In 2001, with a community of committed volunteers and founder Shahabuddin David Less, Rising Tide International was born from the teachings and inspirations of the early 20th century mystic Hazrat Inayat Khan, who came to the West in 1910 offering a vision of the unity of religions, the need for tolerance and kindness, and a path for inner awakening. Hazrat Inayat Khan founded the Sufi Order International (currently known as the Inayatiyya), which upholds his teachings today. After his death, the mantle of the Sufi message was taken up by his son and successor Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan, Murshid Samuel Lewis, and others who continued the tradition of a Universal Sufism. Rising Tide maintains a deep connection to Inayatiyya and honors all organizations representing the broadest and most universal practice of Sufism.

The initial core offerings of Rising Tide are rooted in the teachings of Universal Sufism brought to the West by Hazrat Inayat Khan in 1910. They are offered by dedicated volunteers who are deeply immersed in training on this path.

Over the years the scheduling has ebbed and flowed, weekly, monthly, seasonally, or occasionally scheduled, please visit our calendar page:

Dances of Universal Peace – sacred phrases and prayers from all spiritual traditions put to music and movement

Zikr – meditative chanting of sacred phrases

Classes - training of the ego and spiritual freedom

Healing circle – spiritual practice that promotes healing for those in need

Meditation Circle - practice 

Universal Worship - sacred service which honors the universality of all spiritual traditions and religion

Spiritual teachers and participants both locally and from around the world gather in the space to share wisdom and practice at seminars and retreats. Siesta Key Beach nearby the center offers a natural respite for participants.

Events Some classes and events are hosted by RTI and others held by people that rent the space. Check our calendar.

The space perfectly accommodates yoga, meditation, chanting, sound bath, and reclined guided relaxation type experiences. The combination of good acoustics, carpeting, room darkening-noise reducing drapes, an abundance of  blankets, bolsters and yoga mats, making it comfortable for floor seating or lying down. 

Rising Tide has been the home for spiritual groups to gather regularly:

• The Women's Meditation Circle of SW Florida ongoing at its RTI home since 2006.  It is held monthly on 3rd Fridays, and led by a different practitioner each month. Visit the Calendar page for the schedule.

• ISHA holds both private classes and public events throughout the year.

The beautiful space hosts gatherings for community to enjoy music, food and kinship.

Over the years RTI has held  memorable concerts, cultural events and plenty of potlucks.

At RTI  we support spiritual freedom and peace building, to develop, nourish and sustain a local and global community working towards unity consciousness. Peace building invites deep communion, healing, and upliftment of the global collective well-being,

We host inter-spiritual and inter-faith events, in coordination with other organizations to promote awareness for international and local peace initiatives. These events  provide a welcoming place for community members, partners, and visitors seeking collaboration, support, a shared sense of purpose and meaningful relationships.

For more about peace building activities and people at Rising Tide, visit the Peace Building Page.

https://www.abrahamicreunion.org/

https://enactingpeace.org/