Chilla (retreat)

Chilla (Persian: چله, Arabic: أربعين, both literally "forty"), also known as Chilla-nashini, is a spiritual practice of penance and solitude in Sufism known mostly in Indian 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.[1][2]

This article is about Sufi practice. For other uses, see Chilla.
Sufi Maulvi (teacher) meditating

Etymology

The word chilla is derived from the Persian word chehel "forty".[3]

Chilla-khana

Chilla is commonly performed in a solitary cell called a chilla-khana.[4] The place itself is sometimes called Chilla where chilla has been performed.[4]

Purpose

The main purpose of chilla is to attain laser like focus and get rid of unnecessary thoughts in your mind.

Incidents of Chilla

The most famous case of chilla is found in the biographies of the 14th century Sufi poet Hafez of Shiraz.[5][6][7]

In music
Main article: Chilla katna

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
  1. Landolt & Lawson 2005, p. 203.
  2. Dehlvi 2012, p. 109.
  3. "The Path of Khalwati and Shabani". Archived from the original on 2005-01-11. Retrieved 2008-05-01.
  4. Ireland, Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and (1896). Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland. Cambridge University Press for the Royal Asiatic Society. p. 328.
  5. "Teachings of Hafiz". www.sacred-texts.com.
  6. "Biography of Hafiz". www.hafizonlove.com.
  7. "Persian Language & Literature: Hafez Shirazi". www.iranchamber.com.

Bibliography
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