Report: DHO Mt. Shasta – 2011

Dear Family,

Our pilgrimage to Mt. Shasta was spectacular. Not only did we have the blessing of Pir Shabda’s company, but also the presence and blessings of Murshid Saadi and Murshida Mariam. All told, about 70 of us participated.

Once again our ‘field trips’ took us to places of great import: Shasta Abbey, Mother Mary’s old hotel, and Widow Springs on the Mountain. The snow was still in place on both Panther Meadows and Bunny Flats, so our time on the mountain was limited to drinking the ‘Healing Waters’ from Widow Springs.

Our ‘special guest’ was Jeff Whittier, who spent hours regaling us with stories of Mother Mary, and the ‘White Brotherhood.’ His book is finished, but not yet printed. Jeff brought some ‘final edition’ spiral bound copies for distribution. He told me he would inform us when it is printed, so we can order if we wish to.

The sound of the rushing river became our ‘leit motif’ for the week, and our homework was all water based. It was a time of letting go, and allowing the river to carry away all of our stress, pain, sorrow and troubles.

At least 4 people came to me after camp and said what a healing time it had been for them. Their anxiety and depression had abated, and they felt centered enough to resume their lives – Inshallah! on a new and clearer note.

Kudos to Mary Beth (who held the post of ‘road woman’ and local guide, making sure all was in readiness for us), Jude (who handled registration and finances), and Murad (who acted as our liaison with the camp, and the kitchen)…by the by, Murad’s daughter went into labor just at camp’s start, and he was needed at the birth, so he missed the first few days, but caught up with us at the end, and had time to give me an acupuncture treatment, plus leading a session of Sufi Chi Gong. Yeah!

Although our gathering was very full with practices and events, there was still time for reflection and repose. And what a fabulous place to do it in.

Special thanks to Solomon for helping me decorate the meeting space with his beautiful Bali textiles.

Some highlights: Najat started each morning with a kilvat practice and focus for the day, Rabbi Pam Frydman read some stories and practices from a new paper she is writing, and led us in a Hebrew zikr – Wow! – Jean Pierre shared how he balances his spiritual practice and his work – Fadilla accepted the title of Shafayat & Nur Un Nisa was initiated as an Initiator – early morning Japanese Tea (thanks to Siddiq & Sakina) – Richard Mann’s early morning yoga – Aslan’s evening dances, and choral graces – Sarfraz’s walks of the Masters – our daily healing ritual (with 4 new conductors initiated) – the Europeans who attended – (Natalia {who finally got her visa!}, Simone from Germany & Zubin from Holland) – the mineral baths and sauna – the all pervading river – plus a number of ‘former’ priests from the Holy Order of Mans {one could feel their energy and devotion during the Walk of the Master Jesus} – once again, Noel brought through Hanuman, Mashallah! and we all followed him in the walk – Mansur shared some memories of Shamsher Beorse and his alternative energy projects – Nassruddin enlivened our gathering with fabulous humor, Michael Endlich made a short presentation on amulets, and, onwards and upwards.

Our visit to Shasta Abbey was much anticipated by the monks. They even requested that we sing the Gate Gate melody we did last time we were at Kennett Roshi’s grave site. In addition we recited the Heart Sutra, and lit incense, over her memorial, and sang Allahuddins “Till we meet again Bodhisatva.” We shared our box’d lunches with our hosts, and ate looking upon the most perfect view of Mt Shasta. Wonderful visuals! Fabulous energy!

If you haven’t visited their meditation hall you are missing something sublime. I found myself, moving into meditation with a single breath. Murshid Saadi remarked that it was the most powerful space he has felt since he spent 3 days meditating under the Bodhi Tree.

They have a new Abbess, from England, and although they were amidst a retreat, she took time to greet and welcome us. A strong and loving presence. May she do well.

A number of folks took pictures: Thanks to Ayshia who has already posted hers on the DHO Facebook page, and to Mansur who took a short video at the Abbey. These are wonderful, and bring it all back in spades.

So many folks made this happen. I hope I have acknowledged all of them. We couldn’t have done it without you.

We raised enough money to send almost $2,000.00 to the local “Meals on Wheels” – Shasta area is very economically depressed, and there is not enough money to feed the elderly and stay-at-homes.

In addition, there is a project to help save the Mountain from development and commercial fracking. Please contact Mary Beth if you feel called to donate, at globalhealing@mannapages.com , or +++Mary Beth Granberry – P.O. Box 153 – Mt Shasta, California – 96067.++++I sent my check today for $101.00…

We are still working on next year’s location. More on that soonish.

All blessings and love and many, many thanks

hakim sauluddin
June 30, 2011

Report: DHO Haus Schneda, Germany – 2011

Dear ones,

am back home, in between gatherings, and wanted to give a short report on our 27th annual meeting at Haus Schneda in the North of Germany.

The house itself is over 100 years old, and was stylishly built to be durable, beautiful, and inspiring…with much carved wood paneling and glass, creating a beautiful inner space. The grounds are wonderful, with old forests, and fish ponds, spacious lawns and a magnificent array of rhododendrons.

The house and grounds are currently owned by a Sudanese Sufi Order, and we have been made welcome guests since 1984.

Our new cook is a fantastic ayurvedic chief, and cooks lamb and chicken for us in addition to her wonderful vegetarian cuisine. May-June is Spargle season, and we had fresh, local white asparagus in a Hollandaise sauce. yummy.

The big news is that we had 28 young people and children with us this time. Mostly they have grown up coming to Shneda each summer, and now that they are grown up, they still do. Some even bring their girl or boy friends. It’s so wonderful to see the future walking alongside us.

Aslan joined us to lead evening dances and choir, Baraka acted as my translator, and Subhan once again took a ton of pictures.

I must say the meetings are growing higher and higher every year. Alhamdulliah! When one looks at the pictures of the same people only 7 or 8 years ago, one can hardly believe the growth in their light and love and laughter.

next stop Mt Shasta.

all love and blessings and see you on the Mountain next week

sauluddin

Report: Federation Meeting – 2011

Dear family,

just a short report on the Federation gathering which is happening now on the North Sea of Holland.

Firstly, the Federation is alive and well, and everyone is on the best behavior. The Spirit of Love, Harmony & Beauty permeates the atmosphere, and Joy is omnipresent.

Our God Parents {Hidayat & Aziza} are well, but aging – he is 93, and she is 88. Mashallah! Hidayat is still powerful and clear, and they both send their love.

Of the 6 families which hold the lineage of Hazrat Inayat Khan, all but the Fraternity of Light are present, and they plan on being with us next year.

The Ruhaniat is well represented. Many thanks to our Schnede family for making such a strong showing.

Shabda is perfectly in his element. His strengths of great love and harmonious interaction are perfect for this time and place.

Today (Friday) is also Kamae’s funeral in Scotland, and we shall also acknowledge her life and work tomorrow. Many thanks to the family who traveled to Scotland to honor her.

In addition, I have sent out Mansur’s Letters From Moineddin, which I strongly suggest you read. This group is from the time of our separation from The Sufi Order. I feel it is important to always remember the past – neither forgetting it’s pain, nor attempting to fictionalize it. But, rather, rising above the pain, and dealing with the present from a clear heart.

Inshallah! there will be more to report later.

I send all my love and blessings

yours in Service to the Real

sauluddin

The World Today

Dear family,

As we hear of the tremendous suffering which is affecting so much of humanity – from North Africa to Japan, and from Wisconsin to Washington, D.C. – please let us remember that we have been given tools to help alleviate and lessen such natural and human catastrophes.

To all Center Leaders: Please support the performance of the Absent Healing Ritual in your area. We have found that a regular Absent Healing Service adds baraka to the area, as well as to the people who are participating. It can also create zones of ‘peace’ and ‘tranquility’ where it is performed.

If there is no one initiated to lead it, than please consider sending a representative from your center to our DHO gatherings for training. The meetings do cost, but the training and initiations are without cost. If money for our meetings is a problem, then perhaps your local center can raise funds to send a representative to be trained and initiated as a healing conductor. Remember, that our staff receives neither payment nor reimbursement, and pays full fees and transportation. Our next gathering will be on Mt. Shasta (Northern California) from June 19 to 24. Please contact Jude Sargent for registration information. (judesargent@yahoo.com)

Once again, in all that we do, let us not forget our “root transmission,” which has highly spiritualized tools for us to use. Just to mention a few of these ‘tools,’ in addition to the Absent Healing Ritual:

1) the wonderful Buddhist practice of dedicating the ‘benifit’ of one’s practice to all sentient beings, with a special focus on Japan (for example).

2) holding one’s concentration on “Cancel” while watching (or listening) to the ‘news’ about horrific situations, and feeling the impact the negativity has on regular folks being lessened. This one was thru Ray Fetterman.

3) holding the suffering humanity in one’s heart during the “known and unknown” portion of the Absent Healing Ritual, as well as doing the Ritual specifically for those suffering in North Africa (as an example).

4) doing your healing-purification breaths for an area or situation.

There is no reason to feel helpless in these terrible times. We can interface with others of ‘good will’ on the inner planes, and Inshallah! make a difference.

Yours in Service to the Real

Hakim Sauluddin

Mother Mary and Murshid SAM

Dear family,

Murshid Sam made the most incredible statement to me about Mother Mary (of Mount Shasta): I will take any of her students as my mureeds.” (He wound up with 4 or 5, that I recall.)

I never heard him make such a statement about any other spiritual teacher and their students. He also attempted to meet with her, when Mansur (and myself) drove through Mt Shasta en route to Vancouver, to see Sam’s uncle Harry. We missed her, but did get to hang out with Helen Fetterman (Mary’s Lieutenant) and visit Crater Lake.

Helen later drove down to San Francisco when Murshid passed and helped console us, as she “witnessed” the funeral arrangements, and the court battle to fight his autopsy. (We didn’t want his body cut, and Pir Vilayat showed up to assist us in this. He actually called Sam a Sufi Saint – under oath – in Marin County Court.)

Basira (then called Gypsy) first told SAM about Mother Mary, and he sent her and Shirin up to Mt. Shasta to meet her, and for Shirin to see a living High Priestess in action. Shirin later said she was a real one. It was this duo (Shirin and Basira) who brought me to meet Murshid, and I was hooked from the very beginning.

I share these stories, as I believe that a direct spiritual connection exists between these two lights. And, am deeply touched, that I was blessed to be able to “walk with her” and “take hands” with Murshid. Murshid once remarked to me: “You call her Mother,” he said. “But I’m really your Mother. She’s your Father.” I got it, and it’s true – the Father directs, and the Mother nurtures. Mary started me out, and Sam nurtured my path.

So, our gathering on Mt Shasta will bring forth these joint blessings: From Hazrat Inayat Khan (whom Mother claimed to have met in vision – she was also good friends with Murshida Bkati Engle, and of course knew all about Bakti’s teacher), to The Great White Brotherhood, the Order of Melchizadeck, and the Space Brotherhoods.

We will be joined by Jeffrey Whittier (whose book on Mother Mary should be bound and ready for distribution), and Linden Carlton (Mother’s driver on our trip to meet the Hopis in 1968) as well as a goodly number of senior teachers in the Ruhaniat. So far we have commitments from: Murshid Saadi Klotz, Murshida Mariam Baker, Shiekhs Jean Pierre David, Aslan Sattler, Murad Finkelstein, Siddiq von Brissen, Mansur Johnson, Sarfaraz Knight & Najat Roberts – and of course myself. Plus our own Michael Endlich, Fadhilla Bradly, and Nazruddin Greenberg; and Special Guests from the Mountain.

We’re looking forwards to a great time, with gourmet food, many presentations, and visits to the Mountain, Shasta Abbey (Jiu Kennett Roshi) and Widow Healing Springs. All this plus Flying Saucers.

JUNE 19th (dinner) to JUNE 24th (lunch) – 5 Full Days.

Stewart Mineral Springs, Mt Shasta, California: www.stewartmineralsprings.com
Looks like costs will be between $117 per night to $171 per night – all inclusive.
For specific costs and reservations, contact: Jude Sargent

Please note: Staff receives neither reimbursement, nor honorarium, and pays full fees.

See you on the Mountain:
All Blessings
Hakim Sauluddin

Report: DHO at Lama — June 20-26, 2010

Dear family,

It’s been almost 40 years since Murshid Sam danced off to glory, and last month we celebrated his life and teachings at Lama (where he is buried).

37 of us (the I Ching’s number for Family) walked, danced, processed, laughed and enjoyed the warm days and cool nights on the Mountain.

It was a harmonious and loving gathering, with our usual home-work, bed time stories, practices and zikrs, and rituals. We even had a couple of new practices come through:

We added the Gulf to our concentration, and created a HU Circle, where-in each of us could place our prayer or wish for God’s highest plan to manifest for specific areas and events (like the Middle East, the Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, etc.).

Lama family treated us wonderfully, the food was lovingly prepared, the land sparkled, and our hearts were full of the Divine Love.

Please note: Lama residents are young, heart filled and dedicated – but Lama is woefully understaffed. If we know of any young’ens who you feel will benefit by a Lama experience – have them contact Lama. Their continued ease is our continued happiness.

Special – Special – Special Thanks to Nathan Freewind for designing, manifesting and installing the sun shade (a DHO funded project) over Murshid’s grave site. Not only is it beautiful, well constructed, and fabulously harmonious with it’s surroundings, but it works perfectly. We were able to sit by the grave and commune under the noon day sun. Yeah Shade! Yeah Nathan!

with additional thanks to Michael Endlich for the picture.

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So many people helped to make this a successful pilgrimage:

Many thanks

  • to Mansur Johnson who led our procession up to Murshid’s grave site. He led us with the walk of Murshid doing Mian Mir, which Murshid had given him. It was very Saturn, and filled with power and dignity. No one was winded when we reached the top. Alhamdulliah!
  • and to Aslan, who led us in both choir and evening dances –
  • to Murad, who led us in Sufi Chi Gong, and an evening Zikr at the I.S.C. under the moon and stars –
  • to Siddiq and Sakina who served tea in the secret garden –
  • to Michael Endlich who presented Amulet making –
  • To Noel, who brought through Hanuman and regaled us with his story of the Ramayana –
  • to Mariam Baker, who brought her 1,001 extra large prayer beads from Turkey for a group zikr at the grave –
  • to Nasruddin, who was our ‘rabbi’ for Shabbos, was our retreat co-ordinator, and did a very funny stand up routine –
  • to Elaine Sutton who led a writing workshop, and made a fantastic Thai lunch –
  • to Azima who introduced us to ‘the indigenous 13 Grandmothers and their web of light – –
  • to Sarafraz, who shared Frida’s transmission with us, and brought her sweetheart to the Mountain,
  • to Ayesha for taking and sharing her wonderful pictures –
  • to Khadija Goforth for shipping a selection of Jewish pastries from New York to Lama (just in time for Shabbos),
  • to Jude Sargent for holding our ground, keeping us connected & manifesting her powerful love all these many years.
  • and to all our beloveds. Thank you all so much. I hope I didn’t forget anyone.
  • A very special thanks to Murad, who picked up the registration and Lama co-ordination in mid stream, and did a dynamite job.

Next year on Mount Shasta – (probably June 19 – 24 or 25) more data and information to follow soon.

Sending all blessings and prayers that Allah grant you all the peace and health and happiness that Allah has in store for you.

Yours in service to the real,

hakim sauluddin
Charlottesville, Virginia — July 3, 2010

Happy Birthday America!

DHO 2010 at Lama Foundation

Dear family,

Lama in June is upcoming (June 20-26), and although the DHO (Dervish Healing Order) is noted for being last minute – I do encourage you to get your registration in to Lama early.

As for money, even if you can only send in a deposit, than please do so.

($375 for all 6 days or $70 per day)

“Remember” is one of the most wonderful teachings that Lama has given us.

So, I encourage you all to “Remember”!

And do remember to send in your registration…
http://lamafoundation.org/form_registration.php
reg@lamafoundation.org
(575) 586-1269

We shall have our usual fun and frolicking amidst the new trees, all our usual joy; Plus the Maqbara!

A fabulous place to process to, and to pray and walk and dance around. Remember Zikr at the Maqbara!

Elaine has said she will again do Shabbos. Plus juice and transmission from Mansur Johnson, Mariam Baker, Siddiq von Brissen, Murad Finkelstein, Sarfaraz Knight, Aslan Sattler, Azima Lila Forest, Eddie Greenberg & Michael Endlich (amongst others).

I look forwards to seeing you on the Mountain again.

More instructions and news will be sent to those who are registered.

Sending all love and blessings.

Remember!

Yours in Service to the Real,
Hakim Sauluddin

Three Reports

Dear family,

It’s certainly been a busy summer for us all. There was our 26th yearly meeting at Haus Shneida (North Germany), followed by the Federation meeting in The Netherlands, and then our annual DHO gathering for the USA – this time just outside of Portland, Oregon.

It feels right to share some impressions from 3 of these meetings. I hope the flavor transmits.

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This years meeting at Shneida was well attended and very powerful. They just keep getting better. In addition to all our usual fun and frolicking, we had a new bed time story, and a new series of ‘home work’ assignments using the jewels in the centers. The walks continue to develop and grow, as do our German family. Aslan did great job with the dances and the choir (of course) was inspired. Subhan brought a book of his photos from last year’s gathering – how we have all grown and deepened over the past many years. Wonderful to see the teachings take hold in Germany. May the Message of God reach far and wide!

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As you have already heard , the Federation Meeting was a loving festival of friends and family. The Sufi Movement (and Sufi Way) were our hosts, and they did a wonderful job of making everyone feel welcome and included into our larger Inayati family.

Our Pir, Shabda Khan, did a fabulous job of holding the energy, and we honored our living ‘elders’ during the meeting. It was very sweet (and long over due) to see the whole group acknowledge and honor Hidayat, Aziza and Karimbaksch. The American contingent included Shabda, myself, Jean Pierre, Aslan and Subhan. It was inspiring to feel our combined Ruhaniat energy within the group.

Inshallah! Next meeting we hope to have our “Lineage Board” operational again –
and show all the leaders of all the orders surrounding Hazrat Inayat Khan.

There was more dancing then usual (which was a treat) and in addition, we had zikrs, walks, morning ragas, reading from the Gathas, commentaries, and an adaptation of one of Hazrat Inayat Khans plays. {I got to play the ‘evil’ magician who attempts to lead the multitudes astray with his magnetism, and his promises of wealth, power, sex, etc.}

Next year (2010) is the 100 year anniversary of Hazrat Inayat Khans coming to the West. All our many activities in all orders will be dedicated to this seminal event, with multi-order activities all over the world – including the Urse in Delhi, and20our 2010 Federation Gathering – which will be hosted by the Ruhaniat just outside of San Francisco – April 28th to May 2nd.

This 2010 meeting of the Federation is being planned to be a Teaching Meeting -open to all of the family, and will feature teachings by the heads of the various Inayati Orders. What a great idea! I can’t wait.

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Our Portland meeting was full…Mashallah! It was a treat to see all our American family again, and to join together in prayer and celebration. Folks were there from all over the USA – from west coast to east coast – north and south – The chapel where we met was filled with high energy, and the grounds spoke of loving care. It was a great place to meet and pray together.

I would like to share an extended sample of the meeting:

Najat opened our mornings with a retreat concentration for the day, using the concentrations from the 5 points of the star; Heather Hoppe did an afternoon program of detailing one’s Karma and Dharma walks which was well received. Mansur Johnson led us in morning prayers and made a presentation on the new book he is working on. Fadilla led a class in Meta Meditation, Sarafraz led a gathering on working with what nourishes one, Nasruddin graced us with a comedy break, Mansur & Khadija led us in an evening zikr (with help from Murad). Aslan led us in dances and choir, Michael Endlich brought samples of different jewels for his offering on amulets and amulet making, Azima Lila Forrest led a dream meeting, and helped me with the dream work. Murad led his class on Sufi Qi Gong, and we attempted a general sohbet after the healing ritual…I felt this sohbet went very well, and allowed everyone who wished to, be heard and participate.

We also did the tassawuri walks, and although Noel and Carol were not with us physically, his walk of Hanuman was chosen by a number of folks to do as an offering…sometimes ones presence transends the physical. Alhamdulliah!

There were also a number of young folks who joined us – including Jeniffer Avians 2 daughters and their young men, and Heathers 2 daughters and their young men. It was great to see them again. Laura Avian made the comment that she has never missed one of our meetings. What a sweetheart. All in all a great time was had by all. We also raised over $1,000. To be donated to Lama…am still awaiting the final figures.

Next year at Lama (2010) & the following year on Mt Shasta (2011):

we are awaiting conformation from Lama on the dates – it will be the latter part of June, and in addition, how our 2008 donation for a removable sun roof over the Maqbara is doing.

AND, to those who wish a more comfortable sleeping envir onment at Lama, there are a couple of motels in near-by Questa which are not expensive, clean and can be used as sleeping quarters.

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Upcoming:

This September, Mark (Muj) Havel and myself are planning on being in Russia. Inshallah! And Khadija Goforth has suggested a DHO meeting in Seattle just prior to the Jamiat Khas in November.

I send all my love and blessings and my prayers that Allah gives us all the ‘Basir’ we need to see our path clearly, and the ‘Aziz’ to follow it with joy – Alhamdulliah!

Yours in service to the real

hakim sauluddin
Charlottesville, Virginia
July 22, 2009

A few thoughts on adab

Dear hearts,

I would like to make a few comments about adab, fana and our Ruhaniat.

Firstly, our Ruhaniat family has always been a raucous group of ‘dissidents’.  Starting with Murshid Sam, and all those he attracted.  Ram Dass called Murshid the ‘pied piper of the hippies’ and this may have been factual.

Our lack of respect of authority for it’s own sake was very unsettling to more “established” and more “traditional” sufi orders – like our brothers and sisters in the Sufi Order, and the Sufi Movement at the time (1960’s and 70’s).

But I do also recall, that we always gave proper respect to those we felt worthy of our respect: Not based upon their title or rank, but rather on their manifestation of a higher maquam. Like Joe & Guin Miller, and Frida Waterhouse who held no titles (didn’t want them) but accepted “Honorary Murshid” titles from Moineddin.

Fana is at the very heart of Sufi practice.  How else, save for Divine Grace, can we be in a position to receive the baraka. To manifest fana is to manifest mureedship.  All else is but the dance of the nefs.

Of course, some are much better dancers than others, but this does not necessarily indicate their rightness, nor their advanced state.

As we were all taught “and a little child shall lead them.”

To me this means that one who is in a natural state of innocence (fana) and non resistant, is more open to the baraka and Message of God than one who has already made up their mind as to ‘right and wrong,’ especially as it applies to other people and their opinions which one disagrees with.

I feel that it is not disrespectful to disagree, but rather it can be disrespectful in how one manifests ones disagreements.  Is it personal?  Is it about subject?  Or object?  And, can one disagree without negative feelings flowing through ones words.

Let us not blame and then execute the messenger.   But rather look within ourselves to see where our feelings of disagreements (read separation) are coming from.

For us to reach our goals we must discipline our inner observers.  Many of us have inner children who are wounded and afraid.  They must be dealt with first – lovingly and carefully.

As our God Mother, Frida Waterhouse said, “Take your child to the alter of the Most High within you.”  It is there that true inner peace can be manifested.  And it is only from that place that we can change the world.

All the rest is the dross of dunya.

all blessings

hakim sauluddin

When in trouble – advice from an old brother

 

Dear family,

an old friend from Mt Shasta (and also an original mureed of Murshid Sam) wrote me about his new web site.

Inshallah! you will find it useful and informative.

Happy Spring! We are finally inundated with fresh flowers. Yeah!

Looking forwards to our ‘hang out’ in Oregon…June is coming right up!

all blessings

sauluddin

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Hey Sauluddin,

A year ago I found myself in the middle of a mult-structure fire. Given my history as a firefighter, I started pulling pulling a tv, fridge etc out of a few houses until I realized that my house was going up next. Two days later I started writing about my experience. I went on to giving advice on rescuing people and on to what to do and don’t do in a number of natural disasters such as a tsunami, earthquake, animal attack. All this evolved into a website www.dontpanicyet.net (with film of the fire) which was completed last week.

The knowledge given on the website, particularly the last page, can help, Inshallah,  prevent suffering somewhere down the line. Please read it and pass on the website if you think it would do some good.

Take care,

Jabbar