraham when he was still Sarmad, at a Reshad Feild (who bestowed upon him the name Abraham, acknowledging the old-testament prophetic largesse of his being)workshop, where he approached me before I knew him at all and said, “I am afraid of you.” Pause. Deep breath….We moved beyond that to become good friends! His ever -warm magnetic heart, his musical genius, his passion are seldom equaled in this life. He could hear the future coming in and shape it into music, he could feel the movements and geometries of every Name of God, and he loved to eat enough hot wasabi with sushi until tears streamed down his face and his body was awash in endorphins in response…He knew he had met his match in Siri Neel Kaur, as much as he at first rebelled against the ideas required by her path of celibacy before marriage, and monogamy. He adopted some of her Sikh practices, and profited from them. And knew he had found the love of his life in her, before he was taken from her, and from us.
I was very sorry to hear that Sarmad had left this world. I worked for him for a couple of years at the Greenwood restaurant that he owned in San Antonio, Texas from around 1979 to 1981. (I also baby sat for his kids a few times. )
He was a good man, very gentle and loving. It was a pleasure to have known him.
I am saddened to hear this. I knew Sarmad when he had his restaurant in San Antonio. He was a remarkable man and I’ve often wondered where he was. I’ve have had conversations with him in my mind and wanted very much to connect with him.
Rest in peace.
Doug Anderson
I too remember Sarmad from the Greenwood Natural Food Store and Restaurant in San Antonio, Texas. I just had to be part of the energy at that place! So, I lied about my age and started working there, cooking, until I nearly cut off my thumb. My age was discovered at the hospital, but by then I was 16. Sarmad allowed me to stay, moving me and my wrapped hand to the front as cashier. Amazing, and patient, man!
Sarmad was a kind and gentle soul, the voice of home to all who heard it, the inspiration of peace to those who needed it, and offered love with every breath. He was a darn good business man, too!
Love to the family…and all who knew this wonderful man.
His light will forever shine with ours * >*
Love on…
Patrice
Sarmad’s Sufi meetings were moments of peaceful illumination that helped carry me through the most traumatic part of my life. I am indebted to this man for freely giving wisdom love to all he came in contact with. I miss his wise and compassionate smile. Hope to see him in the next life.
I remember when that photo was taken. I was awakened during meditation to remember an old friend and the times at Shepard’s Bush. I was reminded of Sarmad’s devotion to his family and the wonderful humor of truth that he was able to share with everyone. I can assure us all that his love is still with us, guiding us from afar.
I met Jim (Sarmad) Brody at the Indiana University School of Music (now the Jacobs School of Music) in 1968. He was working on his doctorate in composition at the time. I was an undergraduate. He introduced me to sufism and through him I met Pir Vilayat. I was a member of his meditation group there which was a life-changing experience. I have much to thank him for.
I knew him and his then wife, Sharda back in the Shepherd Bush era. He initiated my first husband. Greg Palmer. We attended his first concert of his synthesizer composition at ETSU in Commerce, and spiritual retreat in Paradise, AZ that Pirvalat led. I remember his warm brown eyes, warm heart, and unflappable nature. Made good use of his time allotted to this plane.
What a wonderful blessing SARMAD was! I met him at The Shepards Bush in Dallas. He had the most delightful spirit. I can still hear the sound of his voice ever so gentle and sweet! And the light that just glistened from his eyes.From a traditional Southern Baptist upbringing I was just a lost soul looking for myself. Sarmad taught me how to center myself and be still and listen. He gave my my name. He introduced me to Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan and that has been a great memory of love, light and peace. Thank you Universe for these memories that I will cling to until I leave this world. I just thought about Sarmad today and Googled him. He was the essence of sound! He will be missed by all who knew him and loved him.