The Inayatiyya of Greater Boston

Book Tour & Teachings

with Pir Zia Inayat Khan

May 29 & 30, 2026

First Parish UU, 3 Church St., Cambridge, MA

Join us for two wonderful events in Cambridge with Pir Zia Inayat Khan!

Friday May 29, 7–9pm : Free Public Book Reading with Pir Zia in Conversation with Kythe Heller

We invite you to share an evening with us to celebrate the new book, Tears from the Mother of the Sun, written by Pir Zia Inayat Khan, featuring striking artwork by Amruta Patil. In this globe-spanning chronicle, Pir Zia sets forth an astonishing sequence of legends revealing little-known connections between ancient cultures and spiritual lineages, resulting in an unexpected marriage of myth and history.

Following a reading, Kythe Heller will open a conversation on the book, exploring sacred poetics as a mode of transmission across cultures, and the ways spiritual traditions disclose a shared, living continuum of meaning through poetry. The evening will conclude with a short meditation, welcoming guidance from the illuminated souls called upon in the book. All are welcome.

Tears from the Mother of the Sun

Guests can bring their book to be signed or reserve a signed copy when they register, to pick up upon arrival. A limited number of copies will be available at the event, as supplies last. 

--> To purchase a book online: https://pirzia.org/tears-from-the-mother-of-the-sun/

Saturday May 30, 10am–5pm : Aligning with the Illuminated: A Day of Teachings w/ Pir Zia Inayat Khan

The Sufis live for God alone; They have no other impetus.
Their bodies may be skin and bone, And yet their hearts are limitless.
— Pir Zia Inayat Khan, from Tears from the Mother of the Sun

Join us for a full day of teachings with Pir Zia Inayat Khan, a mystic, scholar, and teacher of the Inayatiyya, a universalist Sufi lineage of his grandfather, Hazrat Inayat Khan, in the Boston area! This event is open to all: seekers, initiates, and anyone curious about developing the capacity of the heart and living a life of spiritual liberty.

Our time together will connect us with the Diwan, or High Council (mala al-a’la), which consists of the illuminated souls we call on in Sufi prayers. These souls collectively work to guide us toward divinity as the destiny of creation unfolds. The masters, saints, and prophets who compose the Diwan are shining exemplars of the Divine Qualities of love, harmony, and beauty.

When the procession of these illuminated souls is viewed in its planetary entirety, the unity of the Message is seen in full relief. When this vision is experienced directly, human life takes on a profound dedication to the path of service and glorification for which we were all born.

Schedule

We will gather from 10am until 5pm on Saturday May 30th, with a generous lunch break.

9:30 Doors Open
10-10:15 Musical Attunement
10:15 -11:15 Teachings with Pir Zia
11:15 -11:45 Break
11:45 – 1:00 Teachings with Pir Zia
1:00 – 3:00 Lunch
3:00 - 3:15 Musical Attunement
3:15 – 4:30 Teachings with Pir Zia
4:30 - 5:00 Initiations & Closing

Registration & Pricing

Participants can choose to attend one or both gatherings. While Friday is free, we ask that everyone RSVP to reserve their spot. Tuition covers a full day of teaching on Saturday. Meals are not included. This program is in-person only and will not be livestreamed.

• General Tuition — Through May 25: $99

• Late / At the Door — May 26 on: $125

There are a limited number of partial scholarships available for those who need it — no application or explanation required. Reach out to astana@inayatiyya.org as soon as possible, to request assistance.

Registration Link: https://events.humanitix.com/boston-book-and-teaching-tour-with-pir-zia-inayat-khan