Building a community of peace, love, and harmony through ancient music and devotional practices
Aminah has become a leading force in the art of the traditional Qawwali genre of tabla. Her studies took her under the wing of the lineage holder Ustad Dildar Hussain (28 years playing for the legend of Pakistan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan).
As the first western and first woman disciple of this genre, Aminah has become a revolutionist by changing the boundaries of women, by being accepted by the community of a 1000-year-old lineage. She has sat where no woman has ever sat or maybe will ever sit.
As a Qawwal, Aminah has offered music in various shrines around the world. “I must have permission first, they still sometimes say no, but when I do get to play, that no, gives more meaning to a yes.”
“Aminah Chisti, a US national, becomes the first female tabla player in the history of classical music to perform at Sufi shrines around Pakistan..”
Hi, I’m Aminah,
I began studying the philosophy of Sufism through the lineage of Hazrat Inayat Khan, formally known as the first Sufi in the west in the early 1900s.
I devoted myself to the foundational aspect of the Indian classical genre, tabla - a vast ocean of ancient knowledge, a devotional expression of worship through sound.
I was guided to the Indian sub-continent as a place to devote to my daily practices.
In 1997, I was formally initiated into the Chishti Lineage. A door opened that led me to where I am today.
I began to heal through the practices and witnessed deeper meaning in my life. This was the experience I needed to confirm my focus - healing through music. I only had to begin to grasp this newfound path of ancient techniques to tune my body, heart, and mind. I was captivated.
Mission
As a student, my mission is to always learn more, understand more, to seek more.
As a teacher, my mission is to illuminate the lifestyle of the Qawwali music and tradition that is really untouched in our reality as Americans, as foreigners.
The mission of Hindustani classical music is to inspire the development of community and family through ancient techniques passed on by the masters and devotion. One acquires a greater sense of play within the music. A place of solidity yet freedom, a balance only music can offer.
My Promise
I am devoted to delivering my teachings on behalf of my lineage and developing strength through music. I am here to empower students, musicians, and seekers to develop a foundational practice that expands the understanding of the self, how to deliver it, and perfect it to a point of offering it to our friends, family, and community.
My promise is not only to teach traditional thekas or one of a kind expressions of tabla from my teacher Ustad Dildar Hussain Khan, but to also pass down the flavor, taste, color and design that comes from the specific qualities of Qawwali music and Sufi Philosophy.
For then one is able to not only heal the listeners yet heal through the offering, a communion with the divine.
Giving Back
I am in immense gratitude - gratitude for life, the experiences I’ve had, and all the people who have contributed to where I am today. I have experienced immense healing and direction to my path because I’ve been initiated under these Masters. It is in this that I really want to give back to life.
Now looking back, I realize that the path has always been about giving back. And I have found that when you give back to those who have given to you, that is true love. And the unconditional love is that this path is still giving to me every day.
Education
There are two sides to how I spread awareness.
The first is sharing the Qawwali tradition and Pakistani culture to the West. When people hear about the Middle East, they're initial reaction is fear. And it;s important to share about the immense hospitality, support and encouragement from the Qawwalis, the Masters and men of this lineage, and the women, and the totality of their culture.
And the second is sharing a new experience with the modern generation of Pakistan as a female playing tabla abd performing music their culture’s ancient music.
In addition, I’ve spent 2 years touring on behalf of education for women and children in the taliban territory including the Qawwali Peace Tour sponsord by the United States Embassy.
Central Asia Institute
Alongside Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, we fundraise to promote opportunities for women, increasing access to education, supporting teachers and higher quality education, and upgrading infrastructures for safe environments.
I’ve personally been to these communities and have seen how this work provides daily education to hundreds of village girls.
For more information or if you’d like to get involved, please visit www.centralasiainstitute.org.
Giving Back to my Guru and my Students
It is an honor to create a bridge by bringing Ustad Dildar Hussain Khan and his legacy to the US.
And a privilege to connect my students to the Master himself.
To learn more or how you can be a part of this tremendous offering, visit Bridge to Ustad Dildar Hussain Khan under the Offerings page or click here.
A Journey into my Lineage
