Chilla (retreat)

Spiritual practice in Sufism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 Punjabi,[1] Bengali 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.[2][3]

Sufi Maulvi (teacher) meditating

Etymology

The word chilla is derived from the Persian word chehel "forty".[4]

Chilla-khana

Chilla is commonly performed in a solitary cell called a chilla-khana.[5] The place itself is sometimes called Chilla where chilla has been performed.[5]

Incidents of Chilla

The most famous case of chilla is found in the biographies of the 14th century Sufi poet Hafez of Shiraz.[6][7][8]

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

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