In the Garden with Murshid Sam

Originally published in 1975, In the Garden is a collection of writings by and about Samuel L. Lewis, the founder of the Dances of Universal Peace. The book contains key writings by Lewis, including spiritual lessons, practices and poetry, as well remembrances and photos of him by his early students. Samuel L. Lewis also known as Sufi Sam and Sufi Ahmed Murad Chisti (October 18, 1896 - January 15, 1971) was an American mystic and horticultural scientist who founded what became the Sufi Ruhaniat International, a branch of the Chishtia Sufi lineage. After a lifetime of spiritual study with teachers East and West, primarily the Sufi Hazrat Inayat Khan and the Zen monk Nyogen Senzaki, Lewis was recognized simultaneously as a Zen master and Sufi murshid (senior teacher) by Eastern representatives of the two traditions. He also co-founded the Christian mystical order called the The Holy Order of Mans. His early interest in international seed exchange and organic agriculture also established him as one of the pioneers of green spirituality. His most enduring legacy may be the creation of the Dances of Universal Peace, an early interspiritual practice that has spread around the world in the 45 years since his passing. "The Sufi dervishes, using their feet...rid their minds of useless luggage. The ridding of luggage is more important than the method. What is needed is a method that works, not a philosophy about method which can be very confusing." "Words are not peace. Thoughts are not peace. Plans are not peace. Programs are not peace. Peace is fundamental to all faiths. Peace is fullness, all inclusive...and must be experienced."

"One of the reasons I am teaching this music and dancing is to increase Joy, not awe towards another person, but bliss in our own self. This is finding God within, through experience."