Salaam, Kevin,
Important topic to be sure. Some write about connection to the Prophet (pbuh) through authentic silsilahs. Is this part of what you mean?
As for charisma, there are different kinds of charisma -- one kind is intentionally developed by narcissists for less than spiritual purposes -- and another is the charisma that is naturally present when in the presence of sincerity and truth, for example, the kind of charisma Prophet Isa (pbuh) had. He didn't want people's money or sex or other worldly things. On the other hand, we have characters like Jim Jones, Hitler, and even Osama Bin Laden, all charismatic in a less-than-spiritual, shall we say, way. Most charismatic figures embody one of the two types of charisma, and off the top of my head I can't for the life of me remember what they're called and all the different aspects of each.
There's been much written about this topic which is very eye-opening and I believe it is important for spiritual seekers to become familiar with for their own protection. Millions of people have become caught up with, and duped by, people with the kind of charisma one should be extremely wary of.
There have been, and are, some charismatic (the less-than-spiritual type) people who call themselves sufi. I sometimes wonder (only to myself) how many of these folks have gone on hajj. Although not determinative necessarily of anything, it is one question I would have for anyone who is considered a sufi shaykh. I'm sure many people would disagree with this as being any real sign of authenticity, and perhaps it's not, but it's one answer I would like to know personally if I was considering initiation because I believe it is indicative of a certain level of commitment and sincerity.
Peace and blessings,
Bilquees
I imagine books can and probably have been written about this uniqueness-in-sameness concerning the various ways in which people approach what you refer to here as the Source or God.
sallam Bilquees, I thought you had disappeared... Yes, silsila are important, certainly, but I am talking from a basic standpoint. My shaykh always stresses that having "a live connection" is best, it is a connection that is least likely to fossilize. My understanding is that a "Living connection" can be understood in two ways, a) having or had been taught by a real live teacher and b) you yourself have been "turned on" so that YOU are now a 'live connection'.
There are many ways this can be said, this is just our way of expressing it...
Of course, this topic is yours and Anab's speciality, and I think we would all agree that there are fine points to pay mind to. But I assume that the miniscule amount of people who show interest in my minor blog know little of sufism.
What I am saying Darius is that it possible to directly hear God speaking. It may be in words, it may be in images, it may be in silence within your heart, it may be in the rustling of leaves... and I mean this in a very objective way, it is verifiable. Yes, books are one way that God speaks, and they have value, true. But wouldn't we rather firm up our communication directly with our Lord?
Salaam, Kevin,
You made me laugh when you said you thought I'd disappeared. Then I would be a sufi! No? Not likely to occur any time soon, but God knows best. 
Anab has been hard at work on his next book and the podcast and the CDs, and my house has suddenly become full once again and is about to get even fuller, God willing, in another eight months or thereabouts. Grandchild No. 5 was announced this very day!!! All boys so far. Maybe we will be blessed with a girl this time; otherwise, we may have ourselves a basketball team of grandsons. And that would be fun and a blessing, as well. We will be content with whatever the future holds, insha'Allah.
Take care,
Peace and blessings,
Bilquees
Absolutely, although I'm not sure that "objective" - or subjective - is really the right word for it. Of course one of the conspicuous things about such experiences is precisley that they're hard to put into words!
As to scripture, my personal view is that the very word is a misnomer and implies a certain literal-mindedness in approaching texts.
Commenting by HaloScan
