Weekend and 9-day Foundation Courses
An introduction to self-knowledge
Who am I? Why am I here?
The education at Beshara has a single underlying focus: the unity of all existence. What does it mean to know that existence is one - that all life is an indivisible whole? And if I know this, how does this change my perception of myself, and the world?
Understanding the reality of one-ness is a quantum leap from simply acknowledging that every thing is dependent on every other thing, and that all and everything is interconnected.
One-ness completely redefines our acquired perception of the world. Within the context of the education of the Beshara School, this is the starting point for self knowledge, and it is from here that I begin to take responsibility for myself, and for the world around me.
The weekend course does not offer ready made answers. Rather, it is an invitation for you to find your own questions, by working together in a small group, with the help of key texts, poetry, films and open discussion.
There are no teachers at the school. As a student recently put it: "The Beshara School provides a place where education can happen. The responsibility of receptivity remains with the individual."
There are three meditation periods each day which offer an essential space to clear the heart and the mind. Work-sessions on the estate, the garden or the kitchen provide an opportunity to be of service and to see daily tasks in a new way. The practice of remembrance or awareness of unity is offered in the form of 'zikr', a devotional practice handed down from the Sufi tradition (does not usually happen on a weekend course).
Chisholme is a place of exceptional natural beauty. The wide views and big sky, the moors and ancient trees all combine to offer an environment that is deeply supportive of the contemplative yet intense nature of these short courses.
A weekend course usually shares the same programme as the first weekend of a 9-day course.
Courses are fully residential. They start on Friday evening (arrival by 6.00 pm) and end with Sunday lunch.
Accommodation is in shared rooms or dormitories.
Costs (full board & lodgings, including lunch on Sunday):
Weekend: Cost (3 Tiers): £125 / £100 / £80 (more info click here)
Nine-day: Cost (3 Tiers): £450 / £360 / £288 (more info click here)
Booking
To book, please contact the secretary@beshara.org.
Postal Address:
The Secretary
The Beshara School, Chisholme Institute
Roberton Hawick, TD9 7PH
Scotland, UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1450 880 215
