The Dissolved Self: Sound & the Sufi Imaginal With Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri

The Dissolved Self: Sound & the Sufi Imaginal

In the PRS Lecture Room

There is a realm the mystics have always known where the self becomes permeable allowing something deeper to move through. The Sufis and Henry Corbin called it the IMAGINAL: a real and living world accessible through the surrendered body.

At the heart of the Sufi tradition are two divine qualities: Rahman and Rahim, boundless mercy and compassion. This evening asks a quiet, radical question: what would it mean to offer that same mercy to our own nervous systems?

Led by South Asian artist Sahar F. Khundmiri, we begin with an ancient breath practice drawn from the Sufi devotional tradition; a conscious, rhythmic breathing that gently shifts the body out of vigilance and into what science now calls parasympathetic resonance, or the physiological state in which we stop defending and begin to receive.

From there, we are carried by an immersive sound bath woven from sitar, harmonium, singing bowls, gongs, drum, voice, and more...instruments that span centuries and traditions, each chosen for its capacity to dissolve. The sitar traces the shape of longing, its resonant strings drawing the nervous system into stillness. The harmonium breathes beneath it all. The bowls open the overtone world. The gong washes form away.

This is the Sufi teaching of fana, or the dissolution of the ego. You are invited to lie down, close your eyes, and disappear a little.

Ticket price: $30 (in-person event only)

Please Note: The PRS Lecture Room is only accessible via stairs. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] or call 323-663-2167 before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

Sahar Farooqui Khundmiri is a LA-based sound artist and sitarist whose work bridges Hindustani classical music, Sufi mysticism, and vibrational healing. Rooted in her South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Muslim heritage, she creates immersive soundscapes that evoke a safar, or spiritual journey through sound. Trained in sitar, raga, and voice, Sahar blends classical technique with crystal bowls, chimes, and devotional elements like zikr and Sufi poetry. You can follow her on Instagram @soundsbysahar and her website www.saharsound.com.

CONTENT DISCLAIMER

The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed within exhibited works are solely those of their creators and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Screenings are intended for educational and entertainment purposes.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events , except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test. Ticket exchanges may be granted on a case by case basis, pending circumstances.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event.

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
• No filming, audio recording or mobile phone recording of events, screenings, concerts or other programs by audience members is allowed without permission.
• There is no smoking permitted on PRS grounds.
• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
• PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.
• Please do not bring outside food or drink into PRS events.
• Weapons are strictly prohibited at PRS events.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Philosophical Research Society, 3910 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App