Chilla (Template:Langx, Template:Langx, both literally "forty"), also known as Chilla-nashini, is a spiritual practice of penance and solitude in Sufism known mostly in Pakistani (Punjabi)[1] and Persian traditions. In this ritual a mendicant or ascetic attempts to remain seated in a circle practicing meditation techniques without food for 40 days and nights in imitation of the Arba'een.Template:SfnTemplate:Sfn
Etymology
The word chilla is derived from the Persian word chehel "forty".[2]
Chilla-khana
Chilla is commonly performed in a solitary cell called a chilla-khana.[3] The place itself is sometimes called Chilla where chilla has been performed.[3]
Incidents of Chilla
The most famous case of chilla is found in the biographies of the 14th century Sufi poet Hafez of Shiraz.[4][5][6]
In music
Template:Main A practice similar to chilla is also performed by Hindustani classical music practitioners at an advanced level. It is called chilla katna.
See also
References
- ↑ Experiences and Practices of Contemporary Sufis in Pakistan. NUST Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities({Template:Date).
- ↑ The Path of Khalwati and Shabani. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland{{#if:Ireland|, Ireland}. Cambridge University Press for the Royal Asiatic Society(1896)
- ↑ Teachings of Hafiz. www.sacred-texts.com.
- ↑ Biography of Hafiz. www.hafizonlove.com.
- ↑ Persian Language & Literature: Hafez Shirazi. www.iranchamber.com.
Bibliography
- Sufism: Heart of Islam{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. HarperCollins Publishers(5 September 2012). ISBN 978-93-5029-448-2
- Reason and Inspiration in Islam: Theology, Philosophy and Mysticism in Muslim Thought{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. I.B.Tauris(2005). ISBN 978-1-85043-470-2