Discovering Unity, Istanbul
September 22 – November 3, 2016
A short course about being human, held over seven weekly evening meet-ups
“Who in the world am I ? Ah, that’s the greatest puzzle.”
– Lewis Carrol
Course Description
A course combining theory and practice, group investigation and private contemplation, uncovering some of the profound meanings entailed in being human.
Our premise is the ultimate unity of all existence. The course’s development reflects this unity as it reveals itself by degrees in our everyday experience, as light and love, knowledge and beauty. It is a journey of self-enquiry and discovery of the unified whole that is our human nature.
The course consists of seven evening meetings held weekly over six weeks, together with personal enquiry through selected readings, audio, video and contemplative daily practice at home. Its inspiration and direction derive principally from the teachings of two spiritual giants of the 13th Century, Muhyiddin Ibn ‘Arabi and Jalaluddin Rumi.
The course material and its method have been distilled from forty years experience of running Beshara School courses at Chisholme House in the Scottish Borders.
The Weekly Sessions
The evening meetings will start with a guided mindfulness meditation, followed by ‘checking in’ and discussing any questions, feelings and insights which may have arisen during the previous week. After a meal break, the week’s new theme will be introduced, with discussion and notes relating to the theme including texts, artwork, film and audio material, as well as specific questions to contemplate over the week.
Week 1: Beginning from the Beginning
How can we create an ideal space, within ourselves and as a group, for this course to happen? How can we establish ‘beginners mind’?
Week 2: The One and the Many, Being and Consciousness
An exploration of the principle of unity and its relationship to diversity and multiple points of view.
Week 3: The Human Reality and Experience
What is the place of the human being and how do we experience unity in everyday life?
Week 4: Relationships
What is the nature of relationship, be it to ourselves, to others, to the earth and its other inhabitants or to God and reality?
Week 5: Closing the Shop that Sells Fishhooks
What kind of work is required to realise our essential reality and to become free of our habitual mindsets?
Week 6: Love & Beauty
What do we mean when we speak of love and what is its relationship to knowledge, service and beauty?
Week 7: Conclusions and Beginnings
A final meeting to address endings, new beginnings and to tie up as many loose ends as possible.
Booking
For more information or to book your place, please contact the course facilitators:
Azim Looker
azimlooker@hotmail.com
+90 543 527 5270
Bahar Aykaç Looker
baharaykac@gmail.com
+90 532 486 9210
