Welcome to the Khankah!

With hearts full of wonder and humble excitement, we, Khusrau and Shakti, are thrilled to introduce ourselves as the new Naqibs and caretakers of Khankah SAM! It is a profound honor to join this beautiful community, and we are eager to immerse ourselves in the spirit of the Khankah. We feel a deep sense of honor to follow in the footsteps of the many loving souls who have cared for this space before us, including our beloved friends and guides, Pablo + Gina.

Inspired by the possibility of a peaceful world, we weave together a tapestry of sacred sound, poetry, and embodiment practices. Drawing from diverse traditions, we create fertile ground for creative and spiritual nourishment.

We are so glad you are here to explore with us and the whole Khankah SAM family. We trust you will experience the love, service, and kindness of this sacred place. Come, come whoever you are, and join us in potlucks, spiritual practices, Dances of Universal Peace, and more.

Our lineage stream

Khankah SAM was founded in 1972 as a residential community rooted in the lineage of Universal Sufism transmitted by Hazrat Inayat Khan and his student Murshid Samuel Lewis. Our lineage is now known as the Sufi Ruhaniat International. The Khankah is set among beautiful gardens at the foot of Bernal Hill near Precita Park, where the Dances of Universal Peace began. Originated by Murshid SAM, the Dances of Universal Peace set sacred phrases from the world's spiritual traditions to movement and music. They are now danced in over 37 countries.

The Khankah’s namesake Murshid SAM with his teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan. Photo by Mansur Johnson